Ontario Association of Optometrists urge people to safely use contact lenses, obtained from trusted sources
TORONTO, July 16, 2014 /CNW/ - The story of a Taiwanese student who lost her vision due to improper use of contact lenses serves as a reminder for Canadians to take great care of their own contact lenses. In Ontario, the dispensing of contact lenses is regulated and only available through Doctors of Optometry, opticians and physicians.
"It's incredibly important that people buy their contacts through trusted sources, like a doctor of optometry," says Dr. Farooq Khan, President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists. "Safe and effective care is also important. Your doctor of optometry can provide you with the right instructions for the proper handling and care of contact lenses."
OAO reminds people that the care of contact lenses is important to maintain healthy eyes, including:
- Washing, rinsing and drying hands thoroughly before handling lenses
- Wearing lenses according to packaging instructions
- Listening to the advice of a regulated health professional
"The sale of contact lenses without professional oversight exposes the public to the risk of serious eye disease including permanent vision loss," adds Dr. Khan. "Purchasing contact lenses through the internet, for example, increases the risk of eye complications since the lenses are dispensed by an unqualified and unauthorized provider. Nothing can replace face-to-face contact with a doctor of optometry, who will ensure you have the proper contact lens based on your eye measurements and lifestyle needs."
If you have questions or concerns about your contact lenses, visit your local Doctor of Optometry for more information.
About the Ontario Association of Optometrists
The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) is the voluntary professional organization representing optometrists in Ontario in matters of advocacy, community, governance and education. OAO represents over 1,500 Doctors of Optometry, who practice in more than 200 towns and cities across Ontario, and are the main providers of primary eye care. Our top priority is the protection and care of Ontarian's eye health and vision.
SOURCE: Ontario Association of Optometrists
Carolyn Schulz, [email protected], (416) 849-1517
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