Contact lenses are commonly used as a visual aid that can be used by those who are short-sighted but do not want to wear glasses, and they can also be used as a makeup accessory to show off different eye colors.
Normally, they should only be sold by licensed optometry shops and can only be sold on prescription, but there are many brands of makeup contact lenses that can be purchased on online shopping platforms.
Recently, the Medical Device Association (MDA) has issued a statement that optical products, especially contact lenses, can only be sold by legally operating optometry shops, and the MDA has never approved the advertising and sale of such products online.
The MDA may be aware that recently there have been many local and international contact lens brands that are sold openly, especially on online platforms, and therefore, has issued this statement.
This announcement is also to ensure that the public is aware of existing laws such as the Optics Act 1991, Section 30 made by the Malaysian Optical Council and also the Medical Devices (Advertising) Regulations 2019. Violating this law by selling optical equipment and contact lenses without permission can result in an individual being fined not exceeding RM200,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding two years.