FDA where are you?

[Optician Magician]

Why is it that I can still find Contact lenses online that are available without an RX? Ebay for instance has them available within the US. I have young girls coming into our office regularly saying they wear color CLs and would like to purchase some, but have never had eye exams. It is very frustrating.
~ just venting

[Mizikal]

I get that too. How is that possible?

[uncut]

Is there a mechanism in place for reporting such incidences to either the FDA, or state/federal regulators. Most government agencies will not act until complaints, or a string of complaints are received?

[cocoisland58]

I reported a local dollar store that was selling them over the counter. The state trade commission I think. They did reply but I never found out what they did about it. Reporting an online seller is a little trickier. Most originate from outside the US. It is illegal to import prescription drugs (or contact lenses) but people still take the chance that they will not be one of the ones caught. I had a young girl call the office a month ago and actually (smart girl) ask me why she should not order colored lenses on line with no Rx. I told her, she thanked me and said she would not do it but many of her friends wanted to and she would talk to them.

[kat]

Contact your state board of Opticians or OD's with all of the correct info for them. In AZ they will investigate and shut down any business that is operating improperly, I imagine that other states would do the same.