(ARLINGTON, Va.) – The Healthcare Alliance for Patient Safety (Alliance) today released a statement following yesterday’s announcement from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that online retailers were in violation of the FTC’s Contact Lens Rule (Rule), resulting in a $60,000 fine and barring the sites from selling contact lenses in the future.
HollywoodColorContacts.com, WorldColorContacts.com and TopModelContacts.com, and their seller, Lawrence L. Duskin, were charged with providing contact lenses to consumers without obtaining the required prescription, failing to verify the prescription information, and failing to keep the records required by the Rule.
The full statement from the FTC, which was released yesterday, December 6, 2018, can be found here.
In response, Dr. Deanna Alexander, O.D., F.A.A.O., chairwoman of the Alliance, issued the following statement:
“The Alliance commends the Federal Trade Commission for taking action to ban these online retailers who were in clear violation of the Contact Lens Rule and putting patients in serious danger. The Alliance, its members, patients and patient advocates have continually communicated that violations of the Rule occur and steps need to be taken to better protect patients. Today, we applaud the FTC for their attention and action to keep patients safe.”
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About the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety
The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety, founded in 2018, advocates for eye health and safety and elevates the doctor-patient relationship – the essential foundation of personal health care decision making. Members of the Alliance for Patient Safety work together to raise awareness and protect public health. Advancing policy and collaboration between leading eye health advocates, vision innovators and trusted voices is essential to elevate patient care.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) and Johnson & Johnson Vision joined as Leadership and Charter members. CooperVision, Inc. is an Associate and Charter member. VSP joined as a Leadership member. Sightbox is an Associate member.
To become a local advocate or to get involved in protecting patient safety, visit www.patientsafetytoday.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 7, 2018
Contact: Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety Press Team