§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received questioning the safety of contact lenses; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe College of Ophthalmologists wrote to the Chief Medical Officer to bring to his attention the increase in contact lens-induced microbial keratitis. The Department has met the representatives of the four eye care professional bodies: College of Ophthalmologists, British College of Optometrists, Association of Optometrists, and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.
The working group chaired by the Department has drafted guidance for the eye care professions including a leaflet for patients. The Department has consulted the industry on the content of these drafts and a further meeting of the working party, together with representatives of the industry, will be held on 27 May with the aim of finalising the documents.
The Department will fund the publication of the guidance.