In a joint news release, the College of Optometrists of Ontario and the College of Opticians of Ontario said “the dispensing of corrective lenses is a controlled act, subject to Ontario legislation, that definitively requires a regulated health professional’s involvement. Mail order over the internet without the involvement of an optometrist or optician is inconsistent with legislation.”

According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists’ website, there are risks associated with ordering eyeglasses and contacts online, specifically:

• Some sites do not verify the prescription, an oversight that could result in customers wearing optically incorrect or improperly fitting lenses.
• Many online sites sell products that have not been approved by Health Canada and have not undergone safety tests.
• Lenses from overseas may be exposed to dramatic temperature changes in uncontrolled warehouses or transportation vessels, potentially affecting their integrity and leading to eye health issues.
• Without controls to ensure internet sites source lenses directly from the manufacturer, overseas distribution channels may include counterfeit products.
• Replacement and exchange privileges may not be available with an online vendor.

According to Canadians for Eyewear Choice, however, people have been ordering eyewear online for close to two decades without any significant health or safety issues.

Neither the Ontario Association of Optometrists nor the Canadian Association of Optometrists would comment on the issue, which is before the courts.

The College of Optometrists of Ontario, which filed the legal action, was not able to provide a spokesperson in time to meet CBC’s deadline.