NOIDA: New rules that categorise contact lenses as “medical devices” and now require registration before a sale have led to some availability disruptions, with many users saying they were left in the lurch as opticians struggle to get their permits.
Sumit Singh, a 28-year-old resident of Noida, said on Sunday he couldn’t complete his stock reviews after he was unable to find a replacement for his contact lenses and had to opt for a pair of glasses.
“My dog chewed up my contact lenses, and since then, I have gone to several opticians to order a new pair. But most of the stores aren’t selling them because of some revised rules. After using lenses for years, it’s very uncomfortable for me to wear glasses. I get headaches and my eyes get strained because I’m not used to them,” he said.
From October 1, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) categorised contact lenses as “medical devices” to ensure industry standards. Under the amended Medical Devices Rules, 2022, it is mandatory to get a registration certificate for the devices’ sale and distribution.
Opticians said the government should have allowed some relaxation before implementing the policy.
“The companies manufacturing the contact lenses have stopped sending us the supplies. The policy should have been implemented with some relaxation to allow some relief to customers, who will not get their lenses until we get the registration certificate, and until the supply is not revived,” said Ajay Katyal, a Noida-based optician.
“We even tried to apply for the certification online, but streamlining the whole process will take some time. We have been told that we will get the certificate within a week to 10 days from the date of application. But until then, we can only try and buy time from regular customers,” he added.
Other users of contact lenses echoed similar views.
Tulika Verma, a 32-year-old teacher said, “I have been using the lenses for the last five years. Though I normally keep two pairs of lenses with me, I forgot one pair at my in-laws’ place in Allahabad. The ones that were with me got damaged and I need a new pair. I have been checking with my regular opticians, but they told me that the supply will get streamlined only after Diwali.”
Sumit Singh, a 28-year-old resident of Noida, said on Sunday he couldn’t complete his stock reviews after he was unable to find a replacement for his contact lenses and had to opt for a pair of glasses.
“My dog chewed up my contact lenses, and since then, I have gone to several opticians to order a new pair. But most of the stores aren’t selling them because of some revised rules. After using lenses for years, it’s very uncomfortable for me to wear glasses. I get headaches and my eyes get strained because I’m not used to them,” he said.
From October 1, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) categorised contact lenses as “medical devices” to ensure industry standards. Under the amended Medical Devices Rules, 2022, it is mandatory to get a registration certificate for the devices’ sale and distribution.
Opticians said the government should have allowed some relaxation before implementing the policy.
“The companies manufacturing the contact lenses have stopped sending us the supplies. The policy should have been implemented with some relaxation to allow some relief to customers, who will not get their lenses until we get the registration certificate, and until the supply is not revived,” said Ajay Katyal, a Noida-based optician.
“We even tried to apply for the certification online, but streamlining the whole process will take some time. We have been told that we will get the certificate within a week to 10 days from the date of application. But until then, we can only try and buy time from regular customers,” he added.
Other users of contact lenses echoed similar views.
Tulika Verma, a 32-year-old teacher said, “I have been using the lenses for the last five years. Though I normally keep two pairs of lenses with me, I forgot one pair at my in-laws’ place in Allahabad. The ones that were with me got damaged and I need a new pair. I have been checking with my regular opticians, but they told me that the supply will get streamlined only after Diwali.”
