[samscommunity] Health/Safety Alert: Cosmetic Contact Lenses

Be sure to read the attachments.



HEALTH/SAFETY ALERT:
IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL CONTACT LENSES WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION IN
SOUTH CAROLINA

Columbia, SC… …The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs issued
a warning last week
regarding the sale of decorative/cosmetic lenses without a prescription
through its latest education
campaign. The warning came with Halloween just around the corner as kids
and adults are putting the
final touches on their costumes. These costumes often include colored or
decorative contact lenses, one
of the fastest growing segments in the US contact lens industry.
Currently, over three million
Americans wear cosmetic contact lenses. These accessories, however, pose
serious health risks if not
properly prescribed and fitted by a health professional – risks that
range from swelling and infection to
blindness and possible eye loss.


The Law:
In South Carolina, it is illegal to sell or dispense contact lenses
without a valid, unexpired
contact lens prescription from a licensed optometrist or
ophthalmologist. The Department of
Consumer Affairs can issue fines of up to $5,000 to persons and
businesses who violate this law.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Richland County School District One provides employee e-mail
access for administrative and instructional uses only. E-mail
correspondence to/from Richland County School District One is
considered public information and is subject to release under
the South Carolina Freedom Of Information Act or pursuant to
subpoena.
-------------------------------------------------------------
--- Begin Message --- 
Please see the attached Halloween-related safety information:

>>> Jim Foster <JFOSTER@xxxxxxxxx> 10/29/2007 5:12 PM >>>
TO: Superintendents
CC:  Principals
       Public Information Officers
       
With Halloween coming this week, the Department of Consumer Affairs has
asked us to pass along to South Carolina public schools a warning about
the possible health consequences of kids wearing decorative contact
lenses.  I have attached their news release and a brochure, both of
which have been sent to South Carolina news media.  There's also a
letter to school officials.  The contact information at Consumer Affairs
is included.


- - -
This message is from the South Carolina Department of Education's
listserv for school district public information officers.
To send a message to everyone on the list, send an e-mail to:
pios@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 

The list archive is here: http://LISTSERV.SDE.STATE.SC.US/archives/PIOS.html

--- End Message ---

Other related posts: