Counterfeit coloured contact lenses being sold in local opti

[Latka]

CNA

Counterfeit coloured contact lenses being sold in local optical shops

By Sharon See | Posted: 20 July 2011 1316 hrs

 

SINGAPORE: The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said it found counterfeit coloured contact lenses being sold in local optical shops in June.

 

The counterfeits are imitations of "FreshLook ColorBlends" by CIBA Vision and have been found to be "unsafe and of poor quality".

 

This is the first known case of counterfeit health products found in legitimate suppliers.

 

HSA said it has seized more than 100 boxes from at least five optical shops islandwide.

 

The counterfeits look almost authentic, apart from typographical errors on the packaging.

 

It is difficult to differentiate between the authentic and counterfeit lenses with the naked eye.

 

HSA said lab tests found colour pigments deposited on the interior surface of the lens - rather than the exterior - which causes the pigments to be in direct contact with the eye.

 

It also found Pseudomonas aeruginosa - a harmful bacteria that causes serious eye infection - in the storage liquid of the lenses.

 

So far, HSA has only received feedback from one consumer about adverse effects, like eye irritation, caused by the counterfeit lenses.

 

HSA said it was notified of the counterfeits by CIBA Vision in mid-June.

 

The company had received stocks of "FreshLook ColorBlends" contact lenses for exchange from several optical shops.

 

Upon investigation, CIBA Vision confirmed the products were counterfeits as they were not manufactured by them.

 

HSA said previous cases of counterfeit health products were largely confined to the black market or internet, and they mostly involved imitations of "lifestyle" drugs like erectile dysfunction medicines such as Viagra and Cialis.

 

HSA said the case is still under investigation, and so far, some 10 people have been questioned.

 

Anyone found guilty of supplying counterfeit medical devices faces a fine of $100,000 or three years' jail.

 

- CNA/fa

 

[Latka]

Ladies beware.

[Rainbowbiatch]

FARK.

i wear them too!

 

 

[SimonTan]

Fark....this type of high precision lens also can fake?

Very solid lah, these manufacturer!!

 

Everything's also can fake.....what's next?

 

[Leok777]

I have even seen fake tennis racquets which are being sold off as genuine. Remember the fake milk fr china, well what else is new? I won't buy any consumables from china. Looks like FTs are not their only export.

[Mllcg]

I have even seen fake tennis racquets which are being sold off as genuine. Remember the fake milk fr china, well what else is new? I won't buy any consumables from china. Looks like FTs are not their only export.

 

if thats the case, dont buy your TV's radios etc. all are made in china

[VellfireS]

I have even seen fake tennis racquets which are being sold off as genuine. Remember the fake milk fr china, well what else is new? I won't buy any consumables from china. Looks like FTs are not their only export.

iPhone made in China. [rolleyes]

[Babyt]

they get farmers to cut the plastic into lenses? lol

[Sabian]

Why cannot name the shops that sell them? They are "victims" too?