In a recent viral video, Singapore influencer Azula Cinta shared her harrowing experience of contracting a severe eye infection after using counterfeit contact lenses. This alarming incident has highlighted the dangers of fake lenses and underscored the critical importance of ensuring the safety of your eye care products.

Ensuring the safety and quality of your contact lenses is crucial to protecting your vision. Follow these three tips to find affordable, high-quality products without compromising your eye health.

1. Buy from Reputable Sources

When purchasing contact lenses or other vision products, especially online, it is crucial to buy from reputable sources. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Ministry of Health (MOH), and Optometrists and Opticians Board (OOB) have strict regulations to ensure the safety and quality of contact lenses sold through licensed providers. With so many online marketplaces and retailers, navigating through the numerous options to find a trustworthy supplier can be challenging.

• Start by researching the supplier’s reputation. Look for reviews on their website or independent review sites. Pay close attention to the overall sentiment and specific feedback from customers. If there are numerous complaints about the quality of products or customer service, it is best to look elsewhere.
• Additionally, seek referrals from trusted sources. Word of mouth is a powerful tool in finding reliable suppliers. By researching and identifying potential suppliers through reviews and referrals, you can make informed decisions and avoid the risks associated with counterfeit products.
• Be wary of low prices. While it can be tempting to buy contact lenses at a fraction of the cost, extremely low prices often signal counterfeit or substandard products. For example, a pair of brown lenses might sell for $3.60 online, while a pack of 30 daily lenses from a reputable brand like Acuvue costs around $37. Investing in higher-quality products from trusted brands can save you from serious eye infections and complications.
• Check if the supplier offers warranties or guarantees. Most reputable sources offer warranties that typically cover manufacturer defects or damages that occur within a certain time frame. Some retailers also provide a satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to exchange or return your eyewear if you are not completely satisfied with the fit or prescription. This additional assurance helps ensure that you are purchasing from a reliable and trustworthy source.

2. Look for Certification Labels

Ensure that your contact lenses have the necessary certification labels that indicate the lenses have been tested for safety and quality. Contact lenses are listed as medical devices and must adhere to certain standards, such as ISO 13485 and ISO 9001, where the lenses are manufactured under the control of a certified Quality Management System.

3. Verify Authenticity with AccessReal

To prevent purchasing counterfeit goods, find the product’s anti-counterfeit logo. Many well-known brands have their anti-counterfeiting logos that confirm whether a product is genuine. AccessReal, an authentication solution has developed patented clone-proof AR codes that can be used to verify the authenticity of contact lenses. These AR codes are unique to each product and cannot be replicated, ensuring that you are receiving a genuine and safe product.

Currently, the packaging on contact lenses has many QR codes and barcodes that only provide numbers, which serve no purpose to buyers. AccessReal’s AR code is different; it helps both businesses and consumers. By scanning the AR code with your smartphone, you can instantly verify the authenticity of your contact lenses. This added layer of security gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are protecting your eyes and vision from potential harm caused by counterfeit products.

In addition to ensuring authenticity, AccessReal’s AR codes also provide comprehensive information about the product, such as expiration dates, usage instructions, license number and more. This lets you make informed decisions about your vision care and helps you maintain optimal eye health. With AccessReal’s solution, you can protect your vision with confidence, knowing that you are using genuine, high-quality contact lenses. Your vision deserves the best protection—don’t take risks with counterfeit goods.

Learn more about AccessReal advanced authentication solutions.

Interested to learn more? Contact us at enquiry@i-Sprint.com or book a demo today!