Lianhe Zaobao - The Health and Science Bureau's strengthened supervision has been effective, resulting in a sharp decrease of two-thirds in the number of illegally sold contact lenses removed from shelves
Lianhe Zaobao featured Dr Val Phua and Dr Chng Nai Wee from Eagle Eye Centre on the impact of heightened measures against illegal contact lens sales, and the harmful effects of wearing them.
31 July 2026
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The Health Sciences Authority reduced the number of illegally purchased contact lenses by two-thirds last year, but patients seeking medical attention for contact lens-related complications are not uncommon, with varying degrees of severity. Experts advise that if you experience eye pain, tearing, redness, or notice white spots on your cornea after wearing contact lenses, you should immediately stop wearing them and seek medical attention.
Dr Val Phua, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist and Director of Cataract and Refractive Surgery & Comprehensive Ophthalmic Surgery at Eagle Eye Centre, a private eye clinic, noted that the two-thirds reduction in illegally sold contact lenses reflects the effectiveness of the Health Sciences Authority's enforcement efforts and platform collaborations — an encouraging phenomenon.
Another study showed that patients who purchased contact lenses online had a fourfold increased risk of developing infectious corneal ulcers. Dr. Chng Nai Wee, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist and Director of Vision Correction and Comprehensive Ophthalmic Surgery at Eagle Eye Centre, said this could be due to a lack of hygiene or quality assurance during the manufacturing or packaging process.