What is considered deceptive marketing in relation to contact lenses?

Deceptive marketing in relation to contact lenses includes any practice that misleads consumers about the availability or necessary requirements for purchasing those lenses. Representing that contact lenses can be obtained without confirmation of a valid prescription is particularly problematic because it circumvents the established safety regulations aimed at ensuring that consumers receive appropriate vision correction. Optometry laws require that contact lenses be dispensed only with a valid prescription issued by a licensed professional. This ensures that patients have undergone a thorough eye examination and are using the appropriate lenses for their specific vision needs.

When a business suggests that consumers can bypass this essential step, it not only undermines the integrity of the healthcare system but also poses potential health risks to individuals who may use lenses that are inappropriate for their vision correction. Thus, this representation is considered deceptive because it promotes a practice that is illegal and potentially harmful.