Restrictions for the selling of optical devices and contact lenses online in Malaysia were announced by the Medical Device Authority (MDA) on 7 January 2022. This announcement prohibits the online sale of optical devices or contact lenses on any e-marketing platform except for websites (managed by Registered Optometry Practitioners) that must meet strict guidelines issued by the Malaysian Optical Council (MOC). This means that the selling of contact lenses and optical devices on social media or e-commerce platforms is strictly prohibited.
Regarding the MOC guidelines state that ONLY Registered Optometry Practitioners, whether self-employed or working for an optical company, are allowed to sell optical devices and contact lenses online.
The MOC guidelines list various requirements for a website which must be adhered to for the online sale of contact lenses and optical devices such as:
- Use of a local domain name only .my
- Products that are not optical devices or contact lenses must be displayed on other pages separate from those of optical devices or contact lenses
- MOC Registered Optometry Practitioner number who manages the website
In addition, the MOC guidelines state that only contact lenses and optical devices that have been registered with the Medical Device Authority may be sold in Malaysia. And any online sale of such products is only permitted to customers who have a valid prescription resulting from an eye examination in person on-premises.
The MDA constantly monitors optical devices and contact lenses that are made available and sold in Malaysia. The MDA has the power to order the cessation of distribution and recall of optical equipment and contact lenses that are in the market if there are issues related to the performance and safety of the device.
More information:
Read the Malaysian Optical Council guidelines here.
If you have any queries regarding the requirements for the supply of optical devices and contact lenses or our services for medical device registration and representation in Malaysia, contact your Regulatory Affairs Specialist at Andaman Medical or click the button below.
To learn more about registering medical devices in Malaysia click here.
To learn more about the medical device market in Malaysia click here.