1. Novelty Contact Lenses

2. What are novelty contact lenses? Cosmetic lenses Different colours and appearances Do not alter vision Sit on the surface of the eye and require safe instruction and use in the same way that vision corrective contact lenses do

3. Using novelty contact lenses See your optometrist for a prescription that suits your eyes Contact lenses need to be fitted to each individual eye Not everyone can wear contact lenses Your optometrist will show you how to clean, store, insert and remove your lenses

4. Hygiene is extremely important Always wash your hands before touching lenses If lenses are not clean, bacteria can stick to them A tiny scratch on the eye can get infected

5. Protecting your eyes Never share novelty contact lenses with a friend Never leave novelty contact lenses in for long periods of time or overnight

6. Incorrect use can be dangerous Incorrect use of novelty contact lenses has lead to serious infection and permanent vision loss in some cases

7. If you have a sore, red eye, take your lenses out and see your optometrist ASAP

8. Novelty Contact Lenses If used correctly the chance of having an infection with novelty contact lenses is low

9. Optometrists Provide a comprehensive visual examination Detect and diagnose eye health problems Prescribe and supply glasses and contact lenses when required Diagnose and treat eye coordination and focussing problems

10. Optometrists Are university educated and undertake continuing professional education No referral is required Eye tests attract a medicare rebate

11. To find an optometrist Optometrists Association Australia www.optometry.org.au Yellow Pages