Practices that assemble spectacles or surface lenses reminded to register with MHRA

Optical practices have been reminded by the Optical Suppliers Association (OSA) that requirements to register with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) remain unchanged.

The OSA highlighted that optical practices which assemble spectacles or surface lenses need to register with the MHRA.

OSA director, Andy Sanders, noted that there has been some confusion among practices about requirements following Brexit and changes to the MHRA website.

“It is important that practices are aware medical device regulations in the UK are unchanged. This means that all manufacturers, own branders, and assemblers of spectacles must register with MHRA,” he emphasised.

The MHRA is currently consulting on proposals to alter the regulation of medical devices in the UK.

Sanders observed that this consultation has added to the confusion in the optical sector.

“The MHRA have said that they do not intend to bring in changes until July 2023 at the earliest. Until then, the existing rules will continue to apply,” he said.