Still on the subject of cosmetic contact lenses, we read today that Canada's Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq is getting behind legislation to regulate cosmetic contact lenses as medical devices - almost guaranteeing the bill's passage into law.

Conservative MP Pat Davidson won the high-profile backing for her private member's bill Monday, after opposition MPs stood in the House of Commons to also voice support for amending Canada's Food and Drugs Act to treat noncorrection cosmetic contact lenses just like corrective contact lenses.

Cosmetic contact lenses, also called fashion contact lenses or colour contact lenses, are unregulated in Canada. That means Twilight vampire eyes and other colour contact lenses can be sold over the counter by high street stores and are readily available from online retailers.

"Our government supports (the bill). Both corrective and cosmetic contact lenses carry similar potential risks of eye injury, so it makes sense to regulate them the same way. By regulating as medical devices, Canadians will have clear information about safety, risks and the proper use and care of cosmetic contact lenses, which will allow them to make an informed decision about whether ... to use them,"Aglukkaq said in a statement to Postmedia News.

During the debate, Davidson, who represents the Ontario riding of Sarnia-Lambton, made her case. "This is about people's eyesight, and in most cases, young people's eyesight. There are daily news stories from around the world about the complications that can arise due to ill-fitting cosmetic lenses or improper use and handling," said Davidson, pointing out the bill is supported by the Canadian Association of Optometrists, the Opticians Association of Canada and the Canadian Ophthalmological Society.

With the government's backing of the private member's bill, Canada will join the United States and the United Kingdom in regulating cosmetic contact lenses as medical devices.

Under UK legislation that took effect in 2005, zero-powered or ‘plano cosmetic’ contact lenses (non-corrective contact lenses designed to change the colour or appearance of the eye) are regulated in a different way from powered lenses.

Zero-powered lenses can only be supplied by or under the supervision of a registered optometrist, suitably qualified dispensing optician or medical practitioner. Supervision requires the registered person to be present on the premises, aware of the procedure and in a position to intervene if necessary. The seller/supplier must also make arrangements for the wearer to receive aftercare.

There is no legal requirement to give a patient a written specification after fitting with zero-powered lenses but the College of Optometrists and Association of British Dispensing Opticians have advised their members that it is in the patient’s best interest to do so.