Opticians Act 1989 (Amendment) Bill [HL]

A Bill to make provision for the sale of adjustable focus spectacles.

Originating House

House of Lords

Parliament last updated

2 May 2017

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would amend the Opticians Act 1989 to allow the sale of adjustable focus spectacles. It lays out the legal framework for selling this type of eyewear and how it should be regulated to protect consumers. It represents an update to optical regulation to accommodate new eyewear technology.

Key Points

It would amend the Opticians Act 1989 to enable the sale of adjustable focus spectacles.
It provides the legal framework for how such spectacles can be marketed, sold, and regulated.
The bill originated in the House of Lords and is currently at the second reading in the Lords.
It reflects an update to optics regulation to accommodate new eyewear technology.

Progress

The bill has completed the first reading in the Lords (on 8 June 2016) and is now at the second reading in the Lords.

Who is affected?

Consumers seeking adjustable focus spectaclesOptical retailers and dispensing opticiansOptometrists and other eye-care professionalsEyewear manufacturers and suppliersRegulatory bodies and professional organisations in optics (e.g., General Optical Council and trade associations)

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingLords

8 Jun 2016

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

1st readingCommons

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Opticians Act 1989 (Amendment)

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 8 June. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.

The 2016-2017 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 37 (as introduced)

BillLords

8 Jun 2016

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Opticians Act 1989 (Amendment) Bill [HL] | TrackPolitics