The government has issued a stern warning to traders mixing cosmetic products with medical eye devices, emphasizing that eyewear is a medical device and not a fashion accessory.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Optometry Council, urged businesses to strictly follow the Optometry Act, Cap. 23, to protect public eye health.
The Registrar of the Optometry Council, Mr. Sebastiano Millanzi, spoke to journalists on March 27, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, following a four-day joint inspection of optometry facilities conducted from March 24 to 27 in Temeke, Ubungo, and Kigamboni Municipalities.
Mr. Millanzi stressed that traders should not mix cosmetic products, such as watches and accessories, with medical eye devices, including prescription glasses, frames, and blue-light-blocking eyewear, as this creates confusion and risks for consumers.
“All businesses selling optometry products must have valid registration certificates from the Ministry of Health through the Optometry Council,” he said.
The inspections revealed several violations, including unlicensed businesses, premature provision of eye care services, and sale of prescription glasses, frames, and blue-light-blocking eyewear in contravention of the law. Some professionals were also found operating beyond their scope of practice.
Mr. Millanzi said the Council continues to work closely with other authorities to ensure compliance with laws and service guidelines, with the aim of protecting public eye health.
He urged the public to avoid purchasing eyewear indiscriminately and instead seek services from registered and approved centers.
During the operation, the Council inspected a total of 47 facilities, including 14 optometry clinics and 33 centers distributing medical eye devices.
