1:30min
By Rhiannon Riches
Assistant Editor
With the latest issue of Equipment published online today, optometrists are reminded that purchasing ophthalmic instruments online from overseas suppliers may land you in hot water. The Australian Government is extending the instant assets write-off scheme, so why risk it?
Optical testing equipment such as a fundus camera or an OCT imported from sites like Chinese-owned e-commerce website Alibaba.com may not comply with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulations.
Optometry Australia is alerting members with a timely warning as some may be considering purchasing new instruments before the end of this financial year.
It was announced in the Federal Budget on 9 May that the Government’s instant assets write-off scheme had been extended for another year. The bill to extend the write-off until 30 June 2018 has been introduced into Parliament but has not yet been passed.
Businesses with a turnover of up to $10 million will continue to be able to write off up to $20,000 in assets without depreciation until 30 June 2018.
The TGA regulates all medical devices that are imported into, supplied in or exported from Australia under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Unless exempt, medical devices must be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods before they may be supplied in or exported from Australia. This includes ophthalmic equipment.
Health professionals could face civil or criminal penalties of up to five years gaol or a fine for breaching TGA regulations.
Optometrists are advised to purchase equipment from trusted suppliers.
Members will receive their printed copies of Equipment and the June issue of Pharma in the mail.
Read the 2017 issue of Equipment online now
Information from the TGA about importing medical devices