contact lenses require an Rx in the US because the manufacturers wanted to have a captive market. They romance a brand to the Dr. and he prescribes them. Most people who would be a contact lens have been fitted by their Dr. and know the power and sizes they wear. Most of the world does NOT have the restrictions the us does, and I don't think the contact lens wearers in the rest of the world are in eminent danger of going blind. Why wouldn't a sealed lens from a vending machine be any less save than pastry?