[andrewmg]

Sort of.

What's prohibited are "laser weapons specifically designed, as their sole combat function or as one of their combat functions, to cause permanent blindness to unenhanced vision." "Permanent blindness," in turn, is defined as "irreversible and uncorrectable loss of vision which is seriously disabling with no prospect of recovery."

First, ordinary laser pointers are not "specifically designed...to cause permanent blindness."

Second, it's not apparent to me that ordinary laser pointers are generally capable of causing permanent, as opposed to temporary, blindness.

Third, it's also not apparent to me, without researching the issue, that the Protocol even applies to civilian use.

To be sure, whether ordinary laser pointers are up to the task proposed is a separate question. But, if so, their use would not seem to violate the Protocol.