What Is The Contact Lens Rule?

In place since August 2004, the Rule imposes obligations on both eye-care prescribers and contact lens sellers. The prescriber must automatically provide the patient with a complete copy of the contact lens prescription after completion of a contact lens fitting, and also must verify or provide the prescription to authorized third parties. The Rule also requires that contact lens vendors sell contact lenses only in accordance with a valid prescription the seller has received from either the patient or prescriber, or has verified via direct communication with the prescriber.

What is the Final Rule?

The Final Rule requires prescribers to request that their patients confirm that they have received their prescription, and allows flexibility in the way the prescription and confirmation are provided.

The New FTC Rule, which went into effect on October 16, 2020, will require opticians who fit contact lenses to provide this information in the following way:

• request that the patient acknowledge receipt of the contact lens prescription by signing a separate confirmation statement;
• request that the patient sign a prescriber-retained copy of the prescription that contains a statement confirming the patient has received it;
• request that the patient sign a prescriber-retained copy of the sales receipt for the examination that contains a statement confirming the patient received the prescription; or
• provide the patient with a digital copy of the prescription, and retain evidence that it was sent, received, or made accessible, downloadable, and printable.

To help members comply, below find a PDF Contact Lens Release form for your convenience.