Complying with the Eyeglass and Contact Lens Rules

It’s good to have options, whether it’s shopping for groceries, vehicles, or eyewear. That's why the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) created the Eyeglass and Contact Lens Rules: to expand patients’ choices when they shop for eyewear. Though the rules have shifted over the years, Eyefinity software makes it easier than ever to stay compliant and improve patients’ experiences. 

What are the FTC Eyeglass and Contact Lens Rules? 
These rules are separate but similar; they both mandate that providers who prescribe eyewear must give patients a free copy of their prescription at the end of each refractive eye exam—even if patients don’t ask for it—and before offering to sell eyewear. Prescriptions can be digital or on paper, but the patient can also deny their prescription, which must then be documented and kept on file. The FTC required compliance with the Contact Lens rule in 2021; final updates to the Eyeglass Rule will go into effect in September 2024. 
 
Each rule has detailed requirements about record-keeping, response times to contact lens carrier requests for prescriptions, and more. The FTC means business with these rules; in 2023, the agency sent 37 cease-and-desist letters to providers violating the Eyeglass rule, reminding them of fines up to $50,120 per infraction.   

Let Us Help You Stay Compliant 
Fortunately, our cloud-based software makes it easy to comply with the FTC’s eyewear rules, since you can easily print prescriptions and acknowledgement forms. Additionally, in Eyefinity EHR, signatures and prescriptions can be exchanged digitally within the patient portal, saving you even more time throughout your day. When providers can easily and efficiently give patients options, everyone wins!