In June 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalized amendments to The Contact Lens Rule which affects all US eye care practitioners that fit and prescribe contact lenses. Eye care practitioners need to be in compliance with the new requirements by October 16, 2020.
What does this mean for you? Let’s break it down.
After a contact lens fitting is completed, you will be required to do one of the following to confirm that a patient received their prescription:
-
Request that the patient sign 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.
We understand that the FTC’s ruling has further complicated your ability to practice, especially at a time when so many of you are contending with COVID-19 challenges. CooperVision will do everything possible to help you abide by the regulations, while at the same time continuing to be a strong voice on your behalf—and the behalf of the 45 million Americans who wear contact lenses—in our nation’s capital.
As an additional resource, please review AOA's Contact Lens Rule Compliance Tool Kit.
