The Contact Lens Prescription Verification and Modernization Act is once again up for discussion on Capitol Hill. Reintroduced to the current 119th Congress in July 2025 as H.R. 4282, the bill aims to amend the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act by modernizing the verification of contact lens prescriptions.1
In summary, the re-introduced, pending legislation would ban the use of robocalls to verify a patient’s contact lens prescription.1 The Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety (HCAPS) is calling the bill, “a critical update to the contact lens prescription verification process and an important safety enhancement for millions of contact lens wearers.”2
“ECPs are dedicated stewards of their patients’ vision and eye health, and the doctor-patient relationship remains critical, including in contact lens prescribing. Through our work with HCAPS and beyond, we will continue to rally behind legislation that is best for the patient and our ECP partners,” says Michele Andrews, OD, Vice President, Marketing and Professional Affairs, Americas.
Patient Safety at the Bill’s Forefront
If enacted, the bill would do the following:
- Enhance patient safety by prohibiting prescription verification via robocalls and replacing them with a paper trail that requires online sellers to use direct communication.1,2
- Ensure prescriptions remain accurate and patients receive their prescribed contact lenses instead of unapproved substitutions.1,2
- Amend the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act that allows millions of Americans to purchase their contact lenses online. Signed into law in 2003, The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act permits the use of telephone, fax, or e-mail for verifying contact lens prescriptions.2 The Federal Trade Commission has interpreted the law to also allow for passive robocall verification, which the pending bill would amend.2
Leaders Speak Out Against Antiquated Verification System
“This is common sense legislation that protects the patient, supports the doctor, and strengthens the profession. We fully support this bill that will modernize the passive contact lens verification process by eliminating the potential risks that exist in the current framework,” says Jennifer Palombi, OD, FAAO, Director, Professional Education and Development at CooperVision.
CooperVision, a founding member of HCAPS, further advocated for support of this bill at a HCAPS House briefing during AOA on Capitol Hill September 30.
Additionally, in a recent op-ed, Dr. David Cockrell, HCAPS Chairman, highlighted the continued danger of robocalls in CL prescription verification.3
Dr. Cockrell wrote, “We have entered an age where technology can—and should—be used to improve patient safety, not undermine it. The current system, which allows companies to bypass doctors through robocalls, compromises this safety. The safety of a patient’s vision should never be left to an outdated and antiquated system. We need the strongest safeguards in place to ensure that every contact lens user receives the correct prescription and the safest possible product. The continued use of robocalls for prescription verification must end—before it causes any more harm.”3
A Continued Fight for Patient Safety
H.R. 4282, which was introduced by Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA), was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
In late 2020, the bill was initially introduced as S. 4613, and in 2021, as H.R. 3353. It was then reintroduced in 2023 as H.R. 2748 followed by companion bill S. 4083 in 2024.
ECPs Can Act Now
To show your support for the Contact Lens Verification Modernization Act, contact your Congressman. You can also share your story about a patient being negatively impacted by illegal contact lens sales through HCAPs.
