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Do you wear glasses or know someone who does? Read on to learn about important updates to your rights under the Eyeglass Rule.

Getting a copy of your eyeglass prescription immediately after your exam, at no extra charge, and without you having to ask your prescriber for it, lets you shop around for glasses. This has always been a main focus of the Rule. Prescriptions can be provided either on paper or electronically. Now, to keep up with changes in how prescribers — ophthalmologists or optometrists — deliver prescriptions, the updated Rule says

  • When you get a paper copy, your prescriber, if they’re involved with selling eyeglasses, must ask you to sign a confirmation saying that you received the copy. If you agree to receive a digital copy of the prescription, the prescriber must ask you to confirm in writing or digitally – online or on a keypad – that you agree to the digital delivery and to the way it will be given to you – by email, text, or patient portal.
     
  • Proof of insurance counts as payment for determining when an eyeglass prescription must be given. A prescriber cannot withhold a copy of your prescription for non-payment of the fees that your insurance should cover. If your insurance doesn’t cover examination fees, your prescriber may require you to pay those fees before releasing your prescription.

If you suspect a prescriber is violating the Eyeglass Rule, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For more information, check out Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights. 

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Wear glasses? You’re entitled to a free copy of your prescription. It’s the law.

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pam summers
June 27, 2024

All local eye doctors are now charging ~$100 to give you a copy of your contact lens prescription, which now need to be a year old to fill. I am wearing the same script I got 45 years ago. No reason for this charge. All doctors in the area are doing it. One is even requiring a full "contact lens fitting" the first time you go to them. Clearly also not needed.

Asphyxia 8
June 27, 2024

Hard to believe that a law had to be written to enforce what should have just been provided as a courtesy all along, but here we are, folks. Glad that they did what was necessary, though, to make sure we get that to which we are entitled. So, bravo and thank you.

Jose
June 27, 2024

In the past eye doctors used to give you a prescription good for two (2) years. Now the same prescription is only good for one (1) year. Did this rule changed? Thnaks

Hank Rodgers
June 28, 2024

In all commercial matters, ideally, but particularly in all health care services and products, THE PRESCRIBERS should be prohibited from even BEING PROVIDERS. Thus, patients could avoid the conflicts of interest INHERENT in telling a patient what she needs, that, of course, he can "best" provide. Call it the "PARTITIONED" (conflict of interest free) Heath Care System. A Dr. can specialize in diagnosis and even testing and diagnosis, but only some other Dr. with no financial interest in common with the prescribing Dr., can then provide, following the prescription.

Hank Rodgers
June 27, 2024

In all commercial matters, ideally, but particularly in all health care services and products, THE PRESCRIBERS should be prohibited from even BEING PROVIDERS. Thus, patients could avoid the conflicts of interest INHERENT in telling a patient what she needs, that, of course, he can "best" provide. Call it the "PARTITIONED" (conflict of interest free) Heath Care System. A Dr. can specialize in diagnosis and even testing and diagnosis, but only some other Dr. with no financial interest in common with the prescribing Dr., can then provide, following the prescription.

PEG BITTNER
June 27, 2024

I have been wearing glasses since I was two years old in 1956. Today at 71 I have finally moved from glasses that were as thick as old fashion pop bottle bottoms to paper thin lenses due to cataract surgery. This entire lifetime my parents and myself have always received a copy of my prescription without even asking. When I was young I just thought because in case I broke them. As I got older I just decided it was just in case. Now I know there was a more important rule for the eye doctors and it has never been violated

Jen Helgren
June 27, 2024

Thank you! These are good rules. In the past, I've had doctors react negatively when I've asked for the prescription. Shopping around saves money.

StJohn
June 28, 2024

In reply to by Jen Helgren

Please ask the FTC to consider regulating how long the prescription is valid for, ie: Eyeglasses prescriptions are valid for up to 5 years from the date written, contact prescriptions are valid for up to 3 years from date written, etc. With this new legal guidelines for free copies, some eyewear providers will try and use the Expires in 6 months or some arbitrary short period to circumvent the free copy rule. Charging fees for additional copies or extending the date, etc. If it is important to have different standards for Children under 18, to have shorter prescription guidelines, then add more details with regards to age recommendations.

Gloria nowotarski
June 28, 2024

My major complaint is that the prescriber insists on doing an eye exam every year when I do not want to , especially when I want to just use the same prescription! Something should be done about that.

Greg Paige
June 28, 2024

The ACA was supposed to give free eye exams & a pair of glasses for children. Good luck with that. It is always a major chore to get it from the VSP which the insurance companies use to send the customers to. This has been a shell game from day one.

Jackie Kirk
June 28, 2024

Fantastic! How does this affect the comment below???

Darlene
June 28, 2024

I get the prescription with no problem but they won’t put my PD on it. I have to figure that out myself where I can order glasses online

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