Eyeglass and Contact Lens Prescriptions Policy


Board Policy on Eyeglass and Contact Lens Prescriptions, FTC Eyeglass Rule, FTC Contact Lens Rule, and FTC Fairness to Contact Lens Consumer Act


The law is very precise in the differentiation of eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions and therefore each will be discussed separately.


It is the responsibility of the professional filling an eyeglass prescription to make the appropriate frame selection for the patient’s prescription related to the physical measurements of the patient’s anatomical features to ensure a proper fit of the eyeglasses on the patient’s face. Such measurements include but are not necessarily limited to the intended wearers facial features, the size and shape of the frames selected by the patient into which the lenses are to be mounted, appropriate inter-pupillary distances (distance and near) for the accurate decentration of the lens, and the segment heights when progressive or multifocal lenses are prescribed. 

The PD is not considered part of an eye exam, but part of the measurements obtained in the fitting of eyeglasses. If a patient is having eyeglasses fabricated by an outside provider, it would be the responsibility of that provider to take the PD measurement. If a patient is requesting this measurement from the prescriber, the prescriber can charge a fee for this measurement.

In keeping with the above, and before the dispensing of prescription eyewear to a patient, the accuracy of the prescription should be verified by the prescriber or provider as to the accuracy of the lens power(s) and the proper decentration of all variables. In those instances where multifocal or progressive lenses have been prescribed, the height and decentration of the ‘adds’ should be verified, and the eyewear adjusted comfortably to the patient’s face before it can be said that the prescription eyewear has been ‘properly dispensed’ in accordance with the prescription.

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A contact lens prescription should never be written for a year’s supply of contact lenses. Instead, it should  be written like a prescription for a medication with a 1-month or 3-month supply.  As an example, a XYZ brand one-day 90 pack should say: OD -3.00 D, 9.0 BC, 1 pack of 90 lens with 3 refills and OS …


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Click the link that takes you to the Report Fraud Section on the FTC’s website.  https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ 

Complete the form skipping those questions that are applicable to your complaint. When you get to the place on the form that asks you to describe the complaint, indicate you are an optometrist reporting a violation to the Fairness To Contact Lens Consumers Act. Then supply all pertinent information about the complaint in an exact and factual manner including the company or seller’s name and the specifics about the violation of the Act. Make sure you include your contact information.



FAIRNESS TO CONTACT LENS CONSUMERS ACT

Public Law 164.108 (December 6, 2003)

Information is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

The State of North Carolina and the North Carolina State Board of Optometry disclaims liability for any errors or omissions. 

To verify any information please contact: North Carolina State Board of Optometry

521 Yopp Road, Suite 214 #444, Jacksonville, NC 28540 

 Phone: (910)-285-3160 Fax: (910)-285-4546

Email: info@ncoptometry.org


Adopted 06/05/03

Amended 03/29/2008

Amended 03/06/2023