Revisions to the FTC’s Eyeglass Rule: A Q & A  

With the latest updates to the FTC’s Eyeglass Rule, eye care providers are adjusting their prescription management processes to stay compliant. In our article, “How Vision Practices Can Easily Adapt to the New FTC Eyeglass Rule,” we explored what these changes mean for practices, the challenges they present, and how automation can help ease the burden. 

But we know some questions still remain. That’s why we’ve created this FTC Eyeglass Rule (Ophthalmic Practice Rules) Q&A to help clear up any confusion and get you the answers you need! 

What should a prescription include? 

The Rule defines a prescription as “the written specifications for lenses for eyeglasses which are derived from a refractive eye examination,” including all information required by state law. Most states require these key details: 

• The patient’s name 

• The date of the exam and when the prescription was issued 

• The prescription’s expiration date 

• Your contact information and signature 

Some states may also require you to include the patient’s pupillary distance, especially if they’re looking to purchase glasses online. If you take this measurement, it’s a good idea to provide it to your patient. 

When do I need to provide the prescription? 

You must give the patient their prescription: 

• Immediately after the refractive eye exam (regardless of its purpose or if you charge for the refraction) 

• Whether the patient asks for it or not 

• Before offering to sell them glasses 

A refractive exam is defined as determining the refractive condition of the patient’s eyes or any visual anomaly using tests. Ensure your staff knows to automatically give patients their prescriptions at the end of the exam—no extra fees, no questions asked. 

Can I give the prescription digitally – for example, via email, text message, or an online portal – instead of on paper? 

Yes, but there are a few conditions: 

• The patient must agree (in writing or electronically) to receive the prescription digitally, and this can’t be the default option. 

• They must also agree to the specific delivery method (email, text, or online portal). 

• They should be able to access, download, and print the prescription. 

This doesn’t change the timing—you must still provide the prescription immediately after the exam and before offering to sell glasses. And don’t forget to keep records of their consent for at least three years. 

Do I need to ask for consent again at future appointments? 

Not necessarily. If you’ve gotten the patient’s written consent for digital prescription delivery and you’re still using the same method, you don’t need to ask again. However, if you switch from, say, email delivery to an online portal, you’ll need new consent. And if the patient wants to revoke their consent, they can do so at any time. 

Do I have to confirm that patients received their prescriptions? 

If you sell eyeglasses or have a financial interest in the sale of eyeglasses, then yes, you must ask patients to confirm they received their prescription. This confirmation should come after they’ve received it—asking beforehand doesn’t count. 

If you provide the prescription digitally, you need to obtain the patient’s written consent for digital delivery and keep records of the delivery for at least three years. 

What if a patient refuses to sign a confirmation? 

If a patient refuses to confirm receipt of their prescription, just make a note of it, sign it yourself, and keep it on file for at least three years. 

How do I know if I have a financial interest in eyeglass sales, which means I need to ask patients to confirm they received their prescription? 

If you’re connected with an eyeglass seller—whether through an association, affiliation, or even just being in the same location—then you likely have a financial interest in the sale of eyeglasses. But even beyond that, there could be other ways you benefit financially from a relationship with a seller. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to play it safe and ask your patients to confirm they got their prescriptions. 

Can I use one document to confirm both eyeglass and contact lens prescription release? 

Yes, you can. To make things easier, you can use a single document to get one signature confirming the patient received both their eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions (if both were issued at the same time). If the document clearly explains that the patient is signing off on receiving both, it meets the requirements of the rules. The same goes for digital delivery—one consent form can cover both prescriptions, as long as it’s clear that the patient is agreeing to digital delivery for each. 

Can I charge for the eye exam or prescription? 

You can charge for the eye exam itself, but you can’t charge an extra fee for providing the prescription. The Rule requires you to give the prescription immediately after a refractive exam, no matter what, and at no extra cost. 

Are there any exceptions to the Rule? 

The Rule doesn’t apply to ophthalmologists or optometrists employed by any federal, state, or local government group. 

How can a document management tool improve my prescription workflow and keep my practice compliant? 

A robust document management tool can make your prescription process smoother and easier to manage. By automating tasks like sending prescriptions digitally and securing patient confirmations, it helps you stay on top of things and remain compliant with the Eyeglass Rule. You can instantly send prescriptions via email or text, store them securely, and ensure that everything is organized and easily accessible to patients. Plus, it reduces the time spent on manual paperwork and helps avoid mistakes, making your workflow more efficient while giving patients a better experience with your office. 

How can software ease the burden? 

A secure documents solution can help your practice stay compliant while improving patient access to prescriptions. Here’s what to look for in a tool: 

• Electronic delivery: Send prescriptions instantly via text or email, streamlining the process. 

• Secure e-signatures: Easily collect patient signatures for prescription receipt and store them for future reference. 

• Patient-Friendly Access: Patients should be able to download or print their prescriptions without needing to remember passwords or jump through hoops. 

Solutionreach’s Secure Documents tool simplifies the entire eyeglasses Rx process for you, helping you quickly send patients their prescriptions following an eye exam, obtaining patient confirmation e-signatures, and storing the documents for 3 years. The software eases your team’s administrative burden and helps you effortlessly comply with the Eyeglass Rule. 

Key Takeaways 

Don’t let the new FTC Eyeglass Rule slow down your practice. With the right secure documents solution, you can quickly send prescriptions, collect digital signatures, and keep records for three years—all while offering patients a smooth, convenient experience. 

Stay compliant and keep your practice running smoothly with a powerful software solution that meets the needs of your team and your patients.