Law on Prescription Eye Glasses

Many people don't realize that consumers are protected by law when it comes to their prescription eye glasses. There are certain rights provided to consumers and doctors thanks to the 1978 FTC ruling on eyeglasses. There are several things that are worth knowing regarding the laws and eye glass prescriptions.

When you pay for an eye exam and prescription glasses you are entering in to a contract with the optometrist. The FTC has several rules regarding these transactions. These rulings protect both the doctor and the consumer.

Fees and Costs

All costs associated with the exam and the glasses must be revealed. This means you don't have to worry about being surprised when you make the purchase. The provider that conducted the exam is also not allowed to charge you a fee to get the prescription. This was put in place to protect consumers who want to transfer the prescription to another provider.

Required Purchases

With this law regarding eye glasses the provider is not allowed to require an exam with them in order to purchase glasses. This means you can get your exam performed anywhere you desire, and then have the prescription filled anywhere. The provider can offer a discount on one or the other when you choose to have the exam and the glasses purchased with the same provider. 

Release of Liability

If your prescription is incorrect, the provider must fix it for you. The law on prescription eye glasses does not allow a provider to release themselves from liability in the event that the prescription is incorrect.

Open Reporting

If you feel that you haven't been treated fairly while getting an exam or a prescription filled, you have the right to report this to the FTC. The provider will have to comply with the laws, and filing can't harm you in any way.