Despite law, some people still have problems getting copies of their eyeglass prescriptions

May 4, 2010

Many individuals with prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses may need copies of their orders but are finding that their eye care provider is being uncooperative.

The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act, which is backed by the Federal Trade Commission, stipulates that eye care providers present a copy of the patient's prescription, whether they request it or not. However, several consumers are finding that their optometrist is not complying with these mandates, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Some experts believe that eye care providers are resisting the rule because it allows the patient to seek out other eyeglass vendors.

"The whole idea was to allow the consumer choice in the purchasing of their lenses and their eyeglasses," Ellen Kuhn, an assistant attorney general and director of Maryland's Health Education and Advocacy Unit, told the news provider. "You can't be forced to purchase contact lenses from the eye care professional who did your exam."

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the bill was put into place to allow consumers to choose a provider.