Appliance-specific information, including the specifications of contact lenses (or “contact lens prescription”), need only be given upon patient request. Once you’ve established that, in your clinical judgment, the contact lens…more
FAQ Category: Mandatory Prescription Release
If a patient has an eye exam and no correction is needed, must I give the patient a copy of a prescription?
No. Although there might be a refractive result (either small or absent), you must write a prescription only where one is clinically indicated.
If a patient receives regular binocular vision therapy at our clinic, and refractive status is investigated only periodically, when must I give the patient a copy of the prescription?
The patient should be given a copy of the prescription after a major (or comprehensive) eye exam and at interim visits whenever a refraction result suggests the prescription needs changing.
If a patient shows up for an emergency exam with complaints of sudden onset floaters in one eye, and no refractive measurement is investigated at the visit, must I give the patient a copy of the prescription?
No. Because the patient visit didn’t involve refractive considerations, no prescription is indicated.
If a patient refuses the prescription, what must I do? For example, the patient might have already decided to buy glasses at my office.
You should insist that the patient take the prescription. If they refuse to accept it, then keep the written, signed, and dated copy of the prescription in the patient’s record…more
May I email optical prescriptions to patients?
Yes, but not exclusively. Patients should leave your clinic in possession of their prescriptions. A prescription may be written or printed, and handed to the patient on paper. Alternatively, the…more
If a patient has an eye exam and there’s no change in prescription, must I give the patient a copy of the prescription?
Yes. A prescription must be given to the patient when two requirements are met: you have assessed the patient’s eyes; AND a prescription is clinically indicated for the patient In…more
Is PD part of the prescription?
Pupillary distance (PD) is the distance between your pupils. It is one of the many measurements taken when glasses are being made and helps make sure your lenses are properly…more
What information is included in an optical prescription?
A prescription for both glasses and contact lenses must include: A prescription will also include details such as lens power, add/boost range, prism and myopia management as indicated. Contact lens…more