New Contact Lens Prescription Law - The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act

On December 6th 2003, President Bush signed into law an act that gives the 36 million Americans who wear contact lenses the right to a copy of their contact lens prescriptions. This new contact lens presctiption law becomes effective on February 4th, 2004.

In the past, not having this right meant that some doctors could withhold a patient's prescription esentially forcing patients to buy their contact lenses from their own doctor's office. Now, contact lens wearers will automatically get a copy of their prescription and are free to fill their contact lens precription where they choose. They don't have to buy from their doctor.

What does this new law mean for contact lens wearers?

Automatic Prescription Release. This Act directs eye care professionals to give patients their prescription as soon as they’ve been fitted... whether the patient asks for it or not!

Prescription Verification. This Act creates a workable and fair prescription verification system for sellers and prescribers and addresses the practices of some sellers who do little or no verification. The Act requires all sellers to verify prescriptions and give eye care professionals an opportunity to respond. If an eye care provider fails to respond within 8 business hours, the prescription is presumed verified.

Minimum expiration period. Prescriptions will be valid for a minimum of one year or the minimum period required by state law, whichever is greater. The expiration period begins only after the eye care provider gives the prescription to the consumer.

Similar Law for eyeglass wearers:

In 1978 a similar law was passed by the Federal Trade Commission which gave the same rights to eyeglass wearers. Within 3 years of that law passing, both LensCrafters and Pearle Vision had launched their respective businesses. With the additional benefits these retailers offered, roughly 50% of all prescriptions they filled were written from another doctor's office.

Most (but not all) states already have similar laws that require your prescription to be released, per your request, do not require the release until the end of the "fitting period". There are good reasons for this and it may be in your best interest to get your initial prescription from your selected eye care professional. After the exam, fitting period and any necessary follow-ups though, you will now have the option to get your prescriptions refilled wherever you choose and wherever you find the best prices and service.

Buying Contact Lenses Online

Buying contacts online gives you the chance to shop and compare every major brand and kind of contact lenses from the comfort of your home or office. All that you need is a computer, Internet access, and your contact lens prescription. The convenience, alone, makes getting color contact lenses online worthwhile.

Discount-Contact-Lenses-Now has searched the internet and has found the best companies, selections, service and prices on contact lenses and contact lens accessories allowing you to shop and compare prices and offers from multiple contact lens sites all from one location. The companies that we have selected offer brand name, high quality contact lenses in addition to great customer service and fast, easy online order processing.