WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeking comments on the efficiency, costs, benefits and impact of the Ophthalmic Practice Rule (Eyeglass Rule) and the Contact Lens Rule, both of which require prescribing eyecare professionals to provide prescriptions to patients. The request for comment is part of the FTC’s systematic review of all current FTC rules and regulations, according to the agency.

Originally issued in 1978, the Eyeglass Rule requires optometrists and ophthalmologists to provide an eyeglass prescription to patients, at no extra cost, immediately after an eye examination is completed.

In addition to general questions about whether the Eyeglass Rule should continue and if it should be modified, other more specific issues related to the Eyeglass Rule for which the FTC is requesting comment are: What modifications, if any, should be made to the rule to account for changes in relevant technology or economic conditions? Should the definition of “prescription” be modified to include pupillary distance? Should the rule be extended to require that prescribers provide a duplicate copy of a prescription to a patient who does not currently have access to the original? And should the rule be extended to require that a prescriber provide a copy to or verify a prescription with third parties authorized by the patient?

The Contact Lens Rule, effective since August 2004, requires eyecare prescribers to provide a copy of a consumer’s prescription to the consumer after a contact lens fitting is completed and verify with, or provide prescriptions to, authorized contact lens sellers. It also mandates that a contact lens seller may sell contact lenses only in accordance with a prescription the seller has received from the patient or prescriber, or has verified via direct communication with the prescriber.

The questions the FTC seeks to answer in regards to the Contact Lens Rule, in addition to whether it should continue and/or be modified, include: What modifications, if any, should be made to the rule to account for changes in relevant technology or economic conditions? And What significant costs, if any, including costs of compliance, has the rule imposed on businesses, including small businesses?

Comments must be received by Oct. 26, 2015, and instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register Notices linked to above. All comments received will be posted on the FTC’s Public Comments page.