AOA releases new resources surrounding the 2024 Eyeglass Rule
The Eyeglass Rule goes into effect today, requiring all optometrists to provide prescriptions to patients and to keep acknowledgment of receipt on file for up to 3 years.
Image credit: Adobe Stock/©maljalen
As part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) updates to its Ophthalmic Practice Rules, the 2024 Eyeglass Rule, which requires all eye care practitioners to obtain confirmation of the delivery of a prescription to the patient, goes into effect today. In an effort to smooth implementation, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has provided resources for optometrists.
The FTC first proposed changes to the Eyeglass Rule in 2015, and the AOA has been advocating for small and medium-sized optometry practices by illustrating the burden on staff to increase paperwork for patients. Despite AOA efforts, the FTC announced the updates to the Eyeglass Rule on June 27, 2024. Many clinics and practices already provide eyewear prescriptions to patients, and requiring acknowledgement is an extra step for already time-crunched staff.
What’s available in the AOA resources?
The AOA provided a brief description of the 2024 Eyeglass Rule and a list of FAQ that optometrists may have about it. They clarify how it differs from the Contact Lens Rule update from 2020, and they also describe penalties for doctors who do not comply.
The AOA has also provided template forms, which practices can adapt to their needs. Electronic delivery of prescriptions counts toward the rule, but patients must sign the acknowledgement form following release.
What does the 2024 Eyeglass Rule mean for optometrists?
In most basic terms, the 2024 Eyeglass Rule requires patients to sign an acknowledgment form to confirm receipt of their eyeglass prescription. Providers are required to keep the consent form on file for at least 3 years. It was designed by the FTC to mimic the 2020 Contact Lens Rule, which requires patient access to a prescription prior to purchase. For printed prescriptions, a signature on a separate form, receipt, or prescription copy will fulfill the requirement.
Digital delivery of the prescription fulfills the rule, but patients must consent to digital delivery for it to count. The form must specific the delivery method (email, portal, etc). See the sample form from AOA for a specific example.
Patients do not need to consent to digital delivery at each visit, but the acknowledgement form must be updated if the delivery policy or access method changes. Patients should also be able to revoke consent at any time.
