The Contact Lens Rule ("the Rule") implements the requirements of the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act ("the Act"), 15 U.S.C. 7601-7610. Specifically, the Rule:
(1) requires prescribers (such as optometrists and ophthalmologists) to provide patients with a copy of their contact lens prescription immediately upon completion of a contact lens fitting;
(2) requires prescribers to provide or verify contact lens prescriptions to any third party designated by a patient;
(3) prohibits prescribers from placing certain conditions on the release or verification of a contact lens prescription;
(4) limits the circumstances under which a provider can require payment for an eye exam prior to releasing a contact lens prescription to a patient;
(5) requires contact lens sellers to either obtain a copy of a patient’s prescription or verify the prescription before selling contact lenses;
(6) addresses the issue of private label contact lenses;
(7) sets minimum expiration dates for contact lens prescriptions;
(8) prohibits representations that contact lenses may be obtained without a prescription;
(9) prohibits prescribers from using or requiring patients to sign any waiver or disclaimer of liability for the accuracy of an eye examination;
(10) defines relevant terms;
(11) establishes that violations of the proposed Rule will be treated as violations of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice under Section 18 of the Federal Trade Commission Act; and
(12) provides that State and local laws and regulations are preempted under certain circumstances.