On a Contact Lens Prescription, Look at the Dates Before the Numbers
When you receive a prescription, your eyes go straight to the power.
-3.00, 8.6, 14.2. But that sheet of paper holds more than numbers that need checking. There are the dates, the names, and the type of lens.
What each number means is covered in Six Codes Hidden on One Sheet of Paper. This article covers what lies outside the numbers, above all the dates and the prescription as a document.
This is based on US rules
This article is based on the contact lens rule of the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and on FDA guidance. Format and validity of a prescription differ from country to country, so if you were prescribed in another country, check that country's rules.
What a prescription contains
The FDA explains that, under the FTC rule, a contact lens prescription must include the following.
- The patient's name
- The date of the examination
- The date the prescription was given after the lens fitting (issue date) and the expiration date
- The prescriber's contact details (name, address, telephone, fax)
- The power of the lenses
- The material or manufacturer of the lens
- The base curve (BC) or an appropriate designation
- The diameter, where applicable
- The manufacturer and trade name, for a private-label lens
What deserves attention is that the material or manufacturer is included. Even with the same power and BC, it means which lens the prescription was written for is recorded with it. Why this matters connects with Why Do Contacts With the Same Base Curve and Diameter Fit Differently?.
The validity is at least one year
The FTC rule requires a contact lens prescription to be valid for at least one year. The prescriber may set a shorter period for a medical reason.
And you cannot buy lenses with an expired prescription. The validity of a glasses prescription depends on state law and is usually one to two years.
Eyes change. That is why a prescription carries a date. When the validity has ended, it is a signal that you need an exam before ordering the same power again.
Your right to a copy of the prescription
According to the FTC, the prescriber must give you a copy of the prescription when the fitting is complete, even if you do not ask. If you need another copy later, or you have given permission for someone else to obtain one, the prescriber must send it within 40 business hours of the request.
The rule sets out your right to a copy of the prescription.
Sellers verify prescriptions
If you give a seller only the prescription details rather than a copy, the seller can send them to the prescriber to verify. If the prescriber does not respond within eight business hours, there is a procedure called "passive verification" under which the seller can go ahead and fill the order.
When a prescriber receives a verification request, they must tell the seller if the prescription has expired, and if the information is wrong they must correct it or explain why it is invalid.
Check these first when you get a prescription
- Until when the prescription is valid
- Whether the type of lens (material or manufacturer) is written on it
- Whether the power, BC and diameter are written correctly for each eye
- Whether you received a copy, and whether you have saved a photo of it
When you order, check the manufacturer and trade name on the prescription exactly. If you want to change to a different lens, do not choose one on your own; talk to the prescriber.
References
- US FTC, Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights
- US FDA, Contact Lens Prescription
This article is general information based on US rules. The requirements and validity of a prescription differ from country to country, so follow the rules of your country and the advice of a professional.