FTC Ruling: What Optometrists Need to Know About the New Eyeglass Rule
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Highlights
- The FTC Eyeglass Rule updates impact how optometrists handle prescription releases and patient acknowledgments.
- New compliance requirements include collecting and securely storing signed acknowledgment forms for each patient.
- Offering digital prescriptions gives patients more options while keeping practices aligned with the new regulations.
- Digital tools and automation can help practices manage these updates more efficiently, reducing manual work.
Patients deserve the freedom to shop around for eyewear, and that's exactly what the FTC set out to fix with its Eyeglass Rule in 2020. The idea was simple: Make it easier for people to get their prescriptions and let them choose where to buy their glasses.
Recently, the FTC updated the rule, adding new steps for optometrists, such as collecting signed patient confirmations. While these changes are great for consumers, the extra steps can disrupt workflows and time management for optometrists.
Adapt your practice’s operations to comply with the final version of the prescription acknowledgment rule, and learn what you can do to boost efficiency and convenience for patients.
Understanding the FTC Eyeglass Rule
Four years after the eyeglass prescription release laws were first introduced, the FTC made its final updates in June 2024. The new rules allow patients to receive their prescriptions immediately after a refractive exam, allowing them to shop for eyewear without restrictions.
For optometrists, complying with the rule fosters transparency and trust, improving patient satisfaction and helping avoid legal complications.
Here's what you need to know about the new requirements.
- Eyeglass prescription release requirements. Optometrists must give patients their eyeglass prescription immediately after a refractive exam, even if it's not requested.
- New requirement—patient acknowledgment form. Prescribers are now required to have patients sign an acknowledgment form confirming receipt of the prescription. Signed prescription confirmation records must be kept for three years.
- Digital prescription consent. Prescribers must get patients' consent to send a digital copy of the prescription—otherwise, a paper copy must be provided. Patients should be able to access, download, and print their digital prescriptions.
- Immediate delivery: Optometrists must give patients their prescription immediately after the exam — before discussing eyewear options.
How To Comply With the New FTC Eyeglass Rule
Is your practice ready to handle the changes from the updated FTC Eyeglass Rule? With new requirements in place, you'll need effective strategies to help your clinic adapt and keep workflows undisrupted.
Consider the following tips for compliance.
Train Your Staff
Prepare your staff for the new requirements by giving them clear tools and actionable steps. Start by creating a detailed checklist of what’s needed during each patient encounter, including asking for the signed patient acknowledgment.
Use your eyecare practice management software to set up automated to-do lists that track this step for every exam.
This will let your staff easily follow the process without missing anything. Regularly review the checklist with your team, and use meetings to address any questions or challenges that come up for a smooth workflow adjustment.
Educate Patients About Their Rights
Educate patients about their rights regarding eyeglass prescriptions.
To help them understand what to expect, consider the following:
- Speak with them about the changes during their exam.
- Place flyers in the lobby that they can read while waiting for their appointments.
- Send automated emails and texts with important updates using patient engagement tools.
- Include disclosures in their digital intake forms.
- Have front-desk staff hand out pamphlets or flyers when patients check in.
Remember to include important aspects of the new rule that patients might have questions about. For instance, make sure to explain that FTC's eyeglass rule only applies to refractive eye exams, not general eye health exams.
Digitize Forms and Use Automation
Use digital forms to make patient sign-offs easier and quicker. Set up your practice management software to send forms before appointments, allowing patients to complete them in advance. Track acknowledgment records in real time, so staff can catch any missing signatures before patients leave.
Automated systems also help by flagging incomplete forms for follow-up, keeping everything on track. Digital tools reduce paperwork errors and keep your clinic running smoothly without unnecessary delays.
Follow Through on Documentation
Follow through on documentation by securely storing acknowledgment records for the required three years. Use cloud-based software with large storage capacity to manage these records so nothing is lost or misplaced. Choose a platform that uses encryption to keep patient information safe and confidential.
With everything stored digitally, your team can easily access and organize records without worrying about space limitations or security risks, keeping your practice compliant and efficient.
Stay Ahead of Compliance with RevolutionEHR
Staying compliant with the updated FTC Eyeglass Rule is critical to maintaining your practice’s efficiency and building trust with your patients. With RevolutionEHR’s cloud-based platform, you can streamline the process of collecting and storing signed patient acknowledgments while offering digital prescriptions for a smoother patient experience.
Ready to simplify compliance? Schedule a demo today to see how our solutions can keep your practice fully prepared for the latest regulatory updates and give you the freedom to focus on quality patient care.