Issued in 1978, the Trade Regulation Rule on Ophthalmic Practice Rules, also known as the Eyeglass Rule (Rule), provides that an optometrist or ophthalmologist must give the patient, at no extra cost, a copy of the eyeglass prescription immediately after the examination is completed. The Rule also prohibits optometrists and ophthalmologists from conditioning the availability of an eye examination, as defined by the Rule, on a requirement that the patient agrees to purchase ophthalmic goods from the optometrist or ophthalmologist and from placing on the prescription, or delivering to the patient, certain disclaimers or waivers of liability.

As part of its ongoing systematic review of all Federal Trade Commission rules and guides, on September 3, 2015, the Commission requested public comments on, among other things, the economic impact and benefits of the Rule; possible conflict between the Rule and State, local, or other Federal laws or regulations; and the effect on the Rule of any technological, economic, or other industry changes. The comment period closed on October 26, 2015.

Commission staff has completed review of the 868 comments received from consumers, eye care professionals, industry members, trade associations, and consumer advocates. On January 3, 2023, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to ensure ophthalmologists and optometrists provide patients with a copy of their prescription immediately after the completion of a refractive eye exam, get a signed statement from the patient confirming that they have received their prescription, and keep a record of that confirmation for at least three years. 88 FR 248 (Jan. 3, 2023). The comment period closed on March 6, 2023, and staff is reviewing the comments. The Commission held a public workshop on May 18, 2023, and staff are reviewing the comments. 88 FR 18266 (Mar. 28, 2023).