37 prescribers and one major vision group cautioned following consumer complaints over illegal fees for prescription access.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent warning letters to 37 contact lens prescribers citing potential noncompliance with the Contact Lens Rule, which mandates that patients receive their prescriptions at the end of a fitting.
The agency also sent a separate notice to Spectrum Vision Partners, LLC, stating it is closing its investigation into complaints about additional charges for prescription release but reminding the company to comply with the Contact Lens and Eyeglass Rules. These rules prohibit prescribers from charging fees, requiring waivers, or conditioning exams or prescription releases on purchases of glasses or contact lenses.
The warnings are the result of consumer complaints and are not formal findings of violations. However, the FTC emphasized that noncompliance could result in legal action, including civil penalties of up to $53,088 per violation. The agency clarified that while providers can charge for eye exams, imposing extra fees when patients request prescriptions constitutes a rule violation.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Chairman Andrew Ferguson to be led by the Lord as he presides over the FTC.
- For commissioners of the FTC to be discerning as they seek to protect consumers from unlawful business practices.
Sources: Federal Trade Commission
