Markets Wired

As part of the Federal Trade Commission’s systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides, the FTC is seeking public comment on the efficiency, costs, benefits, and impact of the Ophthalmic Practice Rules (Eyeglass Rule).

Issued  in 1978, the Rule helps promote competition in the eyeglass market by requiring optometrists and ophthalmologists to provide an eyeglass prescription to patients, at no extra cost, immediately after an eye examination is completed.

The Commission vote approving the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was 5-0. It is available on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release and will be published in the Federal Register soon. Instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register Notice. Comments must be received by October 26, 2015. All comments received will be posted at www.ftc.gov/os/publiccomments.shtm. (FTC File No. R511995; the staff contact is Alysa S. Bernstein, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-3289)

To learn more, read Prescriptions for Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.