Ophthalmic Practice Rules (Eyeglass Rule)

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 456 RIN 3084-AB37 AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; request for public comment. SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”) proposes to amend the Ophthalmic Practice Rules (“Eyeglass Rule ” or “Rule”) to require that prescribers obtain a signed confirmation after releasing an eyeglass prescription to a patient, and maintain each such confirmation for a period of not less than three years. The Commission also proposes to permit prescribers to comply with automatic prescription release via electronic delivery in certain circumstances. The Commission further proposes a clarification that the presentation of proof of insurance coverage shall be deemed to be a payment for the purpose of determining when a prescription must be provided. Finally, the Commission proposes to amend the term “eye examination” to “refractive eye examination” throughout the Rule. The Commission seeks comment on these proposals. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 6, 2023. ADDRESSES: Interested parties may file a comment online or on paper by following the instructions in the Request for Comment part of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. Write “Eyeglass Rule, Project No. R511996” on your comment, and file your comment through https://www.regulations.gov . If you prefer to file your comment on paper…