New FDA Warning
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers regarding colored contact lenses worn for Halloween. The FDA is cautioning consumers regarding the dangers of purchasing and wearing decorative contact lenses without appropriate involvement from an eye care professional.
Read the warning on the FDA website:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2003/NEW00955.html
New Federal Law on Contact Lens Prescription Release
The Federal Trade Commission has several publications for providers and consumers at:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/10/contactlens.htm
Click here to link to the "Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act" on the Library of Congress website.
How often should a person have an eye examination?
As a general rule, most people should have an eye examination every year by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to assure that their eyes are free from disease or other disorder and are functioning properly. After the examination is complete, consumers may request their prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses be provided to them so they may take it to any optician to be filled. A person may also purchase eyeglasses or contact lenses from the prescribing doctor.
Can an optician fill an expired prescription for contact lenses?
No, it is against the law to dispense contact lenses from an expired prescription. A person whose prescription is expired should contact his or her ophthalmologist or optometrist.
More information is available on the Contact Lens Dispensing Permit Program website