ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
REVISED
eyeglasses; prescriptions
Purpose
States that a prescription for ophthalmic lens, by a physician or optometrist, is valid for two years unless otherwise specified.
Background
Ophthalmic lenses, including eyeglasses and contact lenses, consist of lenses that assist in the compensation of uneven eye shape or refractive errors to properly bend light into the eye for correction of vision (Mayo Clinic).
Arizona optometrists follow the eye examination clinical practice guidelines as prescribed by the American Optometric Association (AOA), which provides examination frequency recommendations for patients who are asymptomatic or at low risk for developing serious eye or vision problems, as follows: 1) annually for patients under the age of 18; 2) at least every two years for patients age 18-64; and 3) annually for patients age 65 and older. The length of a prescription for at-risk patients may be limited to one year, or as recommended by the prescriber (AOA).
An optometric prescription for ophthalmic lenses is required to include: 1) the patient's name; 2) refractive power of the lenses; 3) information pertaining to the licensee, including the licensee's name, contact information and signature; and 4) the date of the examination and expiration of the prescription. All optometric prescriptions must be provided to the patient upon completion of an eye exam (A.A.C. R4-21-306).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Specifies that a prescription for ophthalmic lenses, other than contact lenses, is valid for two years unless otherwise specified by the prescribing medical or osteopathic physician or optometrist.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Revised
· Adds AOA clinical practice guideline information to the background.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 17, 2023
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