Washington, DC - 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/policy/public-comments. (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.