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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
eyeglasses; prescriptions
Purpose
States that a prescription for ophthalmic lens, by a physician or optometrist, is valid for two years unless otherwise specified by the prescriber.
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) at least every two years for patients between 18 and 39 years old; 2) at least every two years for patients between 40 and 64 years old; and 3) annually for patients who are 65 years old or older. The frequency of eye examinations for at-risk patients may occur annually or as recommended by the prescriber. The AOA pediatric examination frequency recommendations for asymptomatic or low risk patients are: 1) at 6 and 12 months of age; 2) at least once between 3 and 5 years old; and 3) before first grade and annually thereafter. At-risk patients will need to be examined following this recommended schedule and as recommended by the provider (AOA Adult Report and AOA Pediatric Report).
An optometric prescription for ophthalmic lenses must include: 1) the
patient's name;
2) the 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 due to the patient's age or medical or ocular condition.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 16, 2025
JT/KP/ci