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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
optometrists; eye exams; prescriptions
Purpose
Prescribes standards for optometrists conducting eye examinations and prescribing eyeglass prescriptions.
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. Requires an optometrist to conduct an eye examination according to the standard of care prevalent in the community, including an examination of the patient's health and vision, with a recommended interval of one year.
2. Allows an optometrist to extend the period of validity of an eyeglass prescription for up to two years or reduce the period of validity of an eyeglass prescription based on the presence or absence of risk of the patient or other factors.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 14, 2026
JT/HD/ci