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Children's vision bill pulled from consideration
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Assembly Member Autumn Burke decided to withdraw her legislation regarding children's vision this week. AB 2444, sponsored by the State Board of Optometry, included a pilot program aimed at early detection of eye and vision problems. When it became clear that the bill would be studying the impact of comprehensive eye exams for kids, Kaiser indicated it was very likely to take a "strong" oppose position. CMA also expressed concerns with this measure and vowed to commit any resources necessary to defeat AB 2444. Since there was no viable pathway to get the bill passed this year, Assembly Member Burke decided to not move forward. COA is committed to this issue and hopes to pursue similar legislation again next year. |
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Consumer group checking for notice requirement in California offices
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Last week, Consumer Action performed spot visits at several California optometry offices. Consumer Action alleges that of 20 optometry offices visited, 90 percent did not post a required consumer notice.
California Code of Regulations (CCR) Section 1566 requires a Consumer Notice be posted in each optometrist office in a conspicuous place for consumers to see. The Consumer Notice must also contain the following minimum information listed in CCR Section 1566.1:
CONSUMER NOTICE
Eye doctors are required to provide patients with a copy of their ophthalmic lens prescriptions as follows:
- Spectacle prescriptions: Release upon completion of exam.
- Contact lens prescriptions: Release upon completion of exam or upon completion of the fitting process.
The practice of optometry in California is regulated by the Board of Optometry. The Board of Optometry receives and investigates all consumer complaints involving the practice of optometry. Complaints or grievances involving a California-licensed optometrist should be directed to:
BOARD OF OPTOMETRY
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
2450 DEL PASO ROAD, SUITE 105
SACRAMENTO, CA 95834
PHONE: 1-866-585-2666 OR (916) 575-7170
EMAIL: OPTOMETRY@DCA.CA.GOV
WEBSITE: WWW.OPTOMETRY.CA.GOV
Please make sure the consumer notice above is posted in a conspicuous place in each optometric office. |
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New continuing education audit process
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Optometrists are required to respond to continuing education (CE) audit requests. Failure to submit proof of completion of the continuing education requirement when requested can result in restrictions placed on an optometrist's license.
The State Board of Optometry (SBO) recently revamped its CE audit process making it easier for licensees to submit proof of completion. Under the new process, if the optometrist is selected for an audit and SBO has their email address, SBO will email them the audit notification in addition to sending it via regular mail to the address of record. |
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FTC Rule comment period closing - only one day left to take action
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On Friday, April 6, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) closes its comment period on a proposal to require patients to sign an acknowledgement form when they receive a copy of their eyeglasses or contact lens prescription. Doctors would need to keep this form on file for at least three years. We strongly encourage you to send a personal message to the FTC about the harmful impact of this burdensome new requirement on your patients and your practice.
Below are some suggested phrases for your custom message to the FTC:
As an optometrist who practices in ___ , I am opposed to the new paperwork and document storage requirements in the proposed Contact Lens Rule. This new rule would be a huge burden on my small business. California law already requires I have a sign in my office that notifies patients their rights under the law. Please reconsider this unfunded mandate.
Please be sure to edit the message above to make your message original.
Click here to visit the official FTC site for contact lens rule comments. Scroll down the page and enter your comments in the form provided. |
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COA Legislative Day
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COA's annual Legislative Day in Sacramento is Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Register now to meet with your lawmakers to discuss the important issues facing the optometric profession. COA is holding an optional in-depth webinar briefing on online vision testing on Thursday, April 12, from 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm.
Join the webinar from your computer, tablet or smartphone by clicking here.
You can also dial in using your phone: +1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 131-184-261
First webinar using GoToMeeting? We recommend a quick system check: https://link.gotomeeting.com/system-check |
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What we're clicking on
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PR firm outed peddling fake news regarding contact lens regulations.
The State Board of Optometry explains its support for repeal of the branch office law.
Single payer vs incremental reforms are being debated in Sacramento. |
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