Responding to the Concerns of Eye Care Professionals Regarding Internet Sales
(Last Update: July 30, 2010)

Make Your Patients Aware! NYSSO has created a sign that you can post in your practice reception area, fitting area and waiting rooms that informs consumers about the peril of purchasing eyeglasses online. DOWNLOAD/PRINT PATIENT POSTING!

The New York State Board of Optometry just posted the following language on their website under the consumer information section.  We wanted to immediately share it with our members as it pertains to recent questions and concerns sent to NYSSO:

Can I Buy My Prescription Eyeglasses Online?
New York State law requires prescription eyewear to be fitted and dispensed in person by a licensed practitioner (ophthamlic dispenser/optician, optometrist, ophthalmologist). Although any number of websites offer the sale of eyewear, the consumer must be aware of a number of things. Prescription eyeglasses are highly customized. There are numerous measurements that go into the fitting and fabrication that cannot be conveyed over the phone or internet. These include, but are not limited to: the shape of your nose and ears, the width of your face and the overall size of your head. Measurements such as these, and bifocal or multifocal height, can only be measured when you are face to face with a dispenser wearing the eyeglass frames you are planning to purchase.

In addition, the form, thickness, and material that your prescription lenses are made of should be discussed with your eyecare professional. A bargain that may be advertised online may result in a pair of glasses being heavier than necessary, or cause eye fatigue or headache.

New Yorkers are advised to be wise consumers and consult their eyecare professional. 
 
We believe that the New York State Board of Ophthalmic Dispensing is considering such language for their website.  As soon as we know more, we will pass that information along to you.

If you have any comments or questions, please send the along to nysso@caphill.com.