A Focus on the States in 2017
The beginning of the online prescribing debate
Indiana: In 2017, the Indiana General Assembly introduced House Bill 1331, which would also allow for the use of online telemedicine to prescribe contact lenses. Thanks to eye care providers throughout the state who organized in opposition to the dangers posed by House Bill 1331 — it was defeated.
Virginia: In 2017, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation, which would take valuable steps to protect contact lens patient health and safety by clarifying that contact lens patients receive the same high standard that they receive in a provider’s office—no matter how or where they choose to receive it.
New Mexico: In 2017, the New Mexico Legislature passed legislation that recognizes the importance of having regular, comprehensive, face-to-face exams to protect patient eye health and vision safety. Governor Susana Martinez vetoed the bill.
The
Takeaway
Telemedicine has the potential to promote better access to quality care. However, a refractive test alone should not be separated from a comprehensive eye exam. A single assessment, including a refractive test, is insufficient in helping doctors best determine a contact lens prescription and whether a patient’s eyes are healthy enough to wear contact lenses.