If you need contact lenses but do not have a prescription, you may be wondering where you can order them. There are a few different places where you can buy contacts without a prescription, and we will discuss them in this blog post. Keep in mind that if you have never worn contacts before, it is best to consult with an eye doctor before ordering any contact lenses.
Let’s get started.
You are entitled to your contact lens prescription
You are not entitled to obtain your contacts without prescription of an eye examination or valid medical reason. The FDA states, “Federal law restricts the sale of contact lenses to a valid patient-physician relationship.” This is done to protect against infections and injuries; this means that any person selling you contacts without having examined your eyes or for reasons other than a valid medical one can be fined up to $16,000.00.
These laws also require patients to receive a copy of their contact lens prescription after each eye examination (ophthalmologist, optometrist) to receive new contact lenses.
Rules for contact lens sellers
Provide contact lenses after a valid specification
Contact lenses should be provided after a valid specification, taking into account the patient’s refractive error. A full range of corrective spectacles or contact lenses should be offered to meet individual requirements at no extra cost. It is clinically appropriate and possible to dispense them together.
Sellers should contact the prescribing optician if verification is needed
To obtain a rebate for buying contacts without a prescription, you need to give the doctor’s name and contact information. Physicians often require their patients to get contact lenses from authorized retailers to prevent the purchase of counterfeits or defective contact lenses. If you receive mail-in rebates by mail, include your Rx number when submitting rebate requests.
Ensure that the date on your written prescription matches the date on your receipt when applying for reimbursement. Submit proof of purchase, such as a copy of your receipt with a valid UPC, and mark “See ID” at checkout to ensure successful fraudulent claims prevention by manufacturers’ representatives.
Rules for contact lens prescribers
Verify the contact lens prescription
Verify the patient’s current contact lens prescription, including the manufacturer and contact lens power, sphere, cylinder, axis, and material. Verify that the power is correct (if it is not, you will need to re-evaluate the patient). If there is any question about the power of the lenses currently worn by your patient (or if there was no previous prescription), order low-cost glasses to be worn with lenses for trial purposes for at least two weeks.
Give a copy of the contact lens prescription to the patient
Before prescribing contact lenses to a patient, the optometrist or ophthalmologist must provide the correct contact lens fitting information. This fitting information is listed on a prescription for contact lenses that will help ensure proper fit, comfort, and visual acuity. A copy of this prescription should be given to the patient for future reference.
The Bottom Line
Contact lenses are essential to many people’s lives, but there are also times when it might be helpful to save a bit of money on this purchase. We all know you can order contacts online without a prescription, but you must choose a relevant site before you make an order.
