Regulatory/Legislative News

Eye care providers and industry representatives shared their experiences with the contact lens verification system, as outlined by the Contact Lens Rule, during an FTC-sponsored workshop on "The Contact Lens Rule and the evolving contact lens marketplace" last week.

ATLANTA – Ransomware and security attacks are increasing in frequency for small- and medium-sized businesses, Mark Haskelson said, but optometrists can take seven steps to protect their practices.

California Assemblymember Autumn Burke introduced legislation aiming to send students to school with healthy eyes and clear vision on the first day of class.

One goal of yesterday’s FTC workshop on the Contact Lens Rule was to evaluate changes in the contact lens marketplace that may create opportunities to obtain lenses safely and at competitive prices, Thomas B. Pahl, acting director at the Bureau of Consumer Protection, said during the Washington workshop and by webcast.

The FTC workshop, “The Contact Lens Rule and the evolving contact lens marketplace,” is taking place today in Washington, with supporters from the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety, representing all 50 U.S. states, in attendance.

ATLANTA – “We are very much against contact lenses being prescribed without an in-person exam,” Rick Weisbarth, OD, FAAO, Alcon’s vice president of professional affairs for U.S. Vision Care, said at a company-sponsored press conference here at SECO.

A policy advancement and information collaboration was launched by leading eye health advocates, innovators and trusted voices from the eye health community to ensure quality care and improve patient outcomes.

Allergan’s patent protection deal with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe was struck down by the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board, according to a press release from Mylan, the company that was challenging Allergan’s patents.

Walmart was given approval by the Oklahoma Supreme Court to begin the signature collecting process to seek approval of optometry practices in large retail environments in the state.

House Bill 191, ensures that the use of technology for eye care would provide reasonable standards and consumer protections, has passed the Kentucky House of Representatives by a vote of 90-7.