Spring 2021 Ophthalmic Dispensing and Contact Lens Practical Exams Scheduled
The New York State Ophthalmic Dispensing Basic Practical Examination and Contact Lens Practical Examination will take place Monday and Tuesday, April 19 and 20, at the Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY
Applications must be submitted six weeks before the examination date. Candidates may indicate on their applications whether they prefer a Monday morning, Monday afternoon or Tuesday time slot; however, however, assignments are made on a first come, first served basis and are not guaranteed.
Additional information about the examinations, including what to bring to the examination site.
New FTC Rule Requires Opticians to Give Patients their Contact Lens Prescription
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has revised its Contact Lens Rule adding additional requirements that will affect New York Opticians who fit contact lenses. Although not wholly responsible for a contact lens prescription, the FTC considers Opticians to be “prescribers” if state law allows them to fit contact lenses.
The Commission says the Final Rule, which comes on the heels of four years of comment and discussion, is designed to “facilitate shopping for contact lenses” by requiring prescribers to automatically give patients a copy of their prescription. The Final Rule also requires that prescribers maintain documentation confirming that patients received their prescriptions.
NYSSO Launches New Industry Partner Membership
A new membership option from the New York State Society of Opticians offers companies enhanced opportunities to connect with New York's largest organization of opticians. Specifically created for companies supplying optical products, such as lenses, frames, and contact lenses, as well as instruments, equipment, and other supplies used in opticianry, this new membership option allows vendors to take education to the next level by providing opportunities for product-specific webinars and in-person courses. It also provides vendors with access to targeted focus groups, optimized vendor landing pages on the NYSSO website, and product showcases through NYSSO's newsletter and email lists. Learn more about this exciting new opportunity or call NYSSO at 518-694-4581.
NYSSO Forms Help Members Comply with FTC Contact Lens Rule
When it goes into effect on October 16, 2020, a revision of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Contact Lens Rule will require opticians who fit contact lenses to provide patients with their prescriptions. To help members comply, NYSSO has created two forms that members can download and use to provide the prescription and document a patient's receipt of it.
The forms are available in Microsoft Word and are free for members to edit and brand with their own business information.
Download the Contact Lens Prescription Release Form
Download the Patient Prescription Receipt Acknowledgement Form