Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act proposed by Burgess

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) last month introduced a bipartisan bill to modernize the verification process for contact lens prescriptions, which are worn by an estimated 45 million Americans.

“This bill will maintain consumers’ freedom while ensuring that physicians can verify their patients’ prescriptions,” said Rep. Burgess. 

The Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act, H.R. 3353, which Rep. Burgess cosponsored on May 19 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), would provide new consumer protections that ban the use of robocalls, require online retailers to provide an online portal for consumers to upload their prescriptions, and require that all medical information sent in emails is encrypted, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Burgess’ office.

“Throughout this pandemic, Americans have benefited from the convenience of technology,” said Rep. Burgess. “At a time when many consumers are avoiding in-person interactions, the ability to purchase contact lenses online preserves patient safety.”

Rep. Burgess pointed out that because online contact lens providers are still allowed to verify prescriptions using an automated voice or robocall, this has resulted in incorrect prescriptions and sometimes permanent eye damage or blindness.  

“Contact lenses are classified as medical devices; therefore, it is critical for patients to receive the correct prescription when ordering contact lenses — regardless of where they place the order,” the congressman said. “The Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act disallows robocalls for contact lens prescription verifications and extends HIPAA protections to correspondence between a patient and an online seller.”

The American Optometric Association, the Health Care Alliance for Patient Safety, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology endorsed H.R. 3353.