Contact lens prescriptions: a clinicolegal view

The release of contact lens prescriptions is regulated by a variety of laws, and optometrists need to be familiar with these requirements to determine when prescriptions must be provided to patients or third parties. We recommend that contact lens prescriptions include the refractive data, lens parameters, lens manufacturer, expiration date, number of permissible refills, the notation "for daily wear only" if the lenses are not intended for extended wear, and other appropriate information intended to ensure that the patient will obtain the lenses prescribed if the prescription is presented to a dispenser.