201 KAR 13:030 - Contact lens fitting

RELATES TO: KRS 326.060

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: Procedures and policies regarding fitting of contact lenses.

Section 1.

(1) The fitting of contact lenses is a function of ophthalmic dispensing as outlined in KRS 326.060, and an ophthalmic dispenser's license shall be required of any person who fits contact lenses except as specified in KRS 326.070(4).

(2) Contact lenses shall be furnished only upon prescription from a physician, osteopath or optometrist and under no circumstances shall the dispenser neutralize the customer's lenses to arrive at the prescription unless authorized to do so by the physician, osteopath or optometrist.

(3) Trial lenses or sample contact lenses shall not be inserted into the eye or eyes of a person for the purpose of demonstrating, measuring or for trial or for any other purpose incident to the fitting of contact lenses unless authorized to do so by a physician, osteopath or optometrist.

(4) In all cases of contact lens fitting, the ophthalmic dispenser shall not furnish contact lenses unless the prescription from a physician, osteopath or optometrist under which such lenses are to be furnished instructs the patient to return to such physician, osteopath or optometrist to complete the fitting process.

(5) It shall be the exclusive prerogative of the prescribing physician, osteopath, or optometrist, as set out in KRS 326.010, to determine whether contact lenses are superior to other forms of visual aid glasses.

(6) Since contact lens fitting is only one part of the ophthalmic dispensing procedure, the board will not consider an application for an apprentice license under 201 KAR 13:050 for any person working exclusively in contact lenses. All persons desiring to engage in contact lens fitting shall qualify as an ophthalmic dispenser under KRS 326.030 and be licensed by this board as such.

Notes

201 KAR 13:030

OD-5; 1 Ky.R. 722; eff. 7-2-75; Am. 2 Ky.R. 191; eff. 1-14-76; Crt eff. 2-21-2020.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 326.020(3)