How to Get a Copy of Your Eye Prescription Records

What is your legal right to your eye prescription?

The FTC Eyeglass Rule (16 CFR Part 456) requires eye care providers to give you a copy of your glasses prescription immediately after your exam, without you having to ask for it and without requiring you to buy glasses from them 1Ref 1Federal Trade Commission (2024).Ophthalmic Practice Rules (Eyeglass Rule) — Final Rule (16 CFR Part 456).Legal requirement for eye care providers to automatically provide a free copy of the glasses prescription to patients immediately after a refractive eye exam; 2024 update requires signed confirmation of release; rule applies to all optometrists and ophthalmologists in the US. The rule applies to optometrists and ophthalmologists across the US.

A similar federal rule — the Contact Lens Rule 2Ref 2Federal Trade Commission (2023).Contact Lens Rule (16 CFR Part 315).Legal requirement for prescribers to automatically release the contact lens prescription to patients after a fitting, including brand, base curve, diameter, and power; patients may request a copy for use at any retailer — requires providers to give you a copy of your contact lens prescription at the end of the fitting, again at no charge and without any purchase requirement.

You cannot be charged a fee just for receiving your prescription, though some states allow providers to charge a fee for re-issuing an old prescription copy (rules vary by state).

A detailed breakdown of consumer rights under both rules is available from the FTC 3Ref 3Federal Trade Commission (2024).Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights.Consumer-facing explanation of patient rights under the Eyeglass and Contact Lens Rules: providers cannot charge extra for the prescription, cannot require a purchase before releasing the prescription, and cannot add liability waivers.

How do you request your prescription?

If your provider gave you a written copy at the end of your exam, you already have it — the Eyeglass Rule mandates this automatic release 1Ref 1Federal Trade Commission (2024).Ophthalmic Practice Rules (Eyeglass Rule) — Final Rule (16 CFR Part 456).Legal requirement for eye care providers to automatically provide a free copy of the glasses prescription to patients immediately after a refractive eye exam; 2024 update requires signed confirmation of release; rule applies to all optometrists and ophthalmologists in the US. If not, or if you need a copy of a past prescription:

1. Call or email the office directly — most practices will provide a copy over the phone or by email upon your request. Ask for it to be sent electronically (PDF) if that is more convenient. 2. Use the patient portal — if your optometrist or ophthalmologist uses a patient portal, your prescription and visit notes may be available to download directly. 3. Submit a written records request — if the office does not readily provide it, a written request citing the FTC Eyeglass Rule (16 CFR Part 456) or the Contact Lens Rule (16 CFR Part 315) is appropriate. Practices are required to comply.

There is no waiting period. If your exam was recent, you are entitled to the prescription from that visit.

What information is on a glasses prescription?

A glasses prescription typically includes:

• Sphere (SPH) — the degree of nearsightedness (negative numbers) or farsightedness (positive numbers)
• Cylinder (CYL) and Axis — the astigmatism correction, if any
• Add power — for bifocals or progressive lenses, the additional power for near vision
• Prism — if prescribed to address eye alignment issues
• Expiration date — typically one to two years from the exam date, depending on state law
• Your name and the prescribing doctor's name and license information

A contact lens prescription includes additional measurements — base curve and diameter — specific to contact lens fitting and is separate from your glasses prescription.

A consumer guide explaining how to use your prescription at any optical retailer is available from the FTC 3Ref 3Federal Trade Commission (2024).Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights.Consumer-facing explanation of patient rights under the Eyeglass and Contact Lens Rules: providers cannot charge extra for the prescription, cannot require a purchase before releasing the prescription, and cannot add liability waivers.

What if your prescription has expired?

An expired prescription cannot be used to order new glasses or contacts from most retailers — they are legally required to fill only current, valid prescriptions. You will need a new eye exam to get an updated prescription. Eye exams are recommended at least every one to two years for most adults 1Ref 1Federal Trade Commission (2024).Ophthalmic Practice Rules (Eyeglass Rule) — Final Rule (16 CFR Part 456).Legal requirement for eye care providers to automatically provide a free copy of the glasses prescription to patients immediately after a refractive eye exam; 2024 update requires signed confirmation of release; rule applies to all optometrists and ophthalmologists in the US, and more frequently for people with certain eye conditions, diabetes, or changing vision.