House Bill 6012 would require patients have an in-person evaluation and eye examination for their initial contact lens prescription and first renewal. Each subsequent contact lens prescription could be refilled via an online contact lens appointment using remote refractive devices.
Online sellers have had mixed reactions to the legislation. “Although the bill implements medically unnecessary requirements that would force some contact lens wearers into brick and mortar retailers to acquire more of the lenses they use and love, it flexibly allows for the vast majority of patients to utilize our services,” Joel Wishkovsky, CEO and founder of Simple Contacts, told Hartford Courant.
Sen. Terry Gerratana, D-New Britain, Conn., said the limitations on remote refractive devices are a consumer protection measure, Harford Courant reports. Brian Lynch, OD, legislative chairman of the Connecticut Association of Optometrists, agreed, telling Harford Courant the restricts use of “un-proven, un-tested technology.”
More articles on telehealth:
AHA to House: Expand telehealth access for MA enrollees
New Jersey takes steps towards telemedicine coverage
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