Here’s the thing. The optometrist I went to retired and sold his practice to this big company. Basically, they’ve hired a brand new OD. He’s part time, and he’s only been there 3 months. It’s literally not his fault the staff and company are toxic, but under my state professional regulation boards, the company itself doesn’t have a license. I’d have to file the complaint against the OD. I don’t feel great about that. I feel like making a mark against this OD does nothing to the company.

  • MuttMutt@lemmy.worldEnglish
    63·
    1 day ago

    First off (if you are in the US) this isn’t just up to state law it’s a violation of federal law.

    Under the FTC’s Eyeglass Rule (and Contact Lens Rule), eye care providers are legally mandated to release a copy of your prescription immediately upon completion of the exam, whether you ask for it or not, and before attempting to sell you eyewear. They cannot withhold it or force you to buy frames from them first.

    If your prescription is still valid (under a year old), call or visit the office and politely but firmly let the front desk or office manager know that withholding a valid prescription violates the FTC Eyeglass Rule, and ask for a printed or emailed copy immediately. Mentioning the FTC usually gets corporate staff to fix the issue real fast without needing to drag the new OD into a formal state board complaint.

    If the prescription is expired or nearly expired, save yourself the headache, go to an independent practice for a fresh exam, and leave a detailed review online explaining how the corporate office handles patient records.