Eye Society

Can an eye doctor charge you for a prescription check?

Oct 24, 2024

Ah, the age-old question: Can your eye doctor charge you for a prescription check, or are they just doing it out of the goodness of their hearts (spoiler alert: no one’s doing it for free hugs)? It’s a tricky world out there, and sometimes the fine print of healthcare can feel as fuzzy as your vision without glasses. While some professionals might include a prescription check in the cost of your regular eye exam, others may not, and that’s why it’s important to understand what fees you might encounter before you schedule your appointment (and potentially faint when you get the bill).

Understanding prescription check fees

So, can an eye doctor charge you for a prescription check? Definitely maybe.

Can eye doctors charge an Rx check fee?

Your eye professional might charge you a little extra to check or verify your prescription. Maybe it’s for the cost of all those fancy gadgets they use, or maybe it’s because they have bills to pay (as much as we’d love for eye exams to be free). 

Regulations and industry standards

But wait—aren’t there rules about this? Well, yes. While eye doctors can charge for their services, there are regulations in place. The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Eyeglass Rule and Contact Lens Rule require your eye doctor to provide you with a copy of your prescription after your exam (without charging you an extra fee for just handing it over).

Costs associated with obtaining a prescription

Let’s talk about some of the costs you might run into when getting your prescription.

Can an eye doctor charge for a prescription?

Absolutely, and here’s why: When you go in for an eye exam, your eye doctor is doing a lot more than just figuring out if you need a stronger pair of glasses (or should finally make the switch to contacts). They’re checking your overall eye health, testing your vision, and making sure your prescription is right. All that effort goes into the cost of the exam, which can vary depending on where you go and what’s involved.

Rights and responsibilities when receiving eye care

Now that we’ve scared you into checking for extra fees, let’s talk about your rights and your eye doctor’s responsibilities.

Legal rights regarding eye prescriptions

Your eye doctor must give you a copy of your contact lens prescription without making you jump through hoops (or pay extra). They’re also not allowed to make you buy lenses from them as a condition of getting your prescription. You’re free to shop around (like for daily disposables, just for instance).

Responsibilities of the eye care professional

Your eye doctor is responsible for making sure your prescription is accurate and up to date, and they have to give you your prescription whether you ask for it or not. But if you come back later for an updated prescription or some kind of verification, they might charge for that, especially if it requires another exam or test.

Getting a copy of your contact lens prescription

So, you’re ready to get contacts. But what about getting a copy of your contact lens prescription?

Fee charged for copy of contacts Rx

Good news: Your eye doctor can’t charge you for simply giving you a copy of your prescription. You’ve already paid for the exam (possibly with money-saving coupons), and that includes the prescription. If anyone tries to charge you just for printing off a piece of paper, you can kindly remind them of the FTC rules (feel free to send them a link if they need a refresher).

Don't pay extra if you can help it

At the end of the day, understanding the costs associated with your eye care—whether it’s for a prescription check or a comprehensive exam—can help you avoid surprises (the bad kind, not the fun “we got cake” kind). Make sure to ask about any potential fees when booking your appointment, and don’t be afraid to clarify what’s included. And if you’re looking for transparent pricing and top-notch service, why not book your next appointment online?

FAQs

What can I do if I believe I've been unfairly charged for a prescription check?

Start by discussing it with your eye doctor. If that doesn’t resolve it, you can file a complaint with the FTC to investigate the charge.

How often should I have my prescription checked, and will it cost me?

You should have your prescription checked once a year (unless your doctor recommends more frequent checks). The cost depends on whether you need a full eye exam or just a quick update.

Are there ways to avoid extra fees when getting my prescription?

The best way to avoid extra fees is to ask ahead of time. Check what’s included in your exam, and if you're just getting a prescription update, clarify if that will cost extra.