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Anyone who sells you contact lenses without first getting a copy of your prescription or properly verifying your prescription information with your prescriber is selling them illegally — and putting your eye health at risk. That’s because wearing contacts that haven’t been fitted to your eyes can cause corneal scratches, eye sores and irritation, and conjunctivitis (pink eye).

The FTC just filed a complaint­ against Vision Path, doing business as Hubble, alleging that the company failed to get or properly verify contact lens prescription information submitted by customers, sold lenses after prescription verification requests were denied, altered prescriptions from the prescribed brands to Hubble lenses, and failed to maintain required records.

The complaint also alleges that Hubble deceptively claimed it would ensure customers got lenses with valid and accurate prescriptions, as determined by their eye care provider; falsely claimed that certain consumer reviews were independent when they were not; and failed to disclose material connections between Hubble and some reviewers.

The next time you’re shopping for contact lenses, remember that under the Contact Lens Rule:

  • Sellers must have a process for verifying prescriptions. This includes letting you submit a copy of your contact lens prescription. If you don’t submit your prescription, but instead give your prescription information, the seller must verify your prescription information with your prescriber.
  • Sellers must not substitute another brand of contact lens for the one prescribed. If you want a different brand than the one written on your prescription, you’ll need your eye care provider’s approval. The only time you don’t need your provider’s approval to switch brands is if a manufacturer offers a brand name and a generic or store brand version of the same lens.

If you come across someone selling contact lenses without getting or properly verifying a prescription, take your business elsewhere and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For a more in-depth look at your prescription rights for contacts — and glasses — read Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Your Rights. Your eyes will thank you.

 

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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Wow
January 31, 2022
Good job! Consumers placed their trust in that businesses are following the law when they purchase items. If not the consumer could be harm and not even be aware of it . I bet others businesses will pay attention too. Thank you!
glassessinceiwas2
January 31, 2022
How anyone would think they could get a prescription for lenses filled without a prescription just does not make sense. And for a company not needing one, how can a customer feel confident that they are about getting the right one. I hope this has not been going on very long and people have been able to correct this. We are talking vision here! Not a haircut! Think people!
Oldtrucker2445Z
February 01, 2022
I used to work in the optical profession, and you verify all outside prescription coming in your place. Weather it's Glasses or Contacts. This everything buying online doesn't work for all products out there.