Charging for a written script for eyes (doctor, lenses, nose)

[ddm2k]

Originally Posted by brava4

Has anyone ever heard of this? I went to the eye dr. today and was charged 65.00 because i asked for a written copy of eye prescription, to order new glasses. Huh??? When I asked about it at the desk the woman said since I didn't have a "vision plan" there was this charge for the script. WTH???

Shoddy practice for sure, but do you think they would have charged if you had your eyeglass retailer of choice call and request it electronically?

[Thundarr457]

I was in the biz for 45+ years and its is required by Federal law to give you a copy of your prescription for NO CHARGE.

https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/busi...-eyeglass-rule

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retriev...T&n=pt16.1.456

[parentologist]

It's because you're not buying glasses through them. I am not sure this is legal, but let them know that you're done with them. And write reviews on line warning of this.

[WellShoneMoon]

Originally Posted by Thundarr457

I was in the biz for 45+ years and its is required by Federal law to give you a copy of your prescription for NO CHARGE.

https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/busi...-eyeglass-rule

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retriev...T&n=pt16.1.456

Well, that's very interesting. I'm going to have to look into that (pun intended).

[brava4]

Originally Posted by katie45

Sounds like those charging for the Rx are wanting the patients to purchase glasses/contacts at their practice.

Pretty shoddy.

I am the OP, the Dr. and the others in the office never tried to sell anything. There aren't glasses/frames or anything else in the patient area.

[brava4]

Originally Posted by turkeydance

this is first i have "heard" (seen) of that........

i would consider it my final visit with that practitioner.

Yes, I won't be going back. I did ask if they took Medicare as I will be retiring in 2019. The woman quickly said... Yes, if you have a supplement.


I also called my Ins. and they hadn't gotten the claim yet, makes sense. So I will look out for it and see what they did.

[brava4]

Originally Posted by ddm2k

Shoddy practice for sure, but do you think they would have charged if you had your eyeglass retailer of choice call and request it electronically?

I order online and the dr. knew that so, No.

[brava4]

Originally Posted by Thundarr457

I was in the biz for 45+ years and its is required by Federal law to give you a copy of your prescription for NO CHARGE.

https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/busi...-eyeglass-rule

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retriev...T&n=pt16.1.456

That is helpful. It says it is from 2016. Would you consider that current. Just asking before I call them.
Thanks.

[WoodburyWoody]

No, I have not.

I just had my annual checkup with my ophthalmologist last week. They are a local group, with eight or nine clinics across the Twin Cities and suburbs that does sell eye glasses and contacts as well. I have always been given a copy of prescriptions on the way out the door at no additional charge.

[Sassybluesy]

Originally Posted by katie45

Sounds like those charging for the Rx are wanting the patients to purchase glasses/contacts at their practice.

Pretty shoddy.

That's what I was wondering about. If they're charging for the written prescription...because the patient doesn't intend to purchase glasses there.


I agree that it seems shoddy. Wouldn't it be similar to going to a general practitioner, and being charged for the prescription of an antibiotic or blood pressure meds, etc?