In 2025, significant updates to optometry regulations, including revisions to the FTC’s Eyeglass Rule and state-specific laws, may directly impact your practice.
Navigating these updates requires a clear understanding of what’s new and how to implement the necessary changes seamlessly into your practice.
An optometrist understands that even minor compliance oversights can have significant consequences. This article will guide you through the essential areas of compliance for 2025, including the FTC’s Eyeglass Rule, state-level mandates, and practical strategies for maintaining compliance.
Regulatory changes for 2025
Federal Regulations
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced significant updates to the Eyeglass Rule designed to enhance consumer rights and foster competition in the marketplace. These updates emphasize transparency, patient autonomy, and modernized delivery methods.
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Automatic Prescription Release
Eye care professionals must provide patients with a copy of their eyeglass prescription immediately after a refractive eye examination, regardless of whether the patient requests it.
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Confirmation of Prescription Receipt
Optometry practices with retail shops must now obtain a signed acknowledgment from patients confirming they received their prescription. This acknowledgment, which demonstrates compliance with optometry regulations, must be retained for at least three years.
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Digital Prescription Delivery
Opticians can deliver prescriptions digitally through email or a secure patient portal if a patient provides affirmative consent. However, practitioners must document the patient’s consent and ensure the prescription is accessible and printable.
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Clarification of “Refractive Eye Examination”
The FTC has clarified the term “eye examination,” now explicitly referring to it as a “refractive eye examination.” The term’s focus on determining the refractive condition of a patient’s eyes intends to reduce prescription misunderstandings.
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These federal updates aim to balance protecting consumer rights and fostering fair competition in the optical market. Adhering to these new optometry regulations ensures compliance within your practice and reinforces transparency with your patients.
State-Specific Changes
While the federal government sets the foundation for optometry regulations, state laws – set by the state optometry board – can vary significantly. State-specific regulations may cover many topics, including scope of practice, licensing requirements, continuing education mandates, and patient privacy protections. These regulations can differ from state to state and year to year.
Billing and Coding Updates
As of January 1, 2025, optometry practices will see critical updates to Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, particularly about optical coherence tomography (OCT) procedures. These updates reflect advancements in diagnostic technology and the increasing integration of new imaging techniques into routine care.
Revisions to Existing Codes
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- CPT 92132
Updated to include OCT for the anterior segment of the eye. - CPT 92133
Updated to include OCT for the optic nerve. - CPT 92134
Updated to include OCT for the retina. - Introduction of New Code
A new code – CPT 92137 – describes computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging of the retina, specifically including OCT angiography. This code requires both traditional OCT and OCT angiography to be performed and interpreted on the same day.
- CPT 92132
These CPT updates reflect the rapid technological advancements within optometry, particularly in diagnostic imaging. To stay compliant and ensure proper billing, you will need to update practice software systems with the new codes and descriptors. Additionally, incorporating OCT angiography into your diagnostic procedures may require new equipment or software to capture and analyze the data and the proper training to handle the expanded scope of testing.
Implementation Strategies for 2025 Regulatory Changes
Successfully following the new optometry regulations requires thoughtful planning and clear communication. Here are some key strategies to ensure compliance while maintaining efficient workflows and a positive patient experience: