A new law says optometrists must give eye exams that meet community standards of care, with a recommended exam every 1 year, and lets them extend an eyeglass prescription to up to 2 years or shorten it based on the patient's risks and other factors.
Official title: optometrists; eye exams; prescriptions
- September 12, 2026
What changes
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NowAn optometrist must conduct an eye exam according to the standards of care common in the community, including a check of the patient's eye health and vision.
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NowThe law states a recommended eye exam interval of 1 year.
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NowAn optometrist may extend how long an eyeglass prescription stays valid to up to 2 years.
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NowAn optometrist may instead shorten how long an eyeglass prescription stays valid. Either choice is based on whether the patient falls into any risk category and on any medical or other factor tied to the patient.
Who it affects
- Patients who get eye exams or eyeglass prescriptions from optometrists
- Optometrists
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- How long an eyeglass prescription is valid if the optometrist does not extend or shorten it
- What the rules were before this law
- What counts as a "risk category" or other factor that can change how long a prescription lasts
- Whether patients are required to get an exam every year, or whether 1 year is only a recommendation for the optometrist
- Whether the law covers contact lens prescriptions
- How the law will be enforced or what happens if an optometrist does not follow it
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.