Legislation & Patient Rights

Your Right to Your Prescription & PD

Under federal and local laws, eye care providers have specific legal obligations when it comes to releasing spectacle prescriptions and measurements. Use this tool to check your rights in your state or province.

United States: The FTC Eyeglass Rule

Federal Law (16 CFR Part 456)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) **Eyeglass Rule** requires prescribers to provide you with a copy of your eyeglass prescription **immediately** after an eye exam, even if you don't ask for it.

They **cannot** charge you an extra fee for releasing the prescription.
They **cannot** require you to buy glasses in order to receive it.
They **cannot** make you sign a waiver or disclaimer form.

**PD Exemption:** The federal rule does NOT require prescribers to include your Pupillary Distance (PD) on the prescription. That obligation is governed strictly by state-level laws.

Canada: Provincial Regulations

Provincial Health Standards

In Canada, eye care is governed provincially by colleges of optometry. Across all provinces, colleges mandate that optometrists release your spectacle prescription immediately after the exam.

You have a right to your prescription without paying an additional fee.
Under provincial health privacy laws (e.g., PHIPA in Ontario, HIA in Alberta), you have a legal right to access **all records** in your file.

**PD Exemption:** Several provinces (ON, AB, BC) mandate that if a PD has been measured and exists in your chart, it must be released upon request under health record laws.

Alabama

Alabama Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 630-X-12-.03

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Alabama mandates spectacle prescription release under federal FTC guidelines. However, there is no state-level statute or Board rule requiring the measurement or release of Pupillary Distance (PD). PD is legally classified as a dispensing measurement rather than a core clinical prescription parameter.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Alaska

Alaska Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Required

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Alaska Administrative Code Title 12, § 48.920

Pupillary Distance (PD)

12 AAC 48.920 (Minimum Spectacle Prescription)

Note: Alaska Board regulations explicitly define a complete spectacle prescription to include the 'designation of interpupillary distances' (PD). Therefore, the PD must be included on the written prescription and released to the patient immediately following the eye exam at no additional cost.

Reference:12 AAC 48.920 (Minimum Spectacle Prescription)

Arizona

Arizona State Board of Optometry

PD: On File Only

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Arizona Revised Statutes § 32-1701 et seq.

Pupillary Distance (PD)

A.R.S. § 12-2292 (Patient Right to Medical Records)

Note: Arizona previously required PD on prescriptions under Board rules, but this was repealed in 2016. However, under A.R.S. § 12-2292, patients have a legal right to inspect and obtain copies of all medical records. If the PD is measured and recorded in the patient chart, it must be released upon request.

Reference:A.R.S. § 12-2292 (Patient Right to Medical Records)

Arkansas

Arkansas State Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Arkansas Code Annotated § 17-90-101

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Prescription release is required immediately post-exam under federal rules. The Arkansas Optometry Board does not define PD as part of the minimum prescription requirements. Opticians are permitted to measure PD during dispensing, but prescribers are not forced to measure or release it.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

California

California State Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); California Business and Professions Code § 3020

Pupillary Distance (PD)

CA B&P Code § 3020 (Exclusion)

Note: California law strictly mandates that spectacle prescriptions be released immediately, but the State Board of Optometry excludes PD from the required elements of an ophthalmic lens prescription. PD is categorized as a dispensing measurement; offices may charge a separate fee to measure it.

Reference:CA B&P Code § 3020 (Exclusion)

Colorado

Colorado Optometric Board

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); 3 CCR 713-1 (Board Rules)

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Spectacle prescriptions must be released immediately at no extra charge. PD is not required on the prescription and is considered a dispensing element. Providers are not legally required to measure or release it unless they are dispensing the eyewear.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Connecticut

Connecticut Board of Examiners for Optometrists

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Connecticut General Statutes § 20-133a

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Federal FTC rules govern spectacle prescription release. There is no Connecticut state-specific statute or Board rule requiring the measurement or release of PD. Patients must obtain the measurement from the dispensing optician or pay a separate fee if the optometrist offers standalone measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Delaware

Delaware Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); 24 Del. C. § 2111

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Prescription release is required immediately following the exam under federal law. Delaware state statutes and Board regulations do not mandate the inclusion of PD on a spectacle prescription, treating it as a fitting/dispensing measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Florida

Florida Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Florida Statutes § 463.012

Pupillary Distance (PD)

Florida Administrative Code Rule 64B13-3.003 (Exclusion)

Note: Florida Statutes require immediate release of spectacle prescriptions. However, the Board’s minimum prescription requirements (Rule 64B13-3.003) do not include PD. Ophthalmic dispensers are authorized to measure PD, and prescribers may charge a fee to measure or release it.

Reference:Florida Administrative Code Rule 64B13-3.003 (Exclusion)

Georgia

Georgia State Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 43-30-1

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Georgia law enforces the release of prescriptions immediately following the exam. PD is not mandated under Georgia optometry board rules and is left as a dispensing service detail.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Hawaii

Hawaii Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 459

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Federal FTC rules govern Hawaiian spectacle prescription release. There is no state statute requiring the measurement or release of PD; Hawaii categorizes PD as a dispensing-only measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Idaho

Idaho Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Idaho Code § 54-1501 et seq.

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Idaho optometrists must release prescriptions immediately post-refraction. No state regulation requires the measurement or release of PD on the prescription document.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Illinois

Illinois Optometric Licensing and Disciplinary Board

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Illinois Optometric Practice Act, 225 ILCS 80/

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Under state practice guidelines and federal law, spectacle prescriptions must be released immediately. Illinois does not require PD on the prescription. Under general records access rules, if a PD is in the patient chart, it may be requested, but there is no specific optometric mandate.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Indiana

Indiana Optometry Board

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Indiana Code § 25-24-1

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Spectacle prescriptions must be released to the patient post-exam. PD is not part of the mandatory elements of the spectacle prescription under Indiana rules, and is classified as a dispensing service measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Iowa

Iowa Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Iowa Code Chapter 154

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Optometrists must release prescriptions immediately at no extra fee. Iowa Board rules do not mandate PD on prescriptions, leaving it as a voluntary service or dispensing detail.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Kansas

Kansas Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Required

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); K.A.R. 65-8-4

Pupillary Distance (PD)

Kansas Administrative Regulation K.A.R. 65-8-4 (Spectacle Prescription Content)

Note: Kansas law strictly protects the patient's right to their PD. Under K.A.R. 65-8-4, any prescription issued for spectacle lenses must include the far and near interpupillary distance (PD). Thus, providers must measure and write the PD on the prescription document at no additional charge.

Reference:Kansas Administrative Regulation K.A.R. 65-8-4 (Spectacle Prescription Content)

Kentucky

Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 320

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Kentucky rules enforce the immediate release of spectacle prescriptions. PD is not categorized as a required clinical prescription element and is not mandated for release.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Louisiana

Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Louisiana Revised Statutes (LSA-R.S.) 37:1041 et seq.

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Spectacle prescriptions must be released. Louisiana optometry regulations do not list PD as a minimum prescription requirement, classifying it as a dispensing measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Maine

Maine Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); 32 Maine Revised Statutes (M.R.S.) Chapter 34-A

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Prescription release is required immediately post-exam under federal law. Maine state laws do not mandate the measurement or release of PD, classifying it as an optician's dispensing detail.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Maryland

Maryland Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Maryland Health Occupations Code § 11-101 et seq.

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Prescriptions must be released. Under Maryland optometry regulations, PD is not defined as a required element of the spectacle prescription.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Optometry

PD: Required

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); 246 CMR 3.02(2)(g)

Pupillary Distance (PD)

Code of Massachusetts Regulations 246 CMR 3.02(2)(g) (Release upon request)

Note: Massachusetts is highly patient-friendly. Under 246 CMR 3.02(2)(g), a licensed optometrist must provide the patient's pupillary distance (PD) to the patient upon request, after the completion of the examination. While it doesn't have to be automatically written on the Rx unless requested, it must be provided on request at no additional charge.

Reference:Code of Massachusetts Regulations 246 CMR 3.02(2)(g) (Release upon request)

Michigan

Michigan Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Michigan Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978)

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Spectacle prescriptions must be released immediately. Michigan does not require the inclusion of PD, categorizing it as a dispensing measurement left to the optical shop.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Minnesota

Minnesota Board of Optometry

PD: On File Only

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Minnesota Statutes § 148.52 et seq.

Pupillary Distance (PD)

Minnesota Statutes § 144.292 (Minnesota Health Records Act)

Note: Minnesota does not mandate PD on spectacle prescriptions. However, under the Minnesota Health Records Act (Minnesota Statutes § 144.292), a patient has a right to access all clinical data and records. If the PD has been measured and recorded in the patient chart, it must be provided upon request.

Reference:Minnesota Statutes § 144.292 (Minnesota Health Records Act)

Mississippi

Mississippi State Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Mississippi Code § 73-19-1 et seq.

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Federal FTC rules govern prescription release in Mississippi. The state board does not require PD on the prescription document; it is classified as a fitting/dispensing measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Missouri

Missouri Advisory Commission for Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Chapter 336

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Prescription release is required immediately post-exam under federal law. Missouri optometry laws do not require the measurement or release of PD, leaving it as a dispensing-level measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Montana

Montana Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Title 37, Chapter 10

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Optometrists must release prescriptions immediately post-exam. No Montana state regulation requires the measurement or release of PD on the prescription.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Nebraska

Nebraska Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Nebraska Revised Statutes § 38-2601

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Federal FTC rules govern spectacle prescription release. There is no Nebraska state-specific law requiring PD to be measured or provided as part of the prescription.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Nevada

Nevada State Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 636

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Nevada law mandates spectacle prescription release post-exam. PD is not categorized as a required component of a written prescription under Nevada Board rules, and is classified as a dispensing measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Board of Optometry

PD: Required

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) Chapter 327

Pupillary Distance (PD)

New Hampshire RSA 327-A:2-a (Availability of Pupillary Distance)

Note: New Hampshire law specifically mandates the release of PD. Under RSA 327-A:2-a (effective January 1, 2023), the pupillary distance measurement, if taken within the previous 24 months, shall be made available to the wearer upon request. While dispensers are allowed to charge for dispensing services, they cannot withhold the measurement if on file.

Reference:New Hampshire RSA 327-A:2-a (Availability of Pupillary Distance)

New Jersey

New Jersey State Board of Optometrists

PD: On File Only

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.) 13:38-2.1

Pupillary Distance (PD)

N.J.A.C. 13:38-2.2 (Release of Patient Records)

Note: New Jersey does not require PD on written spectacle prescriptions. However, under N.J.A.C. 13:38-2.2 and 13:38-2.3, licensees must release copies of all patient records (including clinical measurements) to the patient or an authorized representative. If the PD is on file/measured, it must be released.

Reference:N.J.A.C. 13:38-2.2 (Release of Patient Records)

New Mexico

New Mexico Board of Optometry

PD: Required

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); NMSA 1978 § 61-2-10.3

Pupillary Distance (PD)

New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) 1978 § 61-2-10.3 (Spectacle Prescription Requirements)

Note: New Mexico law mandates the inclusion of PD. Under NMSA 1978 § 61-2-10.3, a spectacle prescription must include the 'designation of pupillary distance' (PD). Prescribers must automatically write the PD on the prescription document immediately following the eye exam at no additional cost.

Reference:New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) 1978 § 61-2-10.3 (Spectacle Prescription Requirements)

New York

New York State Board for Optometry

PD: On File Only

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); New York Education Law § 7101 et seq.

Pupillary Distance (PD)

New York Public Health Law § 18 (Access to Patient Information)

Note: New York does not mandate the inclusion of PD on a spectacle prescription, treating it as a dispensing measurement. However, under NY Public Health Law § 18, patients have a right to inspect and obtain copies of all medical records. If the PD is measured and documented in the patient record, the provider must release it upon request.

Reference:New York Public Health Law § 18 (Access to Patient Information)

North Carolina

North Carolina State Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 90, Article 4

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Prescriptions must be released immediately after the refractive exam. PD is not defined as a required element of a spectacle prescription under North Carolina rules and is classified as a dispensing measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

North Dakota

North Dakota State Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); North Dakota Century Code Chapter 43-13

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Federal FTC rules govern prescription release. North Dakota state laws do not mandate the measurement or release of PD, classifying it as a dispensing element left to the optical shop.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Ohio

Ohio Vision Professionals Board

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 4725

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Ohio law enforces the immediate release of spectacle prescriptions. PD is not listed as a required component of a spectacle prescription under Board rules, and is classified as a dispensing measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); 59 Oklahoma Statutes (O.S.) § 581 et seq.

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Federal FTC rules govern prescription release in Oklahoma. There is no state-specific statute or Board rule requiring the measurement or release of PD.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Oregon

Oregon Board of Optometry

PD: On File Only

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 852

Pupillary Distance (PD)

Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) § 192.518 et seq. (Health Record Access)

Note: Under OAR 852-020-0029, PD is not a required component of an Oregon eyeglass prescription. However, under Oregon medical record access laws (ORS § 192.518 et seq.), patients have a right to obtain copies of all patient records. If the PD is measured and recorded, it must be provided upon request.

Reference:Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) § 192.518 et seq. (Health Record Access)

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); 49 Pennsylvania Code Chapter 23

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Optometrists must release prescriptions immediately following the exam. Pennsylvania rules do not require PD on the prescription document; it is classified as a fitting/dispensing measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL) Chapter 5-35.1

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Prescription release is required immediately post-exam. Rhode Island state laws do not mandate the measurement or release of PD, classifying it as an optician's dispensing detail.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

South Carolina

South Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 95

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Federal FTC rules govern prescription release. South Carolina Board rules do not mandate PD on prescriptions, leaving it as a voluntary service or dispensing detail.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

South Dakota

South Dakota Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); South Dakota Codified Laws Chapter 36-7

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Prescriptions must be released immediately. South Dakota does not require the inclusion of PD, categorizing it as a dispensing measurement left to the optical shop.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Tennessee

Tennessee Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Title 63, Chapter 8

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Tennessee law enforces the immediate release of spectacle prescriptions. PD is not listed as a required component of a spectacle prescription under Tennessee Board rules, and is classified as a dispensing measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Texas

Texas Optometry Board

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Texas Optometry Act, TOC Chapter 351

Pupillary Distance (PD)

Texas Administrative Code Title 22, Part 14, Chapter 279 (Exclusion)

Note: The Texas Optometry Board enforces spectacle prescription release, but PD is not defined as a required element of a spectacle prescription under Texas Administrative Code Chapter 279. It is classified as a dispensing measurement; providers can charge a fee or refuse to measure if not dispensing.

Reference:Texas Administrative Code Title 22, Part 14, Chapter 279 (Exclusion)

Utah

Utah Optometrist Licensing Board

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 16a

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Prescriptions must be released immediately post-exam under federal rules. Utah laws do not require the measurement or release of PD on the prescription.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Vermont

Vermont Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); 26 Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.) Chapter 30

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Federal FTC rules govern prescription release. Vermont board regulations do not require PD on the prescription document; it is classified as a fitting/dispensing measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Virginia

Virginia Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Code of Virginia § 54.1-3200 et seq.

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Virginia law enforces the release of prescriptions immediately following the exam. PD is not mandated under Virginia optometry rules and is left as a dispensing service detail.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Washington

Washington State Optometry Board

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 18.195.050

Pupillary Distance (PD)

RCW 18.195.050 (Exclusion)

Note: Washington law (RCW 18.195.050) mandates immediate, automatic release of spectacle prescriptions after the exam, but the statute does not define the PD as a required component of a spectacle prescription. Standard federal laws apply, and PD remains a dispensing measurement.

Reference:RCW 18.195.050 (Exclusion)

West Virginia

West Virginia Board of Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); West Virginia Code Chapter 30, Article 8

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Prescription release is required immediately post-exam. West Virginia state laws do not mandate the measurement or release of PD, classifying it as an optician's dispensing detail.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Optometry Examining Board

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 449

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Spectacle prescriptions must be released immediately. Wisconsin does not require the inclusion of PD, categorizing it as a dispensing measurement left to the optical shop.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Wyoming

Wyoming Board of Examiners in Optometry

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

16 CFR Part 456 (FTC Eyeglass Rule); Wyoming Statutes § 33-23-101 et seq.

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No state-specific mandate)

Note: Federal FTC rules govern prescription release. Wyoming board regulations do not require PD on the prescription document; it is classified as a fitting/dispensing measurement.

Reference:16 CFR Part 456

Alberta

Alberta College of Optometrists

PD: On File Only

Prescription Release

ACO Standards of Practice (Spectacle Prescription Release)

Pupillary Distance (PD)

Alberta Health Information Act (HIA), RSA 2000, c H-5, § 7

Note: Under the Alberta College of Optometrists standards, a copy of the prescription must be provided immediately following the exam at no extra cost. While PD is not mandated to be on the prescription, under Section 7 of the Alberta Health Information Act (HIA), patients have a right of access to all health records in their chart. If a PD is measured and recorded, it must be released upon request.

Reference:Alberta Health Information Act (HIA), RSA 2000, c H-5, § 7

British Columbia

College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) - Optometrists

PD: Required

Prescription Release

CHCPBC Optometrists Bylaws & Standards of Practice

Pupillary Distance (PD)

CHCPBC Optometrists Bylaws § 5.2 (Prescription Standards)

Note: British Columbia is highly patient-friendly. The College standards of practice require that the optometrist must measure and include the pupillary distance (PD) on all spectacle prescriptions at no additional charge. This measurement is considered an integral part of the clinical refraction process under BC regulatory bylaws.

Reference:CHCPBC Optometrists Bylaws § 5.2 (Prescription Standards)

Manitoba

Manitoba Association of Optometrists

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

Manitoba Optometry Act, C.C.S.M. c. O70; Association Bylaws

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No province-specific mandate)

Note: Manitoba rules mandate the release of a copy of the spectacle prescription after an exam. There is no provincial mandate requiring the measurement or release of PD on the prescription document, treating it as a dispensing measurement.

Reference:Manitoba Optometry Act

New Brunswick

New Brunswick Association of Optometrists

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

New Brunswick Optometry Act; Association Standards

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No province-specific mandate)

Note: New Brunswick regulations require release of spectacle prescriptions immediately following the exam. No specific board rules or statutes require the measurement or release of PD.

Reference:New Brunswick Optometry Act

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador College of Optometrists

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

Newfoundland Optometry Act, 2004; College Regulations

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No province-specific mandate)

Note: Optometrists must release the spectacle prescription. The College rules do not include PD in the required spectacle prescription parameters, classifying it as a dispensing measurement.

Reference:Newfoundland and Labrador Optometry Act

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia College of Optometrists

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

Nova Scotia Optometry Act; College Guidelines

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No province-specific mandate)

Note: Nova Scotia rules require release of spectacle prescriptions immediately post-exam. PD is not mandated under provincial optometry guidelines, treating it as a dispensing element left to the optician.

Reference:Nova Scotia Optometry Act

Ontario

College of Optometrists of Ontario

PD: On File Only

Prescription Release

College of Optometrists of Ontario Professional Standards (Prescription Release)

Pupillary Distance (PD)

Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), 2004, S.O. 2004, c. 3, Sch. A, § 52

Note: Ontario guidelines mandate immediate release of eyeglass prescriptions after an eye exam at no additional cost. While PD is not mandated on the prescription itself, under Ontario's PHIPA § 52 and the College’s Spectacle Standard, if a PD has been measured and is documented in the patient chart, it must be provided upon request. Optometrists are not required to measure it for free if it hasn't been measured, but if it is on file, they must release it.

Reference:Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), 2004, S.O. 2004, c. 3, Sch. A, § 52

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island College of Optometrists

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

PEI Optometry Act; College Regulations

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No province-specific mandate)

Note: Spectacle prescriptions must be released to the patient. No PEI college regulations require the measurement or release of PD, classifying it as a dispensing-only measurement.

Reference:Prince Edward Island Optometry Act

Quebec

Ordre des optométristes du Québec

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

Code de déontologie des optométristes, R.L.Q. c. O-6, r. 17

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No province-specific mandate)

Note: The Quebec Code of Ethics of Optometrists mandates that a copy of the prescription must be provided immediately following the exam. There is no specific provincial mandate requiring the measurement or release of PD on the prescription document, treating it as a dispensing measurement.

Reference:Quebec Optometry Act

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists

PD: Not Mandated

Prescription Release

Saskatchewan Optometry Act, 1985; College Guidelines

Pupillary Distance (PD)

None (No province-specific mandate)

Note: Saskatchewan rules mandate that optometrists must release spectacle prescriptions immediately post-exam. PD is not defined as a required spectacle prescription element under Association guidelines.

Reference:Saskatchewan Optometry Act

What to Do If Your Eye Doctor Refuses to Release Your Prescription or PD

1Know the Federal Rules

Politely remind them of the **FTC Eyeglass Rule**. Say: *"Under federal law, my eyeglass prescription must be provided to me immediately after my exam without charging any extra fee or requiring me to buy frames."*

2Ask for Your Medical Chart Records

If you are in California, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Washington, or Canada (ON, AB, BC), your PD is legally mandated or required if on file. Say: *"Under state/provincial medical privacy laws, I have a right to a full copy of my patient record, including any PD measurements on file."*

3Find a PD-Friendly Provider

To avoid friction, choose practices that support transparency. Use our directory to find optometrists who commit to providing complete prescriptions with PD as part of their service.

Disclaimer: The legal information provided above is compiled for general educational purposes. Regulations change; check with your local state board or optometric college for the most up-to-date directives.

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