Apr 3, 2008

THE EYE MAN: Doctor's recommended exam is not a nuisance

Andrew Soss / Daily News columnist

Dr. Soss: I called up my eye doctor recently and asked for a copy of my eyeglass prescription so that I could get some new glasses. He told me that it had been about 2 to 3 years since my last exam, so my prescription wasn't valid anymore. I told him that I would come in and get an exam soon, but I wanted to just get some new eyeglasses now. The long and the short of it is that he wouldn't give me my prescription and said that I had to get my eyes examined. I don't have any other problems with my eyes, and I see well. So what's the big deal? Why can't he just give me what I want?
-- G.H.



G.H.: Your situation is quite common. It may seem like no big deal to you, but there are a number of factors that complicate this scenario. First and foremost, it is important to understand that actions and laws that pertain to the release of information such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, other medical devices or pharmaceutical prescriptions are for the protection of you, the consumer. We as eye doctors are privy to information about eyes, eye health and your general health, which helps us to provide you with the best possible advice related to when it is appropriate to validate prescriptions. This may be based upon the length of time since your last examination; the nature, type or strength of your prescription; eye health or significant family history, related information, etc.

I know that it seems so simple to release and validate this information. But there are also other factors that you are perhaps unaware of. California state laws pertain to a great deal of the concerns you have. It is very clear that these laws exist for the sole purpose of protecting consumers and their rights. However, even these strict laws have some flexibility associated with the recognition that the eye doctors are the most qualified individuals to advise when it is appropriate to validate prescriptive information.

Just imagine if laypersons made the decision to validate their own prescriptions without the complete authorization of their doctor. The least important problem with this would be that the patient would probably not have their ideal vision. I say least important because the most dangerous problem is that patients would not have the health of their eyes examined. Therefore, many eye and general health issues would go unnoticed until a more serious complication appeared in a late hard-to-treat or impossible-to-treat stage.

Please do yourself a favor and take the advice of your eye doctor. Have your eyes examined regularly in accordance to the schedule your eye doctor recommends for you.

If the end justifies the means, it is clearly worth the effort. With respect to insurance coverage, you as a consumer can talk or write to your legislators explaining your frustrations. Only then can a change be made.

All answers and opinions are those of Dr. Soss and not necessarily shared, endorsed or affiliated with this newspaper.

Dr. Andrew C. Soss has been practicing for more than 20 years. During that time he has been a clinical instructor in the deptartment of ocular pathology at the University of California. He is a primary eye care provider in private practice in Burlingame, and he is also board certified in the diagnosis, treatment and management of primary open angle glaucoma.