Section 5.14. Disclosure.

 

(1)  An optometrist shall provide to any patient receiving extended-wear contact lenses a separate, written disclosure in not less than 12 point type, which includes the following language: “As with any drug or device, the use of extended-wear contact lenses is not without risk. A small, but significant, percentage of individuals wearing extended-wear lenses develop potentially serious complications which can lead to permanent eye damage. If you have any unexplained eye pain or redness, watering of the eye or discharge, cloudy or foggy vision, decrease in vision or sensitivity to light, remove your lenses and make arrangements to see your eye-care professional before wearing your lenses again. Regular inspection by a licensed eye-care professional is important to evaluate your eyes' tolerance of extended wear lenses.”

(2)  The disclosure shall in addition indicate that a regular schedule of cleaning and disinfection is necessary and indicate a recommended schedule of follow-up appointments for evaluation of adaptation to contact lens wear.

(3)  Information about replacement lenses, service agreements, warranties, refunds and other business items should not be part of the required disclosure. Instructions for proper lens care and recommended solutions should also be distributed separately.

(4)  The disclosure shall be signed by the patient prior to the patient's receipt of the lenses. If the patient is a minor or incompetent, the patient's parent or legal guardian shall sign the disclosure. The patient or the patient's parent or legal guardian, if the patient is a minor or incompetent, shall be given a copy of the disclosure, and a signed copy of the disclosure shall be placed in the patient record of the individual for whom the lenses are dispensed.

(5)  An optometrist may dispense replacement extended-wear lenses without providing the written disclosure required in sub. (1) , if the patient for whom the lenses are dispensed already has a signed disclosure form in his or her patient file.

History: Emerg. cr. eff. 12-17-85; cr. Register, June, 1986, No. 366 , eff. 7-1-86; renum. Register, March, 1989, No. 399 , eff. 4-1-89; am. (4), Register, September, 1997, No. 501 , eff. 10-1-97; CR 15-078 : am. (1) Register December 2016 No. 732 , eff. 1-1-17 .