Contact Lens Makers Push Law Requiring Online Sellers to Get Confirmation from Eye Docs

1-800-Contacts, Costco fight back with lobbyists.

Johnson & Johnson, Bausch & Lomb and other companies have formed a coalition to support legislation that would change how doctors authorize prescriptions, The Hill reports. According to the article, the companies argue that online sellers are letting consumers buy contacts in quantities or dates that are outside their prescription. The legislation, as such, would not allow sellers “to proceed with a prescription until they receive confirmation from the prescriber by phone, fax or email within eight business hours, should the prescriber have any concerns.”

The article adds that another group which includes 1-800-Contacts, Costco and other companies have formed their own coalition to oppose the legislation. Those companies say the concerns raised by manufacturers and optometrists are unfounded. Both sides are now ramping up for an all-out lobbying war.

Read more at The Hill