Iowa Code Title IV. Public Health [Chs. 123-158] § 147.109. Ophthalmic spectacle lens prescribing and dispensing

1. A person shall not dispense or adapt an ophthalmic spectacle lens or lenses without first receiving authorization to do so by a written, electronic, or facsimile prescription from a person licensed under chapter 148 or 154. For the purpose of this section, “ophthalmic spectacle lens” means one which has been fabricated to fill the requirements of a particular spectacle lens prescription. The board of optometry shall adopt rules relating to electronic or facsimile transmission of a prescription under this section.

2. Upon completion of an eye examination, a person licensed under chapter 148 or 154 shall furnish the patient a copy of their ophthalmic spectacle lens prescription at no cost. The ophthalmic spectacle lens prescription shall contain an expiration date. The ophthalmic spectacle lens prescription shall contain the requirements of the ophthalmic spectacle lens and the prescription validation requirements as defined by rules adopted pursuant to this section. The prescription, at the option of the prescriber, may contain adapting and material guidelines and may also contain specific instructions for use by the patient.

3. Upon request of a patient, a person licensed under chapter 148 or 154 shall provide the prescription of the patient, if the prescription has not expired, at no cost to another person licensed under chapter 148 or 154. The person licensed under chapter 148 or 154 shall accept the prescription and shall not require the patient to undergo an eye examination unless, due to observation or patient history, the licensee has reason to require an examination.

4. A dispenser shall maintain a file of a valid prescription for a period of two years.

5. Notwithstanding section 147.86, a person who violates this section is guilty of a simple misdemeanor for a first violation. Subsequent violations are governed by section 147.86.