FAQs

Q?

WHAT IS SEE CLEARLY, AMERICA ALL ABOUT?

A.

See Clearly, America is a movement to support America’s eye doctors—optometrists. We are committed to ensuring that doctors of optometry are able to more effectively provide the high-quality, comprehensive eye and vision care that Americans need.

We are doing that by reaching out to our state lawmakers to let them know that optometrists are ready, willing, and able to meet America’s eye needs—but that they can only accomplish that if state laws are updated to reflect the training, education and mastery of the most sophisticated procedures that optometrists possess.

America’s eye care needs are increasing. And no one is more equipped or better suited to meet these needs than doctors of optometry. See Clearly, America is working to help expand the services qualified optometrists can provide to ensure that more people get access to the quality vision care they need and allow optometrists to protect one of our most precious gifts—our gift of sight.

For more information about See Clearly, America, please visit our about us page.

Q?

What are the potential medical effects of bacteria on contact lenses?

A.

If contact lenses are not properly cared for, they are a perfect medium for bacterial growth. When bacteria begins to grow on a lens, the body sends white blood cells to fight it. This results in puss and swelling around the eye. Eventually this can break through the lens, which results in pain as well as potentially ulcers, corneal melting, and infiltrates. Scarring can then ensue.

Q?

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN LEGISLATION THAT AFFECTS EYE HEALTH?

A.

2016 legislative sessions began in early January in most states around the country and those states with goals of increasing access to and providing better quality vision care have been tirelessly working to advance legislation that will continue to help you See Clearly.

Unfortunately, quality vision care has been under attack in some states, by some online retailers who care more about profits than they do the eye health of patients around the country.

Stay tuned to this website for frequent updates on the legislative battles being waged around the country in the name of your eye health and vision care.

Q?

How does extending contact lens prescriptions increase risk for patients?

A.

Contact lenses are FDA regulated medical devices that can have serious complications, necessitating the need for annual visits to an eye care provider. There are significant dangers to patients which can result from misuse of contact lenses. These serious repercussions can cause obvious damage but some symptoms are not always evident. Waiting until a patient recognizes unusual symptoms can results in a range of vision impairment, and in some cases, permanent loss of vision.

Q?

What is Universal Pricing/Unilateral Pricing Policy (UPP)?

A.

Contact lens manufacturers that employ UPP set a minimum resale price without an agreement with resellers. It means they can refuse to sell to any reseller that sells below the announced price. UPP applies to all retailers, including optometric practices and online distributors.

Changes to UPP via  legislation are being championed by some online retailers, as they are looking for  flexibility in pricing for contact lenses that severely undermine the doctor patient relationship. While UPP does apply to other types of products, this particular legislation only applies to the UPP for contact lenses.

Q?

How would repealing Universal Pricing Increase Risk for Patients?

A.

The dangers of rolling back/repealing UPP can be seen when the critical face-to-face visits between the doctor and patient are mitigated for the sake of higher profit margins by some online retailers. Contact lenses are complex FDA federally regulated medical devices that do not have a generic equivalent. Therefore, it is crucial for contact lens users to see an optometrist annually. The use of contacts without an annual appointment with an eye care provider can result in a range of vision impairments, and in some cases, permanent loss of vision.