Q: Is buying contact lenses online without a prescription legal in Wisconsin?
Is it legal to buy contact lenses online for personal use without a prescription?
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A:
In Wisconsin, purchasing contact lenses online without a valid prescription is not legal. Both federal and state laws require a current prescription from a licensed eye care provider for the sale of contact lenses, including cosmetic ones. This is to ensure that the lenses fit properly and do not harm your eyes. The Federal Trade Commission's Contact Lens Rule mandates that prescribers provide you with a copy of your prescription after your fitting, allowing you to purchase lenses from any seller you choose .
In Wisconsin, a contact lens prescription must include specific details such as the lens specifications, the prescriber's name and license number, the date of the prescription, its expiration date, and provisions for refills
. Typically, these prescriptions are valid for one year, unless your eye care provider determines a shorter period is medically necessary .
If you attempt to buy contact lenses online without providing a valid prescription, reputable sellers are required to verify your prescription with your eye care provider before completing the sale. Selling contact lenses without a valid prescription is illegal and can pose serious health risks. To protect your eye health and stay within the law, always ensure you have an up-to-date prescription when purchasing contact lenses.
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