1. (a) If, after examining a patient, an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist believes that lenses are required to correct or remedy a defect or abnormal condition of vision, the optometrist or therapeutic optometrist shall:

   1. (1) inform the patient; and
   2. (2) provide the patient with a copy of the patient's spectacle prescription.

2. (b) The optometrist or therapeutic optometrist shall expressly indicate verbally or by other means that the patient has the following alternatives for the preparation of the lenses according to the prescription:

   1. (1) the optometrist or therapeutic optometrist will prepare or have the lenses prepared; or
   2. (2) the patient may have the prescription filled by a dispensing optician but should return for an optometrical examination of the lenses.
3. (c) This section does not require an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist to provide a prescription to a patient before the patient has paid the examination fee.
4. (d) Section 351.364(d) applies to this section.

Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.