Under the Texas Optometry Act, §1.02(3)(a), the practice of optometry and therapeutic optometry includes prescribing lenses or prisms, and an ophthalmic dispenser is charged to fill such prescription in accordance with the specific directions of a written prescription signed by a licensed physician, optometrist, or therapeutic optometrist. It is the interpretation of the board that the prescribing optometrist or therapeutic optometrist has the authority to specify any and all parameters of an optical prescription for the therapeutic and visual health and welfare of a patient, but the prescription shall not contain restrictions limiting the parameters to private labels not available to the optical industry as a whole. The specifications of the prescription may not be altered without the consent of the prescribing doctor.

Source Note:The provisions of this §279.12 adopted to be effective June 6, 1991, 16 TexReg 2875; amended to be effective September 10, 1993, 18 TexReg 5745.