1. A. Power Tolerance for single vision and multifocal lenses (diopters).

   Sphere: Plano to ±6.50	± 0.13 diopter
   Stronger than ±-6.50	±2.0%
   Cylinder: Plano to -2.00	± 0.13 diopter
   > -2.00 to -4.50	± 0.15 diopter
   Greater than -4.50	±4.0%

2. B. Power tolerance for progressive addition lenses (diopters).

   Sphere: Plano to ±8.00	±0.16 diopter
   Stronger than ±8.00	±2.0%
   Cylinder: Plano to -2.00	±0.16 diopter
   > -2.00 to -3.50	±0.18 diopter
   Greater than -3.50	±5.0%

3. C. Cylinder axis.

   Cyl. Power Diopters	Degrees
   -0.12 to -0.25	±14°
   >-0.25 to -0.50	±7.0°
   >-0.50 to -0.75	±5.0°
   >-0.75 to -1.50	±3.0°
   Greater than -1.50	±2.0°

4. D. Prism reference point location and power tolerances. The prismatic power measured at the prism reference point should not exceed 1/3 prism diopters or the prism reference point shall not be more than 1.0 mm away from its specified position in any direction.

5. E. Prismatic imbalance tolerance in mounted single vision and multifocal eyewear.

   Refractive Power	Tolerance
   Plano to ±3.375D	No more than 0.33 prism diopters vertically
   Greater than ±3.375D	No more than 1.0 mm difference in height of PRP
   Plano to ±2.75D	No more than 0.67 prism diopters horizontally
   Greater than ±2.75D	No more than 2.5 mm from specified interpupillary distance

6. F. Prismatic imbalance tolerance in mounted progressive addition lens eyewear.

   Refractive Power	Tolerance
   Plano to ±3.375D	No more than 0.33 prism diopters vertically
   Greater than ±3.375D	No more than 1.0 mm difference in height of PRP
   Plano to ±3.375D	No more than 0.67 prism diopters horizontally
   Greater than ±3.375D	No more than 1.0 mm from specified monocular pupillary distance

7. G. Segment and fitting cross vertical location and segment tilt.

   Multifocals:	Tolerance
   Segment height for each lens	±-1.0 mm
   Difference between segments heights in mounted pair	±1.0 mm
   Progressive Addition Lenses:
   Fitting Cross height for each lens	±1.0 mm
   Difference between fitting cross heights in mounted pair	±1.0 mm
   Horizontal tilt for each lens using permanent reference markings	±2.0 degrees

8. H. Multifocal and Progressive Addition Lens Addition Power Tolerances.

   Nominal Value of Addition Power	0.00 to ±4.00D	+4.00D and above
   Tolerance on Addition Power	±0.12	±0.18

9. I. Base curve tolerance. When specified, the base curve should be supplied within ±0.75 diopter.
10. J. Center thickness tolerance. When specified, the center thickness should be within ±0.3 mm measured at the prism reference point of the convex surface.
11. K. Localized errors (aberration). Areas outside a 30mm diameter from the distance reference point or within 6mm from the edge need not be tested for local power errors or aberrations. Progressive addition lenses are exempt from this requirement.
12. L. Prescription dress eyewear impact resistance. All lenses must conform to the impact resistance requirements of 21 CFR 801.410.
13. M. Axis of polarization. The actual plan of transmittance shall be at 90 ± 3.0 degrees from the intended direction of horizontal orientation of polarization marking.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Former 18VAC100-20-85 derived from Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 9, eff. March 1, 2001; amended and renumbered as 18VAC80-30-120, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 23, eff. August 15, 2012; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 1, 2026.