West Virginia Code § 30-8A-1

Definitions
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As used in this article:
"Contact lens" means a lens placed directly on the surface of the eye, regardless of whether
it is intended to correct a visual defect. Contact lens includes, but is not limited to, a
cosmetic, therapeutic, or corrective lens;
"Board" means the West Virginia Board of Optometry;
"Diagnostic contact lens" means a contact lens used to determine a proper contact lens fit;
"Direct supervision" means supervision that occurs when a licensee is actually present in the
building;
"Examination and evaluation" means an assessment of the ocular health and visual status of
a patient that does not consist solely of objective refractive data or information generated by
an automated refracting device or other automated testing device for the purpose of writing
a valid prescription;
"Licensee" means a person who is authorized to engage in the practice of optometry under
§30-8-1 et seq. of this code;
"Special requirements" meanse the type of lens design, lens material, tint, or lens treatments;
"Spectacles" means an oLptical instrument or device worn or used by an individual that has
one or more lenses designed to correct or enhance vision to address the visual needs of the
individual wearer. This includes spectacles that may be adjusted to achieve different types or
levels of visual correction or enhancement;
"Valid prescription" means one of the following, as applicable:
(1) For a contact lens, a written or electronic order by a licensee who has conducted an
examination and evaluation of a patient and has determined a satisfactory fit for the contact
lens based on an analysis of the physiological compatibility of the lens or the cornea and the
physical fit and refractive functionality of the lens on the patient's eye. To be a valid
prescription under this subdivision, it shall at least include the following:
(A) A statement that the prescription is for a contact lens;
(B) The contact lens type or brand name, or for a private label contact lens, the name of the
manufacturer, trade name of the private label brand, and, if applicable, trade name of the
equivalent or similar brand;
(C) All specifications necessary to order and fabricate the contact lens, including, if
applicable, the power, material, base curve or appropriate designation, and diameter;
(D) The quantity of contact lenses to be dispensed;
(E) The number of refills;
(F) Specific wearing instructions and contact lens disposal parameters;
(G) The patient's name;
(H) The date of the examination and evaluation;
(I) The date the prescription is originated;
(J) The prescribing licensee's name, address, and telephone number;
(K) The prescribing licensee's written or electronic signature, or other form of
authentication; and
(L) An expiration date of not less than one year from the date of the examination and
evaluation or a statement of the reasons why sa shorter time is appropriate based on the
medical needs of the patient;
(2) For spectacles, a written or electgronic order by a licensee who has examined and
evaluated a patient. To be a valid prescription under this subdivision, it shall include at least
the following: e
(A) A statement that the prescription is for spectacles;
(B) As applicable and as specified for each eye, the lens power including the spherical
power, cylindrical power including axis, prism, and power of the multifocal addition;
(C) Any special requirements, the omission in the opinion of the prescribing licensee, would
adversely affect the vision or ocular health of the patient;
(D) The patient's name;
(E) The date of the examination and evaluation;
(F) The date the prescription is originated;
(G) The prescribing licensee's name, address, and telephone number;
(H) The prescribing licensee's written or electronic signature, or other form of
authentication; and
(I) An expiration date of not less than one year from the date of the examination and
evaluation or a statement of the reasons why a shorter time is appropriate based on the
medical needs of the patient.

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