As a patient you have a statutory right to take your prescription wherever you like for dispensing. You do not have to buy your spectacles or lenses from the same place you had your eyes examined. If a problem arises, however, it is often more difficult to resolve if you have separated prescribing and supply. In response to comments from our members we have designed the following statement that optometrists who are members of the College can put on their prescriptions, or use as part of a practice notice if they wish to alert patients to this problem:

“The prescribing and dispensing of spectacles are very closely linked and it would be in your best interests to have your spectacles dispensed where you have your eyes examined. It is often more difficult to resolve any problems you may have with your spectacles when prescribing and supply are separated.”

We considered issuing more detailed advice but felt that there was a risk that this may be perceived as an attempt by practitioners to evade their obligations to the patient.