Congress enacted the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act in 2003, imposing new prescription release and verification requirements on prescribers and sellers of contact lenses. In July 2004, the Commission issued the Contact Lens Rule to implement the act.

To help consumers and businesses, the FTC staff has taken three steps relating to the Contact Lens and Eyeglass Rules: they sent warning letters to more than 25 contact lens prescribers and sellers who have been accused of violating the act, released a consumer education pamphlet titled "The Eyes Have It - Get Your Prescription, " and released a business education pamphlet titled "The Contact Lens Rule: a Guide for Prescribers and Sellers."

The FTC staff also has issued Frequently Asked Questions about the Rule, along with answers to those questions. The business education materials and the FAQs explain the obligation of prescribers and sellers under the Rule.