This Guidance does not change what you must do under the law.

Unregistered persons must not sell prescription spectacles to children aged under 16 and patients who are registered as sight impaired or severely sight impaired, unless the sale is supervised by a registered practitioner¹¹⁶. See sections on Supervising the sale and supply of spectacles and Working with colleagues. 

All spectacles or other optical appliances should be sold and supplied by, or under the supervision of, an optometrist or dispensing optician, even if an unregistered person could legally complete the sale without supervision. You should decide what is in the best interests of the patient. 

When selling and supplying spectacles to a patient you must ensure that patients or their carers have all the information they need to safely use or look after them¹¹⁷. 

You should:

1. clearly explain to the patient the purpose and function of the spectacles
2. ensure the spectacles are suitable for the patient’s needs
3. take and record facial, frame and other appropriate measurements before ordering the spectacles
4. check that the spectacles are CE marked and conform to the relevant standards¹¹⁸
5. check that the spectacles correspond to the written prescription or sight test record
6. fit the spectacles to ensure the correct plane, height and position
7. check the spectacles on the patient for fit, comfort and function, making any adjustments before the patient takes them away
8. check against a letter chart or equivalent, where appropriate, to ensure the correct acuity.

You may make up spectacles without a prescription, for example by duplicating an existing pair of spectacles, if you feel this is in the patient’s best interests.

You must make arrangements for the patient to receive aftercare as far as, and for as long as, is reasonable.¹¹⁹

You may delegate the sale and supply of spectacles but you remain responsible for the whole process.

You must be on the premises when you are supervising the sale of spectacles to someone in a restricted group (that is, patients under 16 or who are registered as visually impaired) at key stages of the sale.¹²⁰  

If you are supervising someone undertaking the sale of spectacles to a patient you should ensure they have taken the steps listed in paragraph A321.

If you work in a team, it should be clear, on a daily basis, which professional is responsible for the supervision of sale and supply. The practice should ensure that supervisors are in a position to fulfil their supervisory role. 

Unregistered persons must not dispense prescriptions that are more than two years old.¹²¹

You may sell and supply spectacles to a prescription that is more than two years old.

If you decide to make up spectacles for a patient who has not had a recent eye examination you should: 

1. only do this in exceptional circumstances
2. act in the best interests of the patient.

You should not sell or supply spectacles without ensuring that: 

1. the patient’s measurements and visual needs have been assessed and verified
2. any optical appliance you supply meets these measurements and needs.

You should ensure that adjustments and minor repairs can be made to the spectacles.  

You must make arrangements for aftercare.

Patients have a right to have their prescriptions dispensed where they choose. You may advise your patients of the potential difficulties of separate prescribing and dispensing, particularly if they have a complicated prescription or lens form. The College has a suggested form of words which members may wish to use on their prescriptions. If you wish to use this, -please use the statement in its entirety, rather than selected phrases:

'You have a right to have your prescription dispensed wherever you choose. However, as prescribing and dispensing of spectacles are closely linked it is best 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.'

If you receive a prescription for dispensing from another practitioner and there is an anomaly or a complaint of non-tolerance after dispensing, you should, with the patient’s consent, contact the prescribing practitioner. You should agree a course of action with them and the patient. 

If you sell and supply a pair of ready-made reading spectacles, you must satisfy yourself that they are suitable for the patient’s needs.¹²²

You can only sell and supply prescription sports eyewear under the same conditions as other optical appliances.

If you assemble spectacles, you must register with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).¹²³ This applies to: 

1. practices that carry out their own glazing
2. practices where the frame is traced and lenses edged remotely, prior to assembly in the practice
3. new products and does not relate to reglazing patients’ own frames.