1-800 Contacts’ patient data gathering ceases after AOA alerts FTC
In the aftermath of AOA direct communications with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 1-800-Contacts has discontinued use of a potentially deceptive pre-checked box located at the bottom line of the company’s contact lens order form that indicated authorization to act as the patient’s agent in obtaining a complete copy of the patient’s prescription. AOA maintained this pre-checked box put doctors of optometry in a difficult position in responding to retailers when many consumers were unaware 1-800-Contacts sought to act as their agent, and removal of the pre-checked box restores an important measure of control over prescription information to patients. In response to doctors of optometry reporting a significant increase in requests from 1-800-Contacts to obtain patients’ complete prescriptions as opposed to common prescription verification requests, AOA met with FTC representatives and a follow-up letter was sent to FTC (member login required) by AOA President Steven A. Loomis, OD. Subsequently, the FTC notified AOA that the agency was investigating the issue. Consequently, as of September 22, the 1-800 Contacts website was updated to reflect concerns of AOA and its members, including:
Click here to read more about Dr. Loomis’ letter to FTC and how it resulted in changes. |