Contact lenses · Practice playbook
Annual Supply and In-Office Capture keep the reorder that follows every fitting.
The contact lens fitting is where the year's revenue is decided. Practices that quote an annual supply with the rebate already applied, release the prescription cleanly and catch the online reorder keep far more of their patients' lens spend.
Quick answer
Quote the year, not the box.
Present the annual supply with the manufacturer rebate shown as the net price, order it before the patient leaves, and make sure any later online order can still find your practice.
Key takeaways
- Manufacturer rebates are generally tied to annual supply quantities.
- ACUVUE Rewards, for example, are valid on in-office purchases, select retail and ACUVUE Shop, not most other internet purchases.
- The FTC requires you to release the prescription after the fitting, without requiring a purchase.
- Eligible online orders through Vision Rescue route to the prescribing practice, which receives 90% of the patient payment.
- Contact lenses are excluded from the 15% participation credit.
A five-step capture routine.
Run it the same way at every contact lens visit.
Finalize the Rx at the visit
Trial and follow-up done, release the written prescription as the FTC requires.
Quote the annual supply
Show the box count for a year, the rebate and the net cost side by side.
Order before they leave
Ship to home or hold for pickup; file the rebate paperwork with the patient.
Catch the online reorder
Activate the Vision Rescue contact lens program so eligible online orders route back to you.
Stock the care kit
Solutions, cases and rewetting drops go home with reusable-lens wearers or ship through RescueLink.
Rules that shape the sale.
Federal requirements and program terms to build into your scripts.
| Topic | What applies | Practice tip |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription release | Give the patient a copy at the end of the fitting, even unasked | Hand it over with the annual supply quote |
| No conditions | You cannot require a purchase, extra fee or waiver for the Rx | Sell on service and price, not access |
| Confirmation | Practices that sell lenses must get confirmation of release and keep it 3 years | Use a signed or digital acknowledgment |
| Expiration | At least one year unless a documented medical reason supports less | Schedule the next exam before expiry |
| Seller verification | No reply within 8 business hours verifies the Rx | Assign one person to answer requests daily |
| Manufacturer rebates | Set by each manufacturer, often by supply size and new versus existing wearer | Check current values every half year |
Lead with the net annual price after the rebate. Patients compare that number to online prices, and in-office purchase is often what qualifies them for the rebate in the first place.
Frequently asked questions
Can I require patients to buy lenses from us?
No. The FTC Contact Lens Rule bars conditioning the prescription on a purchase, fee or waiver.
Do online purchases qualify for ACUVUE rebates?
According to the program terms, rewards are valid on in-office purchases, select retail locations and ACUVUE Shop, not most other internet purchases.
What happens when a patient orders online anyway?
Through the Vision Rescue contact lens program, eligible orders are matched to the prescribing practice and 90% of the patient payment goes to that practice.
Do contact lens orders earn the participation credit?
No. Contact lenses and Rx are excluded. Care products sent through RescueLink can earn the 15% participation credit.
How do I keep patients coming back yearly?
Book the next exam before the prescription expires and remind patients when their supply runs low.
References
- US FTC. The Contact Lens Rule: a guide for prescribers and sellers. FTC
- MyACUVUE Rewards program terms. ACUVUE
- Vision Rescue. The economics in full. Vision Rescue Pro
About this guide
Written for licensed eye care practices by the Vision Rescue team. Questions: providers@visionrescue.com or 1-855-692-8024.
Important notes and disclosures
Rebate values and rules belong to each manufacturer and change during the year. This is operational guidance, not legal advice; follow the FTC Contact Lens Rule and your state's laws.
Capture the year at the fitting.
Quote the annual supply, release the prescription, and let eligible online orders route back to you.