(a) Except as provided in the Nonresident Ophthalmic Lens Dispenser Registration Act (Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 2564.70)), the right to dispense, sell, or furnish prescription ophthalmic devices at retail or to the person named in a prescription is limited exclusively to licensed physicians and surgeons, licensed optometrists, and registered dispensing opticians as provided in this division. This section shall not be construed to affect licensing requirements pursuant to § 111615 of the Health and Safety Code.

(b) It shall be considered a deceptive marketing practice for:

Terms Used In California Business and Professions Code 2543

(1) Any physician and surgeon, optometrist, or registered dispensing optician to publish or cause to be published any advertisement or sales presentation relating to contact lenses that represents that contact lenses may be obtained without confirmation of a valid prescription.

(2) Any individual or entity who offers for sale plano contact lenses, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 2541, to represent by any means that those lenses may be lawfully obtained without an eye examination or confirmation of a valid prescription, or may be dispensed or furnished to a purchaser without complying with the requirements of Section 2562, except as provided in Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 2564.70).

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 22. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)