I don't think that you will find a law in any state that requires eye
exams for adults. Many states have laws that require exams for school
children. However, eye exams are "recommended" for adults:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/preparing.htm
You may be surprised to know that there is no universal standard for
the frequency of eye exams. Recommendations differ among individual
eye doctors, as well as among the various professional associations
(American Optometric Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology,
etc.).
Those who advocate annual exams instead of less frequent ones do so
because eyes can change very quickly, in ways that only an eye doctor
may detect. And the earlier an eye condition is caught, the earlier
treatment can begin.
All of these groups agree on this: everyone needs regular,
comprehensive eye exams. Don't rely on vision screenings, because they
are not complete. (Read about other problems with vision screenings.)
And don't let monetary considerations keep you from getting an exam.
Programs are available to help pay for eye care.
My eyeglass frames broke about 10 years ago while I was living in
Texas. I wanted to have my existing lenses put into new frames. It was
then that I found that only one optical center would make new glasses
for me without an exam. The person that ran the one center that would
make glasses for me without a new prescription explained how the
conspiracy works. The frame manufacturers change their frame designs
every few years so that old lenses will not fit the new frames. Thus
you are required to have new lenses. Since most vision centers will
not make new lenses without a current (less than 2 years old)
prescription, you are screwed. Of course this policy results in
selling many more eye exams and new lenses. I am certain that the
optical industry has the consumer's well being at the top of their
list and is completely unconcerned with the fact that it sells more
product (not really). This is my personal view and just goes along
with not wanting to be told by anyone how to live my life, even if it
is to my benefit. |
