Are eyeglass exam results considered medical records?

[thriftyM]

Since a doctor performs the eyeglass exam and documents the results,
are the results considered a medical record? If yes, wouldn't a
patient be entitled to view or copy the results, including the PD,
under the laws of probably most states?

[Tim Kynerd]

Actually, there is an FTC rule that says the doctor has to give you
your eye prescription.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt143.shtm

> --
> Check us out at the oft-updated http://glassyeyes.blogspot.com!
>
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GlassyEyes" group.
> To post to this group, send email to glass...@googlegroups.com
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to glassyeyes-...@googlegroups.com
> For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/glassyeyes?hl=en

--
People do not like to think. If one thinks, one must reach
conclusions. Conclusions are not always pleasant.
-- Helen Keller

[RedStickHam]

That is a good question. From what I've seen, PD technically isn't
part of the eye exam but a part of the glasses fitting, so the
prescription rules may not apply. In the U.S., it is kind of a gray
area it seems, at least in the U.S. Other countries, I have no idea.

There's a lot of information on how to get PD out there, I'm sure you
can find a way that will work for you. My biggest problem, along with
my wife's, is we both have very dark brown eyes, so it's hard to see
the pupils. Even so, I've managed to get a good measurement of mine
that has worked just fine.

I recently found this optical site that has some good info about
fitting glasses and such there. Probably more than you'll need to
know if you're buying online glasses, but better too much than not
enough.

http://www.opticianworks.com


RedStickHam

[Beaugrand®™©]

The legal loophole is that the PD is used to fit the frames, and is
not part of the medical lens prescription. In my experience it's the
optician that actually measures the PD.

WHL

[thriftyM]

The prescription is one thing, but the exam results are another. I
feel that the PD is part of the exam. The doctor (not a clerk)
measured it during the exam with a professional instrument, and noted
it on my record. Other results were also documented that aren't
included on a prescription. I requested and paid for the exam, so why
shouldn't I be privy to any or all of the results?

I do have my PD though. I had an exam yesterday, and checked the
machine as I got up from the chair (prior tip from Chuck Knight). I
also stole a glance of it on the form completed by the doctor.

[thriftyM]

One other thing I forgot to mention. If I hadn't looked for my PD, I
wouldn't have known that it changed. Four years ago I was told it was
62, now it's 67.

[JeffTheOptician]

Could you back up for me and explain exactly what parts of your
exam results are NOT being released to you? Did the doctor NOT give
you a copy of your eyeglass prescription? Or did they give you a copy
of your RX that did NOT include your PD? Or is it other parts of your
exam results (i.e. retinal scan, visual fields, glaucoma screening,
etc.?) you're trying to obtain?
In the US, the doctor is not required to provide you with your
PD, since (as mentioned above) that is part of the glasses fitting.
It is normally measured by an optician, and noted for you. However,
almost any optician will measure your PD for you, mainly because they
want to earn your business. It's your decision where to shop. If you
find them a bit "contrary" and unwilling to help, you might try
somewhere else. But just remember that while the PD is very important
when we generate the lenses, you can definitely obtain it elsewhere
(literally another brick-and-mortar store, or by yourself) without
another FULL medical eye exam.
Also note there are some medical and legal distinctions between
Ophthalmologists (MDs) and Optometrists (ODs). Their exam procedures
may differ.
As for your PD changing (increasing by 5 mm).... something's off
here.... Either it was measured incorrectly at 62 (previously) or
incorrectly at 67 (currently).... or you're still in adolescence....
or you had some siginificant head trauma. Once we reach adulthood,
the distance between our pupils does not change without "interference"
of some kind. A 5mm difference would equate to 2.5mm "decentration-
out" per eye....If you're wearing progressive bifocals, that's enough
of a distance to make things a little visually uncomfortable. If
you're wearing Flat-Tops, it's not such a big deal since the distance
and add power portions are evenly distributed across the top of the
segment. For Single Vision, it's not such a big deal unless you have
"Prism" or other additional items on your RX card.

Hope this helps some....

[thriftyM]

Thanks Jeff. First the reason for my original questions. Everyone
isn't successful getting their PD from the vendor/doctor, and I was
wondering if that might be a way to more or less force them to release
it. My exam was at Walmart. the next time I'm there I'm going to see
if I can get a copy of the complete exam (medical record?) just to see
what happens. In my state medical records must be released if
requested, and I can be charged no more than 69¢ per page. I did
received my prescription, but as is the norm here it doesn't include
the PD.

I'm also going to ask them about the difference in the PD from the
prior exam four years ago, which was at the same store. I'll have them
check it again too, and my previous exam if they still have it. I wear
progressives and have been using 62 for the four years I've been
buying online. My vision at all distances wearing glasses has been
great. I'm 55, so my head shouldn't still be growing.