The Federal Trade Commission will hold a public workshop in Washington, DC, on March 7, 2018 to explore issues regarding competition in the contact lens marketplace, consumer access to contact lenses, prescription release and portability, and related subjects. 

The workshop will cover topics including:

• Consumers’ ability to comparison shop for contact lenses
• The use of electronic health records, patient portals, and other technology to improve prescription portability
• The interaction between the Contact Lens Rule and emerging telehealth business models
• The potential for new technology to improve the prescription verification process
• Modifications to the Rule to foster competition and maximize consumer benefits, including benefits to eye health.