![glasses on top of prescription pad and Snellen chart](/sites/default/files/tmp/od_prescription_pad_prescribe_istock_000008264475_medium.jpg)
Optical prescriptions are made available to patients following a comprehensive eye examination so that patients may purchase glasses or initiate a fitting for contact lenses, or subnormal vision devices from a licensed dispensing provider. A valid prescription should contain all the relevant optical information, the prescribing optometrist’s signature, and the expiry date.