Measuring a patient's pupillary distance (PD) is not done during an eye examination. It is not part of an eye glass prescription and not part of an ocular health examination.  This measurement is specifically done when a patient is being fitted for eyeglasses.  Usually, an optician takes this important measurement.  The ability to accurately measure a PD takes skill and the understanding of the frame size and shape and how it relates to the patient's prescription, the patient's needs, and the lens design that will best serve those needs.  To regulate that an optometrist or ophthalmologist is required to take this measurement would be an undue burden to those professionals, discriminatory to opticians, and most of all, it would not be in the best interest of the patient.

I am opposed to this new petition!  Please do not change the current rule.