True or False: A prescriber can charge a fee as a condition for releasing the contact lens prescription.

In California, a prescriber is prohibited from charging a fee as a condition for releasing a contact lens prescription. This policy is rooted in the desire to ensure that patients have access to their prescriptions without facing additional financial barriers. Under California's optometry regulations, once a patient has completed an eye examination and received their prescription, that prescription must be provided to the patient free of charge. This regulatory framework promotes transparency and empowers patients to make decisions regarding their eyewear without undue financial influence or constraints.

The rationale behind this law is to enhance patient autonomy and foster greater competition in the market for contact lenses. Patients should be able to choose their lenses from any seller, whether online or brick-and-mortar, without being hindered by fees related to obtaining their prescription. Therefore, the response that indicates a prescriber cannot condition the release of a contact lens prescription on a fee aligns perfectly with California's legal standards.