What essential information must be included on a contact lens prescription?

A contact lens prescription must include several key pieces of information to ensure that the lenses provided match the needs and preferences of the patient. This includes the name of the manufacturer, the trade name of the private label brand, and the equivalent national brand if applicable. This information is critical because contact lenses can vary significantly between brands in terms of fit, comfort, and visual acuity. By specifying the brand and any equivalents, the optometrist ensures that the patient receives exactly what was prescribed.

This requirement supports the safe and effective use of contact lenses, as using different brands without proper guidance can lead to complications such as discomfort, poor vision, or damage to the eye.

Other options do not fulfill the regulatory requirements. While a patient's name is important, it alone does not provide enough information for a proper prescription. A prescriber’s signature is essential, but it must accompany a full set of prescription details to be valid. Including lens color preference and material type, while relevant to patient comfort and style, is not mandated on the prescription itself, as the primary focus is to specify the necessary vision correction parameters and lens specifications.