The FTC has a long history of analyzing how regulation of optometric practice affects competition and consumers. In the 1980s, Commission staff performed studies of the effect of advertising and commercial practice restrictions in optometry that are still cited today. More recently, the Commission and its staff issued reports in 2003 and 2005 that examine the competitive effects of state and private restrictions on the online sale of contact lenses. Commission staff also have provided analysis to lawmakers on the competitive effects of bans on business affiliations between eye care professionals and chains that sell optometric goods, most recently in response to requests from legislators in Virginia and Tennessee.
