SB245 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jim McClendon
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Eyeglasses, over-the-counter eyeglasses, nonprescription glasses further defined, sale regulated, enforcement
Summary: Defines over-the-counter eyeglasses and sets lens limits and enforcement for nonconforming products.
What This Bill Does
SB245 defines what counts as over-the-counter spectacles and imposes basic lens requirements. It requires OTC glasses to have spherical convex lenses, be uniform in each meridian, and be housed in frames to help presbyopia. Lenses may not have minus power and may not exceed +3.50 diopters. Selling OTC spectacles that do not fit these definitions is unlawful, and violations can be enforced by the Board of Optometry, district attorneys, or the Attorney General. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved.

Who It Affects
Consumers who purchase over-the-counter spectacles; their glasses must meet the defined lens standards and be ready-to-wear to help presbyopia.
Retailers and sellers of over-the-counter spectacles; they must ensure products conform to the defined specifications or face enforcement for unlawful sales.

Key Provisions
Defines over-the-counter spectacles as nonprescription, ready-to-wear magnifying glasses with spherical convex lenses, uniform in each meridian, encased in frames, intended to ameliorate presbyopia.
Lenses may not have minus power and may not exceed +3.50 diopters.
Sale of OTC spectacles not conforming to the definition is unlawful.
Violations may be enforced by the Board of Optometry, a district attorney, or the Attorney General.
Effective date: first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Health