HB85 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt Fridy

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Eyeglasses, over-the-counter eyeglasses, nonprescription glasses further defined, sale regulated, enforcement

Summary

HB85 defines over-the-counter spectacles and sets lens requirements, making nonconforming OTC glasses illegal and enforceable.

What This Bill Does

It defines what counts as an over-the-counter spectacle: nonprescription, ready-to-wear glasses with spherical convex lenses in frames that help with presbyopia. The lenses must not have minus power and cannot exceed +3.50 diopters. Selling OTC spectacles that do not meet this definition would be unlawful. Violations can be enforced by the Board of Optometry, a district attorney, or the Attorney General; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Consumers who buy over-the-counter glasses: their options would be limited to glasses that meet the defined criteria.
• Retailers/sellers of OTC spectacles: they must ensure products conform to the definition or face enforcement actions.

Key Provisions

• Definition of over-the-counter spectacles: nonprescription, ready-to-wear magnifying glasses with spherical convex lenses encased in frames, intended to help with presbyopia; lenses may not have minus power and may not exceed +3.50 diopters.
• Prohibition and enforcement: sale of nonconforming OTC spectacles is unlawful; violations may be enforced by the Board of Optometry, district attorneys, or the Attorney General; effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and 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