SB21 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Eyeglasses, over-the-counter eyeglasses, nonprescription glasses further defined, sale regulated, enforcement by district attorney or Attorney General
Summary: SB21 defines over-the-counter spectacles, sets lens limits, bans nonconforming OTC glasses, and allows civil enforcement.
What This Bill Does
SB21 defines over-the-counter spectacles as nonprescription, ready-to-wear glasses with spherical convex lenses, encased in frames, and intended to help with presbyopia. Lenses must have no minus power and may not exceed +3.50 diopters. Selling OTC spectacles that do not meet this definition would be unlawful, and enforcement can be carried out by the Board of Optometry, a district attorney, or the Alabama Attorney General. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects
Retailers and sellers of OTC spectacles: must ensure products meet the defined lens specs; selling nonconforming glasses would be unlawful.
Consumers of OTC glasses: will see products defined by these specs (no minus power, up to +3.50 diopters).
Board of Optometry: gains enforcement authority to enforce the rule.
District attorneys and the Alabama Attorney General: can enforce violations under this act.

Key Provisions
Defines OTC spectacles as nonprescription, ready-to-wear glasses with spherical convex lenses, encased in frames, to help with presbyopia.
Lenses must have no minus power and may not exceed +3.50 diopters.
Sale of OTC spectacles that do not conform to the definition is unlawful.
Violations may be enforced by the Board of Optometry, district attorneys, or the Alabama Attorney General.
Effective date: the act takes effect on the 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