PORTLAND, Ore.—International certification organization, LegitScript has extended the comment period for the standardized voluntary certification of online optical retailers that it is developing in conjunction with members of several professional vision-related associations and leading optical retailers and suppliers. Interested parties are invited to comment on the proposed standards until Jan. 9, 2015.

As reported in VMail Nov 4, 2014, the proposed online eyewear standards program is intended to provide certification for eyeglasses prescription verification, transparency regarding the identity of the owner/operator of internet websites, and customer/patient privacy protection, according to John Horton, president and founder of LegitScript. “Our hope by extending the deadline is that we'll get additional feedback,” Horton told VMail.

“To receive the LegitScript seal of approval, online optical retailers must (among other things) require a valid prescription (unless duplicating a pair of existing lenses, where permitted by law), protect patient privacy, disclose pertinent business information (including physical location), maintain website transparency, and provide readily accessible patient services (patients must be able to talk to a human during normal business hours),” according to a statement from LegitScript about the extended deadline.

The timetable for launch is planned for the first quarter of 2015, and the proposed standards would pertain only to eyeglasses not contact lenses, according to those spearheading the initiative.