Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed a measure into law on April 30th that will make the dispensing of contact lenses, including zero-powered lenses, without a valid and current prescription a violation of state law. The measure, Senate Enrolled Act 480, will go into affect on July 1, 2009.
Indiana's legislation follows a similar law passed by the US Congress in 2005. The federal law was widely ignored in Indiana because it lacked sufficient enforcement mechanisms. SEA 480 will be enforced by law enforcement officials in Indiana.
The improper fitting, use or care of a contact lens can cause corneal ulcers or lead to infection. Either condition can seriously injure the eye or cause blindness.
SEA 480 was supported by the Indiana Optometric Association and the Indiana Academy of Ophthalmology. The bill was authored by Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Bremen, and co-authored by Sen. Bob Deig, D-Mount Vernon, and Sen. Carlin Yoder, R-Elkhart, in the Senate. Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, served as the bill’s sponsor and Rep. Tim Brown, R- Crawfordsville, served as the bill’s co-sponsor in the House. | 
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