If a patient asks to revert to a previous prescription lens after a change, what is the recommended response?

• A. Refuse and insist on current prescription
• B. Apologize and check with the doctor and get back
• C. Offer the cheaper option without consulting
• D. Tell them it's the patient's responsibility

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to involve the prescribing clinician and communicate openly when a prescription has changed. When a patient asks to revert to a previous prescription, the best response is to apologize for the confusion and say you will check with the doctor and get back to them. This ensures the request is reviewed by the person who authorized the current prescription, maintaining safety and proper medical authority. It also sets the right expectation with the patient about the need for confirmation before making any change, and it keeps the process transparent.

After speaking with the doctor, you can relay the outcome to the patient—whether the old prescription can be used again, under what conditions, or if the new prescription should remain in effect and what steps are needed to proceed. Document the conversation and the decision for clarity and accountability.

Other options fall short because refusing without consulting bypasses professional authorization, offering a cheaper option without medical input discounts safety and clinical judgment, and telling the patient the responsibility lies with them shifts accountability away from the clinician and the practice.