When a patient has an expired Rx and cannot wait for an exam, which sequence of actions should you take?

• A. Apologize for the inconvenience and offer to schedule an exam.
• B. Recommend he choose frames and review lens options now.
• C. Both A and B.
• D. Refuse service until a valid Rx is provided.

Answer: (B)

When a prescription is expired, you can still provide helpful service by guiding the patient through frame selection and lens options while the Rx is renewed. This keeps the process moving and minimizes delay for the patient. You can discuss frame style, fit, and comfort, and review lens configurations (such as single-vision, bifocal, or progressive) along with material choices, tints, coatings, and indices. This prepares the patient and speeds up the final dispensing once the Rx is renewed. You’re not dispensing lenses yet, since a current Rx is required, but you can gather preferences, take basic measurements (like pupillary distance and frame fit), and help the patient decide what they want so the renewal and order can be completed quickly. Refusing service is inappropriate, and offering only to schedule an exam while not assisting with frame and lens options would slow things down; addressing frames and options now is the most practical, time-saving approach.