American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Practice Exam

Which agency regulates eyeglasses and contact lenses?

1. CDC

2. FDA

3. EPA

4. ADA

The correct answer is: FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the agency responsible for regulating eyeglasses and contact lenses. This includes overseeing the safety and effectiveness of these medical devices before they can be marketed to the public. The FDA ensures that manufacturers adhere to regulations regarding design, production, and labeling, to protect consumer health and ensure that products are both safe and effective for vision correction. In the context of regulation, the FDA evaluates new products and updates its policies related to vision correction devices as necessary, based on emerging technology and scientific evidence. This oversight helps maintain standards in the industry and ensures that consumers have access to reliable and safe eyewear options. Other organizations like the CDC focus on public health initiatives, while the EPA deals with environmental protection and toxins, which do not pertain to the regulation of eyewear. Lastly, the ADA primarily addresses issues related to dentistry rather than ophthalmology or optical devices.