Under what condition is it acceptable for a practitioner to withhold a contact lens prescription?

Withholding a contact lens prescription is acceptable when the contact lens fitting is not finalized. This is important because a contact lens fitting involves assessing various factors, such as the curvature of the lens, the diameter, and the prescription required for optimal vision. If the fitting is not complete, the practitioner cannot ensure that the lenses will be appropriate or safe for the patient to wear.

Providing a prescription before finalizing the fitting may lead to complications, such as discomfort, improper fit, or even damage to the patient's eyes. It is essential to take the time needed to complete the fitting process adequately before issuing a prescription to ensure the best outcomes for the patient's vision and ocular health.

In scenarios where a patient requests their prescription, shows signs of discomfort, or where lenses are not in stock, those situations may not justify withholding a prescription, as those are conditions that may arise during the fitting process or may not be relevant to the prescription itself.