State Bill of the Month – June 2025: Michigan H.B. 4558

Introduced by Michigan State Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-102), this bill would allow Michiganders to renew their eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions via telemedicine. They would be able to do so without an additional in-person visit to their optometrists. H.B. 4558 was passed out of the Health Policy Committee by an 11-5 vote on June 25. The bill has now been referred to the Committee on Rules and awaits further consideration.

Consumers and taxpayers across the country continue to face tremendous economic obstacles to obtaining all types of goods and services, especially within the healthcare sector. Online contact lens prescription care has become an increasingly essential component of modern healthcare in the United States. Millions of Americans wear contact lenses, and traditionally, renewing prescriptions required in-person visits to optometrists, an often time-consuming and costly process. With online prescription renewal services, patients can complete visions tests remotely and receive eye care without leaving their homes. This provides much-needed convenience, accessibility, and efficiency.  The digital approach removes barriers for people with busy schedules, limited mobility, and scant disposable income, or those living in rural areas.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance and efficacy of telehealth options, accelerating the shift toward virtual care across all medical fields, including optometry. Online contact lens prescription services offer a safe alternative to in-office visits. They also help to alleviate the strain on the broader healthcare system by freeing up in-person appointments for patients with more complex needs. As more Americans become accustomed to managing healthcare virtually, these platforms support a broader movement toward accessible, patient-centered care.

H.B. 4558 would allow eye examinations and evaluations for eyeglass and contact lens prescription through telemedicine as long as three criteria are met:

1. The standard of care is maintained at the same level as that of an in-person examination and evaluation.
2. The patient has had an in-person examination and evaluation in the previous two years.
3. For contact lenses, the prescription is a renewal and does not deviate from the original prescription strength.

H.B. 4558 is a bill which would modernize the eye-care process in the Great Lakes State. Contrary to the arguments of opponents of the bill, an initial in-person optometrists visit would still be needed to obtain an eyeglass or contact lens prescription. H.B. 4558 only applies to prescription renewals or updates.

It is for these reasons, among others, that TPA is pleased to make H.B. 4558, as introduced by State Rep. Curt VanderWall, its Bill of the Month for June 2025.