Passive Verification in Plain Language
Passive verification is a verification pathway, not a way to skip the prescription requirement. The seller still needs prescription information and must send a complete request to the prescriber.
If the prescriber does not respond within the applicable business hours, the prescription may be treated as verified unless another issue prevents fulfillment.
The Request Must Be Complete
Passive verification depends on a complete verification request. Missing patient details, prescriber contact information, lens brand, power, or expiration information can delay the process.
If the request cannot be sent correctly, the business-hour window may not start until the required information is available.
Business Hours Matter
The verification window is measured in business hours, not simply clock hours. Requests sent after office hours, over weekends, or near federal holidays may take longer to resolve.
Saturday time may count only when the seller has appropriate knowledge that the prescriber is regularly open on Saturday.
No Response Does Not Mean Immediate Shipment
A prescription may be treated as verified after the allowed business-hour window, but the order can still require product processing, availability review, payment review, or shipping preparation.
If any prescription detail is inconsistent or incomplete, support may still need to resolve that issue before fulfillment.
FAQ
Does no response mean my order can move forward right away?
Not by itself. A lack of response may allow the prescription to be treated as verified only when a complete request was received and the required business-hour window has passed. Other order or prescription issues can still require review.
How long does passive verification take?
The FTC Contact Lens Rule uses an eight-business-hour window after a complete verification request is received by the prescriber. That is not the same as eight clock hours.
Do weekends or holidays count?
Federal holidays are excluded. Weekend time generally does not count unless the seller has appropriate knowledge that the prescriber is regularly open on Saturday.
Can my order still be delayed after passive verification?
Yes. Product availability, shipping processing, payment review, incomplete order information, or other prescription inconsistencies can still delay fulfillment.
Written for Honest Lenses by Dr. Paul Driggers, OD.
This guide is general educational information for contact lens customers. It is not a medical exam, diagnosis, or treatment plan.