Ophthalmic Regulations & Standards

Question 1

OPHTHALMIC STANDARDS purpose

Answer 1

*standardization/frame of reference
* dioptric reference for a given wavelength, currently the reference is the Fraunhofer helium d line (587.56nm) but European and Asian markets have desire to change it to the mercury e line (546.07)
* avoid confusion
*quality control
*public protection

Question 2

*ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

Answer 2

*formerly called ASA (American Standards
Association)
* a not for profit institute
* not a governmental supported agency (unlike other countries)
* committees charged with task of developing standards for specific products
* committee members formed by professional organizations, trade associations, individuals (must be representative by all significant interested parties of that product)