State Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, on Friday applauded the signing of a bill into law that protects eye care consumers.

“I am thrilled to report that (Gov. Dannel P. Malloy) has signed this important piece of legislation into law,” Sen. Somers, co-chairwoman of the Public Health Committee, said of House Bill 6012, now called Public Act 17-115.

“While it is often challenging to balance technology with medical safety, I think this legislation does that. The bottom line is that new technology should meet the safety standards of face-to-face service. We heard from many physicians, optometrists and ophthalmologists who urged us to take action to address patient safety, not only in regards to eye safety, but for the overall health of patients. Full eye exams are so important because they often pick up other medical problems in the process.”

A priority for the Public Health Committee, this legislation prohibits providers from:

• using information obtained from a test using a remote refractive device — such as a smartphone app — as the sole basis for issuing or renewing an initial prescription for contact lenses;

• issuing or renewing an initial prescription for contact lenses without having performed an in-person evaluation and eye examination of the patient.

The legislation will not limit individuals from purchasing contact lenses or glasses online after an initial examination is performed — up until renewal of the prescription is necessary, Somers said in a news release.

“This law sufficiently balances the importance of emerging technology with the complexity that comes along with good patient care and proper consumer protections provisions,” she said. “I am proud to stand in support of this law and the protections it provides Connecticut residents, and I am pleased that the governor has taken action and signed this bill into law.”