Lee Optical Of Oklahoma, Inc. v. Williamson

120 F.Supp. 128 (1954)

Facts

The State enacted legislation making it illegal for opticians to make prescription glasses without a prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Under the statute, it was unlawful for an eye care professional to lease space from a seller of eyeglasses. Ps claim that the legislation violates the Equal Protection Clause. Williamson (D), the state, claims that the legislation is a valid exercise of its police power. Ps brought suit seeking injunctive relief. D contends that the general purpose and intent of the Act is to make certain that the people of Oklahoma receive the best possible visual care. D argues that to achieve such a goal it is imperative that the entire field of visual care be under the direct supervision and administration of professional practitioners with all non-licensed artisans and commercial interests prohibited from activity except pursuant to professional written prescriptive authority.