These days the majority of people can wear contact lenses.
If you do not have a current prescription, you will need to have an eye examination before we carry out your contact lens consultation.

Your Aims
It is important for your Optician to find out why you want to wear contact lenses. Some people want to use contact lenses only for specific sports or interests, others want them continuously.

Contact Lens History
If you have ever worn contact lenses in the past, your optician may also ask you the following questions:

Keratometry
Because eyes come in all shapes and sizes, the Optician has to take accurate measurements of the shape of the eye to make sure the lenses fit properly.

Slit Lamp Examination
The front surface of your eyes will be examined under high magnification to ensure that they are healthy and that there are no problems that could prevent you from wearing contact lenses. This microscope will also be used to assess your tears. There are special types of lenses available for people who have relatively dry eyes.

Discuss Suitable Lens Options
When the Optician has gathered all the necessary information and results, the most appropriate lens type(s) will be discussed with you , so that you understand the options available to you. You will be given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, before proceeding.

Trial Lens Assessment
The Optician will then insert trial lenses into your eyes to see how well they fit. Some lenses take time to settle, so there may be a short delay before the fit is checked. Some times it is necessary to try more than one pair of lenses before the best fit is achieved. When the Optician is satisfied that the lenses fit well and give you good vision, she will give you advice relevant to wearing your particular lens type.

Lens Handling Lesson
This is the bit that worries the majority of people who haven’t worn lenses previously. In fact, given the right level of instruction and coaching, most people find inserting and removing lenses is easier than they thought it would be.

When you are comfortable with the insertion and removal process, you will be able to take lenses away to try. You will be given a wearing schedule and advice on care and maintenance of the lenses and your eyes. Written information will be provided for you to refer to when you get home. If in any doubt contact us for advice.

Follow Up
Before you leave the practice with contact lenses it is our policy to ensure that your first follow up appointment has been arranged. It is important for your Optician to ensure that your lenses continue to fit well, your vision and comfort remains good, and that you are happy with the option we have provided. In most cases, it is possible to provide an alternative lens type, if you are not happy with your initial choice.

Your follow up appointment is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have. You should then have your eyes and contact lenses checked at least once a year. If you notice any changes before that you should contact us straight away

Your contact lens consultation allows us to gather information and measurements so we recommend the best contact lens options for you.