Contact Lens Fitting Philosophy and FAQs
Many of our patients routinely wear contact lenses as their primary
source of vision correction, and many of our new patients are seeking
services that will allow them to be successful contact lens wearers.
Contact lenses are medical devices fitted by professional eye care
practitioners; contact lens use is not without risk. With modern
materials and proper education regarding contact lens use, risks
associated with contact lens wear have been greatly decreased. Please
read the following commonly asked questions and answers to gain a
better understanding of our contact lens fitting philosophy and
policies.
Q. Do routine eye examinations include a contact lens fitting/prescription?
A. No. A routine eye examination provides the patient with a
glasses prescription. A separate contact lens fitting is required to
determine the contact lens prescription.
Q. What is different about a contact lens fitting, compared to a routine eye exam?
A. While some of the information gathered at the time of the routine
eye examination is used to determine a diagnostic contact lens, the
final prescription is not determined until additional information is
obtained at the contact lens evaluation. The Doctor needs to evaluate
the comfort, fitting characteristics, and vision obtained with that
particular contact lens.
Q. What is involved in a contact lens fitting?
A. Based on several factors, the Doctor will determine a diagnostic
contact lens to dispense to the patient for a trial period. A trial
period with the new contact lens will help the patient to decide if
he/she likes the comfort and wearing schedule of the contact lens. At
a follow-up appointment, the Doctor will check the vision to determine
if the power can be changed to improve the quality or clarity of
vision. The Doctor will also determine if the fit of the contact lens
is appropriate with regard to the health of the eyes. If the fit,
vision, and comfort of the lens is acceptable, a final prescription is
then determined.
Q. What is covered in the contact lens fitting fee?
A. Training on the proper care of lenses (for new patients),
diagnostic contact lens trials (if necessary), sample of contact lens
solution (if needed),evaluation by the Doctor or NCLE Board Certified
staff member of the fit and vision provided by the contact lens at a
follow-up appointment. Multiple visits to the office to achieve a more
complex fit are covered, as well as subsequent eye health monitoring.
Q. Do I need to pay this fee each year?
A. No. If you continue to use the same contact lens, a new fee is
not incurred each year. If however, at some point, the Doctor
determines that the lens needs to be changed due to eye health reasons,
a re-fitting fee will be charged because of the additional time
required to fit with a new lens. A new fee will also be required if
the patient decides they would like a different type of lens the
following year, for any reason; i.e. the patient decides they would now
like to wear a daily disposable lens instead of another wear schedule.
Now, this new lens material would need to be evaluated.
Q. How much do the contact lens fittings cost?
A. The fees are determined by the complexity of the fit and also
whether the patient has previously worn contact lenses. A more complex
fitting requires more time with the Doctor, as well as otentially more
follow-up appointments to determine the appropriate prescription.
Q. How long is a contact lens prescription valid?
A. One year, unless determined by the Doctor that the patient needs to return sooner, based on any eye health concerns.
Q. Why does a fitting cost more for first-time contact lens wearers?
A. Patients wearing contact lenses for the first time require a
little extra time with the Doctor and/or our staff, with regard to
teaching the patient insertion and removal techniques for the contact
lenses, as well as care of the contact lenses. This is not necessary
with previous wearers.
Q. What are some of the risks associated with contact lenses?
A. One of the major risks associated with contact lens use are eye
infections. Often, complications associated with contact lens use can
be avoided with proper handling as well as an acceptable wear
schedule. Because contact lenses are a medical device, proper care and
use of the lenses is imperative for maintaining eye health. Please
talk to your Doctor if you have any questions about appropriate contact
lens use and care or review our Contact Lens Care and Handling form.
Q. This is my first visit to your office; I’ve been wearing the same
contacts for years, and have never had any problems. I just need a
contact lens prescription. Will this require an additional fee?
A. Yes. There still needs to be an evaluation of the contact lenses
themselves with regard to the fit and vision provided with the current
contact lenses. A contact lens prescription cannot be given without
evaluation. After this evaluation, if the Doctor determines there do
not need to be any changes made, a contact lens prescription may be
released to the patient. If the Doctor determines the fit or vision to
be unacceptable, a new lens may be required to provide a better or
healthier fit.
Q. Will my insurance cover my contact lens fitting?
A. This depends on your specific insurance plan. Many plans will
cover towards glasses OR contact lenses, not both. One of our staff
members will be happy to inquire with your insurance company about your
eligibility.
Q. How long does a contact lens fitting take? How long is a contact lens follow up appointment?
A. If the contact lens fitting is performed on a day separate from
the routine eye examination, typically about 15-20 minutes. This is
for the Doctor or NCLE Board Certified staff member to review
information in the chart, determine a suitable diagnostic contact lens,
and do a preliminary evaluation of the fit and vision obtained with
that particular lens. Contact lens follow-up appointments typically
last about 10 minutes, unless a change in the fit or power needs to be
made.