Contact lenses assessment query?

samunited

Hiya guys I'm interested in changing from glasses to contact lenses because I don't get on with glasses never have I last had a eye test at vision express in may 2011 and I been reading you need a contact lense assessment does anybody have any idea of who is best to go for the test. Or what is involved in this test.
And if you know how much this assessment actually costs thanks .

mesci

Hi Samunited,

From my experience, you need to have a contact lens assessment every year so your optician can ensure your prescription is still correct. I'm with Vision Express and I started off a couple of months ago on a free contact lens tria, which included an assessment/check and some trial lenses to see how I got on this them, which was really helpful. I think they are still offering this in some stores, might have info on their website (sorry but I can't post a link).

I only have experience of Vision Express, so I can't give advice on who is best, but I'm sure some other people will be along with their own advice/information in a bit.

pmduk

From a patient's perspective, the assessment appears very similar to the regular eye test. However the optometrist is not necessarily looking at the same things. Because the contact lens lies on the eye the power specifications may be different, they also need to measure the size of the eye and the health of the surface. I can't give you the medical phrases, I'm not clinically qualified.

As for recommendations, why not talk to your friends, see how they get on with local optometrists. I say this because even within chains, standards and service frequently vary greatly between branches.

For myself I spent my first 12 months on a specsavers contract, I felt there was added reassurance with a contract. I've now moved to Asda which provides me with a specification allowing me to buy lenses anywhere, including online and I can buy lenses as and when I require them. I paid £15 for this assessment in August, though the prices may since have changed.

I hope this helps. Personally, I find wearing lenses a great freedom.

Mrs_Ryan

I'm going for an assessment Friday. I last had an eye test at Tesco in July who said I needed glasses but only for reading etc. However my eyesight has deteriorated badly since then and I find I need my glasses all the time, even with them I still struggle to see. I cant wear my glasses to work so I thought contacts might suit me better.
The lady I spoke to said they must have a copy of my prescription however I dont have one and have no way of getting hold of it. Would they be able to test me again?

pmduk

They would probably want to charge you if they do retest. Let them know in advance, they may decline to do the assessment without a valid prescription.

GlasweJen

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

I'm going for an assessment Friday. I last had an eye test at Tesco in July who said I needed glasses but only for reading etc. However my eyesight has deteriorated badly since then and I find I need my glasses all the time, even with them I still struggle to see. I cant wear my glasses to work so I thought contacts might suit me better.
The lady I spoke to said they must have a copy of my prescription however I dont have one and have no way of getting hold of it. Would they be able to test me again?

you shouldn't be able to see in the distance with reading glasses on! The point is they magnify things close up so objects far away appear blurry. Why not try only wearing them for reading for a few weeks and stop straining your eyes?

Mrs_Ryan

ok now Im confused. Might cancel my appointment and ask if they can retest as I dont know what I need. I went for about 5 weeks without wearing my glasses as I lost them and I found I couldnt see anything - close up or far away!