Online contact lenses - what to do about eye tests?

jd87

For years I have always bought my contact lenses online but I find that it leaves me with a bit of a dilemma when I need an eye test. I know that if you're a contact lens wearer you're suppose to have a proper contact lens check up where they do extra tests on top of the usual sight test. But I've never had one because it seems like they expect you to buy their lenses or be on their lens subscription scheme. What do other people do?

BananaRepublic

Yes you need a proper examination. Just go in and explain, and ask for a full exam. Some might say go away, but I suspect a decent optician would not turn you away. Be aware they might not give you all of the measurements, they must give you the prescription, not sure about other measurements eg corneal curvature.

kirtondm

By Law they would need to give you enough information to replicate the lenses.

Not sure why any optometrist would not just charge you for the test properly and give you the prescription !

I can understand you may have a problem if you are trying to get a 'free contact lens trial' to subsitute as a fitting

GlasweJen

If you're wanting to keep buying your online lenses you should take the packing in and have them test the online lenses in your eye.

The likes of Daysoft will say your acuvue is equivalent to a daysoft silk but you're best having the actual lens you're wearing every day tested rather than the high street equivalent.

Finding an optom who will do that might be tricky, easier if you happen to be buying a high street lens online.

Eenymeeny

My optician admitted that he couldn't match my online price but also gave me the name of a supplier he would recommend (Lenstore.co.uk) Couldn't be fairer than that! This meant that I happily return to him for my checks and buy my varifocals from him.
(I did have a previous optician refuse to speak to my online supplier once about my prescription so I changed optician!)
As recommended previously, I always take my wrappers and paperwork with me when I attend.

medusagrey

I tend to go to Boots Opticians to get my eyes checked. (I do have glasses but wear contacts almost all the time) Like you, I always buy my contacts online as they tend to be cheaper, but go in for eye tests / contact lens checks every two years or so.

They never expected me to buy the lenses from them or sign up to their subscription scheme, if that helps! (They did explain the benefits when I went in for the first time but didn't really care that I didn't actually sign up )

I'd say just go in and explain that you haven't had a checkup in x years and you want to have your eyes tested - don't think there should be an issue.

worried_jim

I got my most recent check up done at Boots, even took their free trial of some lenses (they were awful), when they told me the monthly price I nearly fainted- even at half the price they would still have been ridiculously expensive. I grabbed my prescription and practically ran out as fast as I could.

BananaRepublic

Incidentally, I wear RGP lenses when playing hockey. I couldn’t get on with disposables, and my RGP lenses work out cheaper, unless I lose one of course. I wore them daily for years when younger and never lost one. You might want to look at RGP lenses if cost is an issue. I find them significantly easier to put in and take out, and the vision is noticeably better. The downside is that they cause irritation due to the eyelids rubbing on the sides, which lasts until you get used to them. I think they are better for the eye. That said, glasss are even better for the eye.