contact lens discussion thread (merged)

petergavinblack

You can't just order contact lenses from a glasses prescription you need to have them fitted by a contact lens optician or optometrist which will be a separate appointment to your eye test. This will entail making an initial purchase before you can be issued with your prescription and this usually takes 3 months before you are able to order online. You also need to factor in the cost of professional fees - if you order online you will still need to get at least annual check ups in order to have a valid prescription - I'd recommend you find a decent optician and stick to them - it is not all about price. The dearer the lenses the healthier they are for the eyes and the longer you can comfortably wear them. Ask around among your friends and colleagues for the best place near you, and once you are an experienced wearer then maybe start to shop around in a year or two.

GlasweJen

Be careful with solutions, I'm allergic to almost all of them and have to clean my lenses with hydrogen peroxide before I can wear them, I've went from being unable to wear any lenses to getting on brilliant with various different lenses.

petergavinblack

GlasweJen wrote: »

Be careful with solutions, I'm allergic to almost all of them and have to clean my lenses with hydrogen peroxide before I can wear them, I've went from being unable to wear any lenses to getting on brilliant with various different lenses.

This highlights the absolute necessity of consulting a contact lens optician or optometrist, and also that it isn't quite as simple as you might think.

Contact lenses are medical devices that need to be prescribed, fitted and regularly checked along with the health of the eyes to ensure everything is OK. The risks from contact lenses are tiny providing you take appropriate action when you have any irritation etc and consult your optician regularly for routine check ups.

Things like solution allergies can take a fair amount of investigation which is normally covered by the cost of your direct debit for lenses, or some form of annual aftercare scheme, however if you need repeated lens appointments from an optician that doesn't supply your lenses (i.e. if you buy them online) then it can get quite expensive for you to get satisfaction.

Don't whatever you do change brand of lenses or solution without consulting your optician - certain solutions only work with certain lens types and vice versa - and your optician will recommend the right lens / solution combination for your medical history, eye health, tear make up, and lifestyle. To switch without involving your optician is not a good idea at all.

High street opticians offer great value lens packages from as little as £10 per month, and if you spend a bit more (say up to £20) you generally can wear your lenses for longer each day comfortably. If you don;t want reusable lenses, then the most hygenic option is daily disposable lenses which are typically between 70p and £1.60 per day depending on lens quality and what aftercare is included. These are perfect for wearing every day, but really come into their own when wearing lenses regularly part time (e.g. just for work) or just occasionally (say for skiing and scuba diving) when they also work out very inexpensive (because monthly lenses have to be thrown away after a month whether you wear them once or 30 times).

Anyway, most opticians offer free trials so just take the plunge, book and have a chat, try the lenses and see if you like them, you've nothing to lose, and so much to gain. Contact lenses really can change your life and open up a whole range of activities that are either difficult or impossible in glasses - and they don't steam up when you walk in from the cold!

GlasweJen

PGB are you an optom?

nedmundo

I believe he is a Dispensing Optician - Jen.

petergavinblack

GlasweJen wrote: »

PGB are you an optom?

As Ned said I am a dispensing optician - would you say my ramblings are useful?

Ian73

Hi,
I'm after abit of info really...currently wear Air Optix lens with Solocare Aqua (ciba vision) a monthly replacement.
I am on the local optitions 'Eyeplan' eyecare @ about £21 per month (includes lens,fluid & 2 eye checks)
Is this a fair deal or would buying offline be alot cheaper? bearing in mind i would have to pay for eye tests..??


Cheers


Ian

willihe_2

I need to have a contact lens check done so I can place an order with my existing contact lens supplier who is not local, so I can't get there for the check.

How should it cost? And what should it cover?

My current optician usually includes the 'coloured dye' test to check the fit and for anything on the surface of the eye, but when I've asked about this, the staff I speak to on the phone suggest they don't normally do that, or say 'they might if they think it's necessary...':o

Also one optician offered me a 'Contact lens check' for £48 but said it would be £75 if I needed a 'specification', but without explaining what I would get for my £75.

norfolkshops

sight tests for over 60s



i have paid for 2 pairs of glasses and i have received an exemt form for a year


just wondering can you go again and get a free eye test if you think your eyes are getting any worser


i am 60 and many thanks for reply

petergavinblack

norfolkshops wrote: »

sight tests for over 60s
i have paid for 2 pairs of glasses and i have received an exemt form for a year
just wondering can you go again and get a free eye test if you think your eyes are getting any worser
i am 60 and many thanks for reply

The normal recall period for you would be 1 to 2 years between sight tests however if you are noticing a deterioration in your vision you can be seen sooner and should book an appointment as it may be a medical problem with your eyes and not just the prescription.