Contact lenses
- Consultation and fitting
- The Eyecare Plan – our membership scheme
- Aftercare for Contact Lenses wearers
- Contact Lenses Frequently Asked Questions
Contact lenses are a great alternative to spectacles for correcting eyesight problems. Correctly prescribed contact lenses provide excellent vision and comfort.
There are many different types of contact lenses available on the market. At the Blackheath Eyecare Centre we always keep up to date with the latest changes in lens design. As an independent practice we are not limited to certain brands of contact lenses.
We can offer you an unbiased opinion on which lenses are most suitable for your individual needs, whether you want them for everyday wear or just occasionally for sports or social events.
We have listed below some of the benefits contact lenses provide:-
- They provide unobstructed vision as the contact lenses sit on your eyes.
- They do not mist up, get wet in the rain, smudge or slide down your nose.
- They allow people to see the natural you.
- You can have fun and change your eye colour.
We supply contact lenses from the following leading manufactures ACUVUE, BAUSCH & LOMB, CIBA, and COOPER VISION
Blackheath Eyecare Centre is an Acuvue Centre of Excellence.
If you currently think you are getting a better deal buying contact lenses elsewhere then we have a pleasant surprise for you. Our newly launched Eyecare Plan takes care of your eye health and provides competitively priced contact lenses so there is NO need to go elsewhere. Our prices start from £12 per month. Please contact us for your personal quotation.
Consultation and fitting
Prescribing contact lenses can be a complicated process. However, at the Blackheath Eyecare Centre we will simplify and explain the various options available in a clear and concise manner.
There are many steps involved in arriving at a prescription for contact lenses. After assessing the health of the eyes, we will discuss the various types of contact lenses with you. As well as your visual needs, lifestyle and other factors may influence the decision on what type of lenses to prescribe.
A trial lens will then be placed on the eye, so that we can assess the fit of the lens. Several trial lenses may need to be used to arrive at the best possible fit.
You will be instructed on how to put the lenses in and out of your eyes, as well as how to clean and maintain the lenses. We will usually reassess the lenses after they have been worn for a week or two, in order to make sure that the lenses are fitting and performing properly and that you are not having any difficulties. It is sometimes necessary to alter the lens prescription at this point to solve any problems which may have arisen. For more details please click the following link Contact Lens Consultation and Fitting (a complete guide to understanding what’s involved).
Types of Contact Lenses
There are many types of lenses. We have described the main ones below:-
- Soft Contact Lenses
- - Daily Soft Disposables Contact Lenses
- - Fortnightly & Monthly Replacement Soft Contact Lenses
- - Extended Wear Soft Contact Lenses
- Rigid Contact Lenses
Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are the most commonly prescribed type of contact lenses, they adapt to your eyes quickly and they are comfortable straight away (unlike rigid lenses, which require some adaptation). Soft lenses are particularly suitable for sports, as they are difficult to accidentally dislodge.
Most soft contact lenses these days are intended to be replaced at regular intervals. These can be daily, two weekly, monthly or annually.
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Daily Soft Disposables Contact Lenses
One of the most popular lenses available on the market today are daily disposables. They take the hassle away from contact lens wear and are ideal for people with active lifestyles or for the occasional wearer. These lenses are designed to be worn for a day and then thrown away. There is no cleaning, no storage and therefore hassle free. A number of patients have found that Acuvue Moist daily contact lenses are the most comfortable to wear.
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Two weekly & Monthly Replacement Soft Contact Lenses
These soft contact lenses are more cost effective and are better suited for complicated prescriptions including astigmatism. It is important to remember that these types of lenses require regular cleaning, but with modern day solutions like Alcon’s OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® this routine is often quick and effortless.
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Extended Wear Soft Contact Lenses
With new contact lens materials and technology, there are some lens types which allow wearers to sleep in their contact lenses, either occasionally, or for up to 30 days. This is known as "extended wear". These special lenses allow a large amount of oxygen to pass through the lens, ensuring that the eye receives enough oxygen.
These lenses are not suitable for everyone. We will tell you after a consultation if they would suit your eyes.
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Rigid Contact Lenses
Rigid lenses are made from plastics that are less flexible than those used for soft lenses.
Rigid lenses provide excellent vision and are suitable for a wider range of prescriptions. They are more durable than soft lenses, so they do not need to be replaced as often. Typically they are initially less comfortable than soft lenses. Once you have adapted to the lenses you will be able to wear them all day without even noticing you have them on.
If you are interested in wearing contact lenses please contact us to book an appointment with our optometrist. For more information on our Eyecare Plan please click on the link below.
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The Eyecare Plan - our membership scheme
We are delighted to offer the Eyecare Plan – our own membership scheme for contact lens wearers. This will enable us to provide you with the extra care and support necessary to look after the health of your eyes. Its lets you spread the cost of your eyecare and contact lenses over the year through monthly affordable payments.
The Eyecare Plan has the following benefits:-
- Lower cost contact lenses
- Full eye examination every year including retinal scanning and photography (normally worth £37)
- Regular contact lens check-ups (normally £35 per appointment)
- Emergency or unscheduled appointments if needed (normally £27 per appointment)
- The convenience and ease of monthly Direct Debit payments (or prepay for the year in advance)
- Automatic on-going supply of lenses
- Free trials on other products
- 25% discount on spectacles frames and lenses
- Up to 50% discount on contact lens solution
- Free replacement of damaged disposable contact lenses
For full details of our scheme and how it works please click on the link below. The Eyecare Plan for contact lens wearers (our membership scheme)
A number of new patients have commented that our scheme offers better value compared to similar plans they have been on from the high street. Our prices for contact lenses when on the Eyecare Plan are very competitive. Our patients do not need to shop around for the best deals, be prepared for a pleasant surprise!
Our prices start from £12 per month. Please contact us for your personal quotation.
Aftercare for Contact Lenses wearers
Contact lens wearers need to have regular eye examinations to reduce the risk of complications from eye infections. While serious complications of contact lens wear are rare some conditions may not be noticed by wearers, so it is important that you are seen on a regular basis.
Contact Lens Cleaning
With the exception of daily disposables, contact lenses have to be cleaned and disinfected after every time they are worn. Poor lens hygiene is one of the common causes of problems with contact lenses, particularly eye infections.
Contact lenses have to be cleaned each time they are removed from the eye in order to prevent the build up of deposits and bacterial contamination.
There are a variety of disinfection systems available for different types of contact lenses. It is important to use the system recommended by the professional who prescribed the lenses, and to seek their advice before changing systems, as some of the systems may not be compatible.
We supply a number of contact lens cleaning solutions for both soft and hard lenses. Our premium product for soft lenses is Alcon’s OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH®. It enhances comfort through exceptional reconditioning, excellent cleaning, and biocompatible disinfection. OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® is a true enhancer of lens comfort.
All our contact lens solutions are available at a discounted rate if you are a member of our monthly Eyecare Plan. We believe that our Eyecare Plan prices will beat the local supermarket and even the Internet.
Our prices start from £12 per month. Please contact us for your personal quotation.
Contact Lenses Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I come in and buy any contact lens?
- How long does it take to get used to new contact lenses if you have never worn them before?
- Who fits the contact lenses?
- Will I see the same person each time?
- What contact lens is the best for me?
- What are disposable lenses?
- Are disposable lenses better for me?
- Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
- Can I wear contact lenses if I have sensitive eyes?
- Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?
- Can contact lenses damage my eyes?
- Can a contact lens get lost behind my eye?
- Can I sleep in contact lenses?
- Can I swim in my contact lenses?
- Can you get varifocal contact lenses?
- Can children wear contact lenses?
- Why do I need regular checkups?
- Can I buy my contact lenses elsewhere? Are there cheaper deals to be had over the Internet?
Can I come in and buy any contact lens?
Contact lenses are medical devices and only available on prescription. Each contact lens and each person's eyes are different, so the optometrist needs to perform a specialised fitting for you.
How long does it take to get used to new contact lenses if you have never worn them before?
The adjustment period can take from a few minutes to a few weeks depending on the sensitivity of your eyes and whether you have soft or rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses.
Who fits the contact lenses?
Your contact lens consultation and all aftercare appointments are completed by our optometrist. Optometrists are more qualified than contact lens opticians who are more commonly employed by larger optical chains.
Will I see the same person each time?
Yes normally this will be the case as it ensures continuity of care. We will always aim to book you in to see your regular optometrist. (see about us to find out more about our optometrist)
What contact lens is the best for me?
Our optometrist will do a series of tests to establish which contact lens is best suited to you. A number of factors need to be taken into account including your eye health, your prescription, the eyes shape and your lifestyle.
What are disposable lenses?
This type of lens is designed to be thrown away frequently. They can be replaced daily, two weekly or every month.
Are disposable lenses better for me?
All wearers should change their lenses regularly for health and hygiene reasons. Disposable lenses are an excellent choice health-wise, because there is less opportunity for protein and bacteria to build up on them.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes – Astigmatism can be corrected by either using a soft toric contact lens or a gas permeable lens.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have sensitive eyes?
Yes – Over the years lens materials have improved so that most people can wear contact lenses. We have some people with very sensitive eyes that opt to wear them only part time for going out or for sports.
Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?
If you have mild to moderate dryness you can still wear contact lenses. Our Optometrist will perform a series of tests to gauge just how dry your eyes are. Certain materials are more suitable for dry eyes, and we will trial you with different types to find the most suitable contact lens. Only very severe dry eyes are not suited to lenses.
Can contact lenses damage my eyes?
Serious eye infections can occur if the recommended care routine is not followed or if the lenses are over worn. If contact lenses are looked after properly they are very safe.
Can a contact lens get lost behind my eye?
No. At worst, you might have trouble finding it under the lid; if need be, you can have your optometrist help you get it out.
Can I sleep in contact lenses?
Yes with a new breed of contact lenses which are now available. These types of lenses allow a high level of oxygen through to the eye. Our optometrist can advise you if your eyes are suitable for this type of extended wear.
Can I swim in my contact lenses?
Yes and No – Generally it is advised to wear swimming goggles whilst wearing contact lenses when swimming. Daily disposable can be used as long as they are removed after swimming. Supplies of daily contact lenses can be purchased specifically for swimming.
Can you get varifocal contact lenses?
Yes you can. There are a number of other options such as having one eye for distance and the other for reading (monovision). A consultation with our optometrist and subsequent trial will determine the best type of correction for you.
Can children wear contact lenses?
Yes – As long as they are able to insert and remove them confidently and safely, and understand the health and hygiene aspects. The individual maturity and motivation of the child is also a key factor ensuring that guidelines are being followed. Many of our younger patients use contact lenses on a part-time basis while playing sports etc. However, they can be used on a full-time basis.
Why do I need regular checkups?
A lens fitting which is no longer suitable will probably not cause discomfort until significant damage has occurred to the cornea. This is one of the downfalls of soft lenses as they are extremely comfortable.
That’s why it is important to attend for regular check-ups to monitor your corneal health and to ensure the fitting remains correct and will not damage your eyes. We have invested in state-of-the-art equipment to check your corneal health.
Can I buy my contact lenses elsewhere? Are there better deals to be had over the Internet?
We will look to match contact lens prices over the internet for people on our Eyecare Plan membership scheme; from any registered UK company (terms and conditions apply).
The monthly cost of us supplying your lenses covers both the lens cost and professional fee charges. Our Eyecare Plan offers great value for money. When you add up the benefits of being on our scheme it is far better than going elsewhere.
If you decide to separate your supply of contact lenses, it is still very important to have regular contact lens check-ups, expect to pay the unsubsidised rate of around £35 or more for each appointment.