Advancements in contact lens technology offer the potential of successful contact lens wear to most of our patients. A contact lens is a medical device in contact with the tissues of your eye; therefore, it must fit appropriately to maintain the eye and the eye's response to the lens on follow-up visits. Since follow-up care is essential, it is your responsibility to keep all appointments and follow all lens care instructions.
The Comprehensive Eye Exam
Before a person can be fit with contact lenses, a complete medical and refractive eye examination is necessary. THis exam is critical to assure the good health of your eyes and to rule out the possibility of any unsuspected, underlying condition that may prevent contact lenses use. Typically, the comprehensive eye exam and standard refraction is covered by your vision insurance while the contact lens fitting is a non-covered service so additional fees apply.
Contact Lens Fitting
The goal of contact lens fitting is to find the most appropriate contact lens for each patient's optimal vision and comfort. An enormous variety of types, materials, sizes and colors are offered. We are committed to taking the time and effort to fit your contact lenses properly. Although many people will need only one fitting session, sometimes this process requires several appointments. Everyone being fit into contacts must go through the fitting process. We will not finalize the contact lens prescription until both the individual being fit for contacts lenses and the doctor are satisfied with the fit and visual acuity of the contact lens. We will proved one set of trial lenses. Dispensing of trial contact lenses may only be at the time of the original examination and scheduled follow-up visits when a change is required. A contact lens trial will not be dispensed at other times. Any patient who is changing lens brands must have a new fitting and there may be additional fitting charge. Please order your supply of contacts at least one week prior to running out of your contact lenses.
Contact Lens Training Session
The patient will be provided with personalized instruction concerning the safe care and usage of contact lenses. If additional time is needed, it will be necessary to schedule a second 30-minute training session at a different time for an additional charge of $35. Upon completion of successful insertion and removal, the patient may begin wearing the contact lenses and we will schedule the first follow-up appointment within two weeks.
Follow-up Appointments
Folow-up appointments are necessary to assure:
- The contact lenses are fitting and moving well
- The prescription is providing the best possible vision
- The eyes are remaining healthy
- There are no problems with insertion or removal
- The patient understands and complies with the recommended wearing schedule
- Prescriptions will NOT be written for patients who do not keep follow up appointments.
There is no charge for follow-up visits during the first 60 days or first three follow up visits, whichever comes first.
Annual Contact Lens Exam
By law, a contact lens prescription is valid for only one year. All patients are required to come in for an annual contact lens exam. This is necessary to assure that the patient's eyes are healthy and the contact lenses are still fitting well. Contact lens prescriptions cannot be renewed without an annual exam. Contact lens exams have a separate charge that is NOT included in your medical exam.
Contact Lens Fee Policy
Annual re-evaluation of contact lens fit: It is our policy that all patients who are currently wearing contact lenses be seen every year for a contact lens evaluation. This evaluation is not included in the annual comprehensive medical or vision examination and there is an additional minimal charge for this.
New Contact Lens Fittings:
The fitting fee, which includes follow-up care within the first 90 days, is determined by the type of lenses prescribed, the difficulty of the fit, and whether or not the patient is a first time contact lens wearer. THIS FEE IS NON REFUNDABLE AND DUE AT THE TIME OF SERVICE. We can discuss lens options and prices in more detail once the initial examination is completed.
The fitting fee includes
- The contact lens fitting
- Training Insertion & Removal of the contact lenses for new wearers
- Follow-up visits up to 90 days
- Lens changes if necessary, though the patient is responsible for any difference in cost of the contact lenses should that be required.
The fitting fee does not include:
- Contact lenses (Costs will vary depending on the type of lens prescribed)
- The comprehensive medical and/or vision eye exam
- Medical visits not directly related to contact lens wear
- Contact lens checks after 90 days
Refunds
There will be no refund on custom lenses, opened boxes of lenses, or colored lenses because of dissatisfaction with the color. There will be NO refund of the professional fees including the eye exam, contact lens fitting, or annual contact lens evaluation.