what is the contact lens exam

maca123

I got contact lenses from specsavers and had to undergo some sort of exam and training instead of just being giving the contact lenses.

Since that was a long time ago, specsavers said I needed to book and pay for another one. Training new customers to be able to put in and take out lense seems fair enough but what are they testing for?

Also, will specsavers give you the presciption if you ask. It seems they almost force or expect you to buy glasses from them when you do an eye test.

Daisies

maca123 wrote: »

I got contact lenses from specsavers and had to undergo some sort of exam and training instead of just being giving the contact lenses.

Since that was a long time ago, specsavers said I needed to book and pay for another one. Training new customers to be able to put in and take out lense seems fair enough but what are they testing for?

Also, will specsavers give you the presciption if you ask. It seems they almost force or expect you to buy glasses from them when you do an eye test.

Contact lenses are classified as medical devices and as such you need a valid prescription, dated within the last year, to buy them. How long is it since you last contact lens test? If it is more than 2 years most places would require you to have a refit due to the changes in contact lenses available etc. And also, in my case, I would want to make sure that you can still insert and remove the contact lenses competently.

Once the fitting is complete and you have had you follow up check (included in the inital price and usually about a week later), you are perfectly entitled to a copy of your prescription

SeamusFX

OK, I can see having to get a new check-up every 2 years, but I've been wearing contacts for almost 40 years, I don't need anyone to show me how to put them in and take them out and then charge me for it, as I probably know more about the trials and tribulations of putting in and taking out contacts then they do!

Daisies

SeamusFX wrote: »

OK, I can see having to get a new check-up every 2 years, but I've been wearing contacts for almost 40 years, I don't need anyone to show me how to put them in and take them out and then charge me for it, as I probably know more about the trials and tribulations of putting in and taking out contacts then they do!

You might not actually need the teach but the cost of it is built into the cost of the fit i.e. you can't separate one from the other. How long is it since you last had your CLs checked and where?

ElleEm

I recently had one of these contact specific eye exams. I was told my eyes are a bit dry so they obviously check for that! The optician then spoke about my nerves and blood vessels so they must be a factor in getting lenses.

Does anyone know how important it is to go back for the follow up after a trial? I have contacts now about three weeks (a long trial) and have had no issues. I got my prescription from Specsavers but want to get the lenses online.

Daisies

ElleEm wrote: »

I recently had one of these contact specific eye exams. I was told my eyes are a bit dry so they obviously check for that! The optician then spoke about my nerves and blood vessels so they must be a factor in getting lenses.

Does anyone know how important it is to go back for the follow up after a trial? I have contacts now about three weeks (a long trial) and have had no issues. I got my prescription from Specsavers but want to get the lenses online.

Get the follow up check. Often when the lenses are in first they are fine but over a few hours they can get dry and tight and end up with problems on the eyes