Published 20 Nov 2024
So, you’re ready to try contact lenses but don’t know where to begin? This is a common situation, and the advice is very simple; ask an optometrist! Most patients don’t know much about contact lenses, the different types available or that trialing them is even an option.
GMHBA Eye Care optometrist Zara Daneshvar outlines what to expect when trying contact lenses for the first time and shares some helpful hints.
I always tell my patients that I am yet to meet someone who cannot get contact lenses into and out of their eyes. The trick is to take your time, practice under supervision and talk to your optometrist about any concerns you may have.
Have a read over the following articles to find out more about the contact lens options available to get an idea of which ones may be right for you and answer any of your burning questions.
Next Steps
Appointment 1: assessment and prescription check
Book in for your next optometry appointment and talk to your optometrist about wanting to try contact lenses. When you do, be ready to answer the following questions.
- How often would you like to wear contact lenses in a 1-week period?
- Do you have backup glasses that you can wear if something prevents you from wearing your contact lenses for a day?
- Do you have any allergies or recurring eye irritation?
- Do you have acrylic nails? Can you go without them?
- Are you happy to clean your contact lenses or would you prefer daily disposable lenses that require no cleaning?
Your optometrist will check your spectacle prescription and eye health to check your suitability for contact lenses. Based on those results, and your answers to the questions above, they will order trial contact lenses for you.
Contact lens appointments often fall outside the scope of Medicare. Once your optometrist knows what you need, they can advise you of the expected costs for appointment fees before proceeding to a trial.
Appointment 2: initial fit
Once your trial contact lenses arrive, it's time for a fitting! The optometrist will assess the fit of the contact lenses on your eyes and advise of any changes that need to be made. They will then follow this with a demonstration on how to insert and remove the contact lenses from the eyes. You will then copy the skills taught to you and practice in the room while under close supervision.
The cost of an initial contact lens fitting depends on the practice, provider and the patient’s prescription.
GMHBA members also receive a 20% discount at GMHBA Eye Care practices that will be applied to contact lens fittings and purchases.
Once the optometrist has confirmed that the contact lens fits well and you have demonstrated that you can insert and remove the lenses safely, the contact lenses will be given to you to take home to trial over the next 7-14 days.
Appointment 3: check-in
Following your trial period, you will then be booked for an after-care appointment where you can ask questions and raise any concerns you may have had while wearing contact lenses. At this point, you can order some contact lenses.
Depending on your prescription there are lots of different designs of contact lenses that may be suitable for you. There are so many possibilities, so just ask! The GMHBA Eye Care team are here to help.
Need an appointment?
Book an appointment today. Bulk-billed^ eye tests available.
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^Subject to Medicare eligibility
About the author
Zara Daneshvar completed her Bachelor of Vision science and Master of Optometry in 2018. Having worked in rural Victoria for most of her career, she recently moved back to her home town to be closer to family and friends. Zara's areas of special interest include paediatric eye care, orthokertology fitting (including Toric orthoK), myopia control, glaucoma, civil aviation safety authority (CASA) Testing and macular diseases. She loves to spend time with her dog, Meshki and her partner Nick, is a passionate supporter of the Geelong Football Club and enjoys adventuring around Australia and abroad.
