Eye Clinic of Austin Contact Lens Fitting
At the end of your comprehensive eye exam Dr. Melanie Prosise will likely give you a prescription if you have a need for vision correction. This prescription will be for eyeglasses only. Prescriptions for contact lenses can only be given after the Optometrist performs further steps that are not included in your routine eye examination. This exam is called a Contact Lens Fitting.
Contact Lens Fitting
A contact lens fitting requires Dr. Prosise to obtain particular measurements of the curvature of the front surface of your eye with an instrument called a keratometer and may also include computerized measurements of your eye called mapping using a corneal topography machine.
Other factors that are considered for a potential contact lens wearer are how dry your eyes are, and how healthy your corneas are. These are generally evaluated in the eye exam and again considered during a contact lens fitting.
A contact lens fitting includes the following services provided by Dr. Prosise and assisted by ophthalmic assistants:
- Assessment of visual needs and expectations
- Evaluation and determination of prescription and eye health in regard to contact lens wear
- Diagnostic trial lens fitting
- Follow-up examinations to monitor eye health, prescription accuracy and appropriate fit within a 60 to 90 day period, depending on the complexity of the fit
The contact lens prescription is written out and given to the patient by Dr. Prosise after she is sure your lenses fit properly and gives you comfort, satisfactory vision and is causing no harm to your eyes. The prescription includes the contact lens power, contact lens base curve and diameter.
The goal of contact lens fitting is to find the most appropriate contact lens for best vision and comfort. There are many different types, styles, materials, sizes and colors of contacts available for Dr. Prosise to work with. Staff at the Eye Clinic of Austin are committed to taking the time and making the effort to fit you properly. Some patients need only one fitting appointment, and many will require several appointments. It is our experience, that the extra time, effort and patience are very worthwhile, both for your complete satisfaction and for the health of your eyes.
Insertion and Removal Training
In addition to the above fitting fee, first time contact lens wearers are scheduled for a training session with a contact lens technician when the trial lenses arrive. During this session, patients are taught how to insert, remove, clean and care for contact lenses. The session may take up to an hour and a half, depending on how quickly the patient becomes comfortable with insertion and removal of the lenses.
Annual Follow-Up Exams and Replacement Contact Lenses
Upon completion of the initial fitting process and you have received your prescription for contacts, typically about 3 to 4 office visits you should return annually for a contact lens check and get your prescription renewed. Additionally, your annual eye examination is even more important if you wear contacts. All contact lenses regardless of how well they fit or how old they are, reduce the amount of oxygen to the cornea and increases your risk of eye infection. The contact lens check is typically done annually for a current or previous wearer that is not changing soft, soft toric or RGP (no new lens order) brands or types of contact lens (but can change powers up to-/+ 0.50 diopters). No trial lens are used for this process. If a change is required the patient will go through the contact lens fitting process again.
Contact Lens Policy
Fitting Fee - The fitting fee includes the initial visit and all subsequent visits directly related to contact lens wear and fit within a 60 day period or 90 day period, depending on the complexity of the fit. The fitting fee varies based on the type of lens being fitted and the follow-up period required. The follow-up period begins when the first contact lenses are dispensed to the patient.
New contact lens patients should also read and sign the Contact Lens Fitting Agreement located on our website under Patient Resources.
- Charges for fitting fees are due in full at the time of the fitting evaluation.
- All contact lenses must be paid for in full prior to being ordered.
- Progress checks and other contact lens-related services performed after the above mentioned follow-up period are subject to normal office visit charges.
- Many insurance plans do not cover the full cost of contact lens fees. You will be responsible for any uncovered costs incurred by the eye exam, contact lens fitting or contact lenses.
- Professional fees for the comprehensive eye exam and fitting are not refundable.
- You are responsible for scheduling and attending follow-up visits in order to finalize your prescription. Your prescription will not be released and contact lenses will not be ordered for you until your prescription has been finalized by the doctor.
- Contact lens prescriptions expire after one year in the state of Texas.
- We can provide your contact lens prescription if:
- You have had a comprehensive eye exam and fitting in the last 12 months a the Eye Clinic of Austin
- You have completed a contact lens fitting, by returning for all requested follow-ups, passing insertion and removal thus allowing the doctor to finalize your prescription
- An ocular medical condition does not exist requiring follow-up care
- All financial obligations have been met
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