Contact Lens Policy & Fees

Contact lenses have been recognized by the FDA as Class II or Class III medical devices since 1976, therefore must be prescribed by an eye care provider. Lenses must fit appropriately in order to provide excellent vision as well as maintain the health of your eyes. A contact lens exam begins with a comprehensive examination of the eyes to determine the appropriateness for contact lens wear, followed by a formal lens fitting. Contact lens evaluation and fitting fees are not considered a part of your routine eye care and are therefore an addition to any eye exam, contact lens supply, and any other charges or services performed by the doctor.

CONTACT LENS FIT

The goal of the fitting process is to determine the most appropriate contact lens that will optimize vision, comfort, and eye health.

The fitting process includes objective measurements of corneal size and curvature, a diagnostic lens fitting and evaluation by slit-lamp examination, and finally the determination of the proper prescription, including lens size, shape, and material characteristics.

Your initial fitting fee includes keratometric mapping of the cornea, fitting analysis of diagnostic lenses, corneal, conjunctival, and eyelid response, a lengthy discussion of the associated risk to the eye and vision, insertion and removal training for first-time wearers, and any doctor determined necessary follow-up visits. There is a 90-day global fit period, during which there are no additional charges related to contact lens fit.

Our contact lens evaluation fees vary depending on the complexity of the case and the type of lenses necessary to achieve successful lens wear. The fit is finalized after the doctor agrees the fit has been successful, and you are satisfied with your vision and comfort. If for any reason, you or the doctor decide to discontinue the lens-fitting process or choose not to wear the contact lenses, the contact lens fitting fee is non-refundable.

Your eye health exam includes a prescription for glasses. If you have vision insurance, the “exam” that is covered in the eye health exam does not include the fees associated with the evaluation and management of contact lenses. However, these fees may be partially covered under the “contact lens” portion of your insurance plan. Most vision insurance plans provide a predetermined dollar amount that is set between your employer and the insurance company. If you choose to exceed those limits when purchasing contact lenses, the additional cost will be your responsibility. Contact lens fitting fees are non-refundable and are due at the time service is rendered. 

The contact lens fit and evaluation does NOT include:

  • Contact lens supply

  • Comprehensive Eye Exam

  • Medical visits related to contact lens use

  • Contact lens evaluations after the initial 90 days

Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act (FCLCA):

The FCLC went into effect on February 4, 2004. As stated by this act, you will be given a copy of your contact lens prescription once the prescription is finalized with the doctor. Dispensing a diagnostic lens for you to temporarily wear, to be evaluated on a follow-up visit, IS NOT a finalized prescription. A finalized prescription will be determined and approved by the doctor at his or her discretion. At that point, you will receive a copy of your prescription.

ORDERING CONTACTS

Contact lenses can be ordered at any time after the fitting is complete. Contact lens prescriptions are valid for 1 year.

LENS CHANGES

Any lens changes in a 90-day time period from the beginning of the fitting period are covered by the fee. Any lens change requests made after the 90-days follow-up visit will incur an additional office visit fee.

Lens options and prices will be discussed in detail once the initial examination is completed and knowledge of the type of contacts you need/want is assessed.

Spherical Lenses

Spherical contact lenses have the same lens power throughout the entire optical portion of the lens and correct only myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness).

  • Soft (Hydrophilic) Lens Fit $75 - $105/New wearer

  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lens Fit $135 - $165/New wearer

Toric Lenses

astigmatism correction

Toric contact lenses have different powers in meridians 90 degrees apart, for the correction of astigmatism. The lenses most often also correct for any myopia or hyperopia.

  • Soft (Hydrophilic) Lens Fit $115 - $145/New wearer

  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lens Fit $205 - $235/New wearer

Multifocal Spherical Lenses

presbyopia correction

Multifocal contact lenses (casually referred to as bifocal contacts) contain different power zones for near and far vision, for the correction of presbyopia as well as nearsightedness or farsightedness. Presbyopia is the term for poor near vision associated with age over 40. Some multifocal lenses also can correct astigmatism.

  • Soft (Hydrophilic) Lens Fit $135 - $165/New wearer

  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lens Fit $265 - $295/New wearer

Multifocal Toric Lenses

presbyopia & astigmatism correction

Multifocal lenses that correct astigmatism.

  • Soft (Hydrophilic) Lens Fit $215 - $245/New wearer

  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lens Fit n/a

Monovision Lenses

presbyopia correction

A simple and unique way to correct for presbyopia without the use of multifocal lenses is a technique referred to as “monovision). In this scenario, the dominant eye is fit with a distance lens, and the non-dominant eye is fit with a near lens, providing clear vision for both distance vision and near. For those familiar with the history of eyewear, presbyopic patients often used a monocle, where a handheld glass lens was placed over one eye for the purpose of reading up close. This practice is a relic of the past and only seen now in old movies. The concept is the same.

  • Soft (Hydrophilic) Lens Fit $165 - $195/New wearer

  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lens Fit $165 - $195/New wearer

Monovision Toric Lenses

presbyopia & astigmatism correction

Monovision with astigmatism correction in one or both eyes. The technique is the same, but the addition of topic lenses often complicates the fitting process.

  • Soft (Hydrophilic) Lens Fit $235 - $265/New wearer

  • Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lens Fit $235 - $265/New wearer

RGP & Specialty Lenses

Due to the custom nature of the lenses, the purchase of materials is required. Charges for materials are in addition to the fitting fee.

rigid gas permeable contact lenses (rgp)

RGP lenses are made of rigid plastic polymers that are very permeable to oxygen.  Although RGP lenses may require a comfort adaptation period, they can be as comfortable as soft contact lenses for some patients. In fact, they have been proven to provide more oxygen, better vision, durability, and are more resistant to deposits than soft contact lenses.

hybrid contact lenses

As the name suggests, Hybrid Contact Lenses are a combination of “rigid” and “soft” lenses. Typically, they pair a rigid lens center with a peripheral soft lens skirt. As a result, they provide the easy wear and seamless comfort of soft lenses, while delivering the crisp, clear vision of rigid lenses.

scleral contact lenses

Scleral lenses are similar to RGPs, but are much larger in diameter and used for irregular corneal conditions such as keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, or for corneas damaged from past trauma. As a result, each lens is custom-made and fitted for every patient. They are designed to vault over the cornea, rather than aligning with it, landing on the sclera, or white of the eye. This ensures the eye remains hydrated and the corneal condition remains undisturbed.