A Contact lens evaluation is a separate part of the comprehensive eye examination. It is also separate from a spectacle prescription. Additional testing that requires more of the doctors’ time and expertise is needed for those who wear contact lenses. In order to prescribe or update an existing contact prescription an eye doctor must complete several additional tests including all or several of the following:

1.\tEvaluate the health of the eye paying close attention to the cornea, eyelids, and conjunctiva and how the contact lens will affect the health of the eye.

2.\tDetermine the proper contact lens prescription based on each individual patient’s glasses prescription, vision needs, corneal health, and curvature

3.\tExamine the contact lens on the eye to ensure proper alignment with the cornea and lids.

4.\tMeasure the vision with contact lenses on the eye and make adjustments as indicated.

What is a contact lens prescription?

Contact lenses are medical devices that can only be dispensed by a prescription from your Doctor. Your contact lens prescription will include the power of your contact lenses you wear, the type of contact lenses you wear, the curvature of the contact lenses and any other information determined by the doctor to be necessary for a proper contact lens fit. For a new contact lens wearer, or if you are switching to a new contact lens style, a final contact lens prescription cannot be issued until successful contact lens performance has been determined by your doctor. Contact lens prescriptions expire after one year. They must be regarded with the same caution you would use for prescription drugs, which include prescription expiration dates and follow-up visits with your eye doctor.

Why is the contact lens evaluation separate from the comprehensive eye examination fee?

Most insurance companies require doctors to separate routine eye examination fees from any services due to contact lenses. More time and testing is required for a patient who wears contact lenses; therefore, most insurance companies treat contact lens services as an additional and separate evaluation from the eye examination.

Contact lens examinations and fittings have different levels of difficulty depending on the type of contact lenses needed, the visual requirements of the patient, and the health of the patient’s eyes.

There are four basic evaluation fees:

1.\tContact Lens Yearly Evaluation: applies to former patients renewing their existing contact lens prescription. $30.00

2.\tBasic: applies to previous contact lens wearers requiring minor changes or to new patients updating their existing contact lens parameters. $45.00

3.\tIntermediate: applies to previous contact lens wearers with a more complex contact lens design such as a toric contacts lens for astigmatism or rigid gas permeable (RGP’s) $65.00

4.\tAdvanced: applies to new contact lens wearers or patients with complex contact lens designs or custom lens design. $120.00

*Included in these fees are a one week follow up with the Doctor and a six month guarantee in case of any prescription changes or problems*