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| Experts recommend that patients have contact lens fittings before wearing contact lenses for the first time, or switching to a new kind of contact lens. A fitting will insure that the lenses are an accurate prescription and that the patient knows how to wear and care for them. |
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| Typical costs: |
- The cost for a fitting at a reputable clinic can range from $25 to more than $250. These fittings are often not covered by insurance, and prices vary by clinic and region of the country. Fittings are more complicated for patients with astigmatism or other eye conditions. The Lakewood Family Eye Care clinic in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., charges between $25 and $149, depending upon the eye conditions being corrected. The Lasik Maine Eye Center charges $140 for soft daily wear lens fittings, $150 for rigid gas permeable and soft toric lens fittings, $210 for rigid gas permeable and bifocal lens fittings and $250 for therapeutic lens fittings.
What should be included: |
- Contact lens fittings are conducted by an ophthalmologist, optometrist or eye technician prior to ordering contact lenses. During the fitting, the provider will ask the patient about what kind of lenses they prefer. He or she will also take measurements of the patient's eye. This will include the measurement of the eye's curvature and size of pupil.
- The fitting will also include a tear duct evaluation, which insures that the patient's eye has adequate moisture.
- Patients can also expect to try on a trial pair of lenses. Usually patients need to wear these lenses for at least 15 minutes. Then the eye care provider will examine how the eye moves and focuses while wearing the lenses.
Additional costs: |
- Although patients buying contact lenses through a U.S. retailer are required to have an annual eye exam, most experts recommend purchasing lenses through a U.S. retailer because overseas merchants are not bound by Food and Drug Administration regulations. The average national expense for an eye exam is $114, although it may be covered by insurance or included in the purchase of contact lenses. See How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost.
- If a patient has difficulties with their contact lenses, another visit to an eye care professional may be necessary. The average clinic charges about $40 for follow-up visits. Lakewood Family Eye Care charges $45 for a follow-up contact lens visit, while Cheyenne Eye Clinicin Wyoming includes three months of follow-up visits in the fitting fee.
- The fitting does not include the actual cost of the contact lenses, which can range from $20 per box of daily disposable lenses to $400 for lenses that need to be replaced annually. See See How Much Do Contacts Cost.
Discounts: |
- Be sure to ask if there are any discounts; some providers charge a reduced fitting fee if the contact lenses are also purchased from them.
Shopping for a contact lens fitting: |
- Patients with a personal or family history of eye conditions should consider seeing an ophthalmologist instead of an optometrist for their contact lens fitting. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains the difference between ophthalmologists and optometrists, and also provides a list of ophthalmologists. Or, search for an optometrist through the Optometrist Network.
- Consumers with insurance should check with their providers about coverage. Contact fittings are not usually covered by insurance.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated June 2010 |
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