A contact lens evaluation is a separate part of a comprehensive eye examination and requires additional testing and cost for contact lens wearers. Patients who wear contact lenses require more of the doctor’s time and expertise.

In order to prescribe contact lenses an eye doctor must complete several additional tests:

• Evaluate the health of the eye, paying close attention to the cornea, eyelids, and conjunctiva and how contact lens wear will affect the health of the eye.
• Determine the proper contact lens prescription based on each patient’s glasses prescription, vision needs, and corneal health and curvature. A contact lens prescription is different and separate from a glasses prescription.
• Examine the contact lens on the eye to ensure proper alignment with the cornea and lids.
• Measure the vision with the contact lenses on the eye and make adjustments as indicated.

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