UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONTACT LENS CARE PROFESSIONAL FEES

As a contact lens wearer, additional tests and professional decisions are performed for you that are necessary to make sure your eyes are healthy, that your lenses fit properly, and to ensure that you are seeing as well as possible. Some of these tests are separate from the normal eye examination. Contact lens professional fees are for the extra testing and time taken by the staff and doctor to properly evaluate your contact lenses.

WHAT ADDITIONAL TESTS ARE NEEDED?
1. Corneal health check with a microscope
2. Corneal Topography which measures of the curvature of the entire ocular surface
3. Review of contact lens history
4. Evaluating the condition of your lenses
5. Evaluation of the size of the lens based on the curvature of the eye, and the openings of the eyelids
6. Vision evaluation through your contact lenses
7. Fitting evaluation (i.e.: is the lens too tight, too loose, too dry, off center, etc.)
8. Decisions pertaining to follow-up visits and reviewing care regimens
9. Training / Re-training of proper lens handling and the review of trends and solution changes

DOESN'T MY NORMAL EYE EXAM INCLUDE C.L. EVALUATIONS?
No, contact lens-related tests are performed in addition to the testing for your regular eye exam. These are procedures that only need to be done for our patients who wear contact lenses, not for those who choose glasses as their only optical correction.

DOESN'T MY VISION INSURANCE COVER C.L. PROFESSIONAL FEES?
It depends on your vision plan’s coverage. Most insurance plans cover a routine eye examination  which determines your glasses prescription and evaluation of the health of your eyes. Contact lens services are separate procedures that are either not covered, or are covered as part of your contact lens allowance. The staff or doctor would be happy to explain your insurance plan in more detail if needed.

HOW MUCH DO THESE EXTRA SERVICES COST?
Depending on the complexity of the lenses required (single vision, astigmatism, bifocal, keratoconus, etc) and the services that need to be performed (current wearer versus new wearer, symptomatic (problem) versus asymptomatic (no problems) at time of visit), the costs range from $45 to $125 annually.

WHAT IF I TRY CONTACTS AND CHANGE MY MIND?
Normally, you will still be responsible for some or all contact lens services rendered. Trial lenses are included in the contact lens fitting fees, but sometimes special lenses must be ordered that do not have a 100% refund by the manufacturer for a non-adapt patientt. The doctors want you to be able to try lenses if you are sufficiently motivated and are a good candidate. We would be happy to explain all charges in case you are unable to wear lenses or simply decide that contact lenses are not right for you.