- Our Locations: Swan St Eye Centre - 03 9428 0402
- Dingley Eye Centre - 03 9551 4244
- Our Locations:
Swan St Eye Centre - 03 9428 0402 - Dingley Eye Centre - 03 9551 4244
Many people assume that getting contact lenses is just a matter of matching their glasses prescription. In reality, a contact lens fitting is a detailed and medically guided process designed to make sure your lenses are safe, comfortable and provide the clearest vision possible.
As optometrists, we often explain to patients that a proper fitting isn’t simply a recommendation — it’s an essential part of protecting your eye health. Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of the eye and even small errors in fit or material can cause discomfort, dryness or more serious complications if left unchecked.
Contact lenses interact closely with your cornea and tear film, so a “one size fits all” approach doesn’t work. Every person’s eyes have unique curvatures, tear chemistry and sensitivities. A professional fitting ensures the lens sits correctly, moves naturally with each blink and allows oxygen to reach the cornea.
Beyond vision correction, the fitting process helps identify the best lens type and material for your lifestyle — whether you’re an occasional wearer who values convenience or a daily user needing durability and long-term comfort. Skipping a fitting, or using old or online prescriptions, increases the risk of infections, inflammation and corneal damage — all of which are easily preventable through professional care.
Your fitting starts with a thorough eye examination to check your prescription and evaluate overall eye health. During this stage, we assess the front surface of your eye (the cornea), the eyelids and the tear film. Utilising equipment such as a slit-lamp microscope and corneal topographer are used to map the shape and curvature of your eye, providing precise data for lens selection.
If you have dry eye, allergies or astigmatism, these findings will guide the type of lens chosen. The goal is to find a design and material that provides clear, stable vision while keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Once your measurements and eye health information are collected, we’ll discuss which lens type best fits your needs. For some, daily disposable lenses are ideal — they’re hygienic, low-maintenance and perfect for busy schedules. Others prefer fortnightly or monthly lenses that can be cleaned and reused with proper care.
If you have astigmatism, you may need toric lenses for more precise vision correction. Those requiring both distance and near clarity may benefit from multifocal designs. In special cases — such as keratoconus, irregular corneas or for myopia control/management — rigid gas permeable (RGP) or orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses may be recommended.
The aim here is simple: find a lens that complements your prescription, eye physiology and lifestyle so you can see clearly and comfortably all day.
This is where theory meets practice. During your trial fitting, we apply diagnostic lenses to your eyes and allow them to settle for several minutes. Using our slit-lamp, we observe how the lenses align with your cornea — checking for proper centration, movement with blinking and adequate tear exchange beneath the lens.
Equally important is how the lenses feel to you. We discuss your comfort, clarity and any initial awareness you may experience. It’s normal for new wearers to notice the lenses at first, but discomfort, dryness or redness are signs the fit or material may need adjusting.
Once the fit is confirmed, we’ll guide you through how to handle your lenses safely. You’ll learn how to insert and remove them, clean and store them properly and recognise early warning signs of problems. We take a step by step approach — from washing your hands to caring for your lens case — until you feel confident doing it independently.
This teaching component is a vital part of your fitting. Correct handling and hygiene significantly reduce the risk of infection, dryness and lens damage. With practice, most patients find the process simple and comfortable within days.
After wearing your lenses for a week or two, we schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is working as it should. We’ll recheck your corneal health under the microscope, confirm that the lenses remain stable and discuss your comfort throughout the day.
If necessary, we may fine-tune your lens parameters or care system. Once the fit and vision are optimal, you’ll receive your final contact lens prescription, which includes the exact brand, base curve, diameter and power. From there, annual reviews are recommended to monitor your eye health and ensure your lenses continue to fit properly.
A contact lens fitting is much more than a simple measurement — it’s a tailored medical service designed to safeguard your eye health and maximise your vision. The right fit means better comfort, clarity and confidence every day.
If you’ve been thinking about trying contact lenses, or if it’s been over a year since your last fitting, consider booking an appointment at our Richmond or Dingley practice. Your eyes deserve professional care and precise attention — and you’ll feel the difference every time you put your lenses in.
