An optician that examines eyes checking both their prescription and determining that they are healthy is called an optometrist or ophthalmic optician. They are qualified to prescribe glasses and fit contact lenses if needed and some can treat a range of eye conditions.
Opticians
What is an optician?
An optician that examines eyes checking both their prescription and determining that they are healthy is called an optometrist or ophthalmic optician. They are qualified to prescribe glasses and fit contact lenses if needed and some can treat a range of eye conditions.
How do opticians decide if you are able to wear contact lenses?
Your optician will look at a variety of criteria to determine what prescription and optical solution will best suit your eye needs.
They may want to know about your general health and the health of your family, including whether someone in your family has an eye condition such as glaucoma. They will ask you about your lifestyle including hobbies and work and check your eye sight using different methods to arrive at the correct prescription. They will examine the health of the eyes very carefully and check that the muscles controlling your eye movement are working correctly too.
They will make a recommendation based on their findings and all the other information they have gathered, which may, if required include glasses and/or contact lenses.
If you are suitable for contact lenses, the optician will discuss the most appropriate type for you to try, put some on your eyes to show you how comfortable they feel and check that they are fitting correctly and providing optimal vision too.
Will the optician check that contact lenses are healthy for me to wear?
Opticians in the UK advise on a number of measures that can be taken to ensure your eye health is maintained whilst wearing contact lenses. These include:
- Regular aftercare appointments - your optician will advise you on the frequency that is right for you. The aftercare appointment will be used to check that the prescription is up to date and that the eyes continue to be clear and healthy.
- Do not exceed the recommended amount of hours and days of wear.
- Dispose of your contact lenses as directed by your eye care professional
- Good contact lens hygiene. Ensure that you have clean, dry hands when you handle your contact lenses and that if they are reusable that you clean and disinfect them as directed each night.
- Protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation by wearing sunglasses, glasses & contact lenses* with built in UV protection.
- If your eyes are red, sore, sensitive to light, blurred, painful, dry or in any way not looking or feeling healthy, seek immediate medical advice.
When can I be fitted with contact lenses?
Before you can start wearing contact lenses, you will need to book an appointment with an optician who will assess your ability to wear soft contact lenses and the type of lens most appropriate for you. This consultation is essential to select the ACUVUE® contact lenses that best suits your needs.
*UV-absorbing contact lenses are not substitutes for UV-blocking sunglasses as they do not completely cover the eye and the surrounding area.