Contact Lenses – Obtaining or Renewing your Prescription in our Office

What is a contact lens prescription?

A contact lens prescription must include all of the following elements to be valid:

The Date it was Prescribed & the Date of Expiration
The lens corrective power
The lens material
The base curve
The diameter
The name and license of the medical professional accepting responsibility and liability for the prescription

Federal & State Laws

Contact lenses are regulated and governed by the FTC. and the FDA as well as Georgia state laws.

The FDA classiﬁes contact lenses as a Class H medical device. Class 2 devices are those devices that have a moderate to high risk to the patient and/or user

Expiration

In the State of Georgia. contact lens prescriptions expire annually and must be renewed by a medical professional every year. This law varies from state to state.

The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumer Act (2004)

In order to ensure a competitive market. you as the consumer have the right to purchase your contacts from any vendor you choose.

We are happy to provide you a copy of your current, valid prescription once the prescription is ﬁnalized by your doctor.

You can also access a copy of it through your patient portal at any time.

Fee for Services - Standard Soft Contacts

Our office collects an additional fee (beyond your exam fees) for the doctor to prescribe your contact lenses each year.

This fee varies based upon the anticipated complexity of the prescription (presbyopia is more complex to address with contacts than other vision conditions) and if it is a new prescription or a more simple renewal.

$75 - $165

Although our staff may estimate your costs prior to your visit with us, this fee can only be determined by your doctor at the time you are evaluated.

This applies ONLY to soft. standard contact lenses. Hard contacts, hybrid. or made—to order lenses Will incur different fees Please ask an associate for more details.

What does the fee cover?

Any/all diagnostic lenses needed for your evaluation process
A 90 Day period during which all of your ofﬁce visits related to obtaining a prescription are covered
Corneal Topography - Maps the shape of your cornea and monitors for changes over time
Any services related to your training and education of your contacts
The liability being accepted by your prescriber

The Right of Refusal

Your doctor has the right to refuse to prescribe you lenses. Your doctor may deny contacts if they believe that your ocular health is in jeopardy because of your contacts. Failure to adhere to wearing schedules, and cleaning regimens as well as speciﬁc corneal conditions may result in a refusal to prescribe.

FAQ's

What does my vision plan cover?

Your vision plan may or may not contribute toward these fees. Most plans do not or simply reduce the fee by a small percentage.

Is my contact lens prescription different from my glasses and why?

Yes. The corrective power needed for your eyes is different based on the distance the lens sits from your eyes. Additionally, the material of the contact lens is required.

How do I know if my child is old enough for contacts?

This varies with each child, but the minimum age for elective contacts is 8-9 years old. The maturity of your child should be the primary guide. Can they be trusted to brush their teeth every night and keep their room tidy? Good hygiene is critical to avoid infections and painful ulcers.

What happens if my prescription is not finalized within the 90 day period?

The entire process will need to be repeated, and additional fees will apply.

Does the name of the lens matter?

Branded lenses are proprietary and carry speciﬁc elements of your prescription (base curve, diameter. and material) in the name as well as the prescribed wearing schedule (dailies vs monthly). The brand of your prescribed lens cannot be exchanged for another brand.

Why won't my doctor prescribe the contact lenses I’m asking for?

First, not all contacts are made in every prescription. Just because your friend wears it, doesn't mean that it's appropriate for you. Second. your doctor prescribes lenses that are optimized for your lifestyle and your ocular health. What you think you want, may not be in your best interest. Additionally, older lens designs are often discontinued by manufacturers and may no longer be available.

Why do I have to come back for a follow up?

Your doctor may or may not require a follow up visit before ﬁnalizing your prescription. This is typically scheduled for l-2 weeks after you receive your diagnostic lenses. We want to formally document your wearing experience in the lenses as well as verify (for ourselves) that your lenses are not too tight, or too loose on your eye.

Failure to present for your follow ups will result in NO ﬁnalized prescription

First Time Contact Lens Wearers

If you have never worn contact lenses before, you will be required to successfully complete a Contact Lens Training Class before being permitted to leave with your first diagnostic lenses.

One of our staff members will teach you how to safely insert, remove. and care for your prescribed lenses for up to 30 minutes per class. Up to 4 classes can be attempted. You may or may not be able to schedule this class on the same day of your exam.

You must successfully insert & remove your lenses on your own before you can leave the office with them.

Parents: Putting something in your eye for the first time is often stressful for your child. Please remain in the office, but wait in our lobby while your child is instructed.

Overriding the blink reflex is difficult and the child must WANT to do this for themselves to be successful.