Contact lenses test and buying elsewhere

[shallbe]

Prescription isn't the right word my brain is fogged this morning!

I am due an eye test, I desperately need to update my contact lense prescription, I vaguely remember the optician years ago saying the prescription for glasses is different for contacts, so I might be -2 for glasses but doesn't mean I am for lenses? I buy my contact lenses online, can I have an eye test done by an optician to check what I need to order for glasses and lenses or will they only do that if I buy lenses from them? (I know I don't have to buy my glasses with them but haven't done it with lenses)

Hope that makes sense!

You would need a contact lense appointment as what they need to review for the health of your eyes is different plus the prescription isn't always the same. It is also ideal to have an appointment after a week to check the fit and if the prescription needs adjusting. Maybe get a month or so from an optician and then order the same lenses online?

Sorry, didn't read right. You can book and pay for a contact lense check without needing to buy lenses. You just wouldn't be able to partake of any offers.

@SmallYappyTypeDog thank you that's great, I wonder if I can book both at the same time, will give them a call (if they're open in tier 4?!)

Specsavers do a joint appointment but getting one at the moment might be tricky! A small local optician might be better. I ended up having to book 2 appointments as it was all that was available. Assume one has a longer timeslot so they couldn't just squeeze me in. They are definitely open in tier 4 as I am just back from one now.

Thank you, I will see what I can get

I get my lenses and prescription checked at spec savers then ask for the prescription for my records while I think about options. Then go and buy online where they are much cheaper. The lens check isn't a contract to buy lenses from them.

I’ve just had my contact lens check up and eye test - they are done by different specialists at my optician. My contact lens care plan includes free eye tests and check ups - they can’t send my lenses in the post if I don’t have my lens check up with them.

There’s no reason I couldn’t just ask for a contact lens check up and then go to Costco or someplace, but I value their service so I pay a bit more. I also get Boots points and discounts on glasses.

Some opticians may not offer contact lens checks if you aren’t part of their programme, but otherwise you can just book that and then buy lenses elsewhere.

Just make sure they give you the full prescription for your lenses. I had one optician only give me the strength needed, only when I got home and my OH (who works with contact lenses) looked at it, told me that the eye dimensions, eye type stuff needed for lenses was missing. I had a bit of a hard time getting the rest of the info from the optician as obviously they wanted me to get lenses from them rather then elsewhere. Just stick to you want what you have paid for a full prescription.