This information is for general education only and may not be suitable for everyone. It is not intended to be optometric advice and if any of the issues raised affect you, we recommend you seek specific advice from your OPSM optometrist.
Q. Why should I choose contact lenses?
Contact lenses are an increasingly popular 'invisible' alternative to wearing glasses. They're an ideal way to create a whole new look, for work or play. Plus, they're great for all kinds of sport, especially water sports like sailing, fishing or snorkelling.
Recent advances in contact lens design mean that they are more comfortable, affordable and provide better visibility than ever before. What's more, they're available in a wide range of prescriptions and designs, even for readers and progressive wearers.
An OPSM optometrist can assess your suitability for contact lenses and show you how easy they are to wear.
If you do not have a contact lens prescription or are interested in a free contact lens comfort trial, call 13 20 20 to arrange an appointment with an OPSM optometrist or click here to find your nearest OPSM store.
Q. What are the main types of contact lenses?
Daily disposable
- For the ultimate in convenience because no cleaning is required, daily disposable lenses also offer maximum optical health as these contact lenses are replaced daily.
Disposable (fortnightly/monthly)
- These are available in a wider range of contact lens designs, including monthly multifocal contact lenses.
Coloured disposable (fortnightly / monthly)
- For when you want to enhance your existing eye colour, coloured disposable contact lenses are available with or without corrective prescription.
Thirty-day continuous wear
- With no need to remove contact lenses daily, thirty-day continuous wear contact lenses are the ultimate in convenience; lenses you can truly 'sleep in'.
Conventional contact lenses
- Custom-made to suit your exact eye shape and generally replaced annually, conventional contact lenses are usually only recommended if your prescription falls outside the disposable contact lens prescription range.
Q. How do I get contact lenses?
Even if you already have a glasses prescription or don't require any visual correction, you'll still need to have a contact lens consultation with an OPSM optometrist.
The consultation differs from a routine eye test in that your OPSM optometrist will check the health of your eyes and measure the surface of your eye. Your OPSM optometrist will then prescribe a contact lens designed to suit you and your lifestyle.
Finally, your OPSM optometrist will ensure that your lenses fit correctly and comfortably and you have clear vision. You will also be shown how to insert and remove them safely and how to clean and care for your new contact lenses.
Remember: a contact lens eye health consultation is recommended every 12 months or as otherwise recommended by your OPSM optometrist.
Q. How long does it take to get contact lenses?
Depending on your prescription and lens design, some disposable lenses are available on the spot at your local OPSM store. Those that have to be ordered are usually available within two to seven working days.
Q. What's the latest in contact lens technology?
OPSM has a wide variety of new contact lenses, including:
- High oxygen lenses: provide greater comfort than earlier generations of contact lenses, particularly in dry and air-conditioned environments.
- New disposable contact lenses: feature blink-activated moisturiser for greater comfort.
- New disposable contact lenses for astigmatism: offer sharper and more stable vision.
- New multifocal disposable contact lens options: a great option for progressive glasses wearers.
If you do not have a contact lens prescription or are interested in a free contact lens comfort trial, call 13 20 20 to arrange an appointment with an OPSM optometrist or click here to find your nearest OPSM store.
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