Contact Lens Exams & Fittings in The Villages, FL

Why contacts need a separate fitting

A glasses prescription does not tell us what a contact lens needs. First, we measure the curve of your cornea and look at how your eyes make tears. Then we choose a lens that sits well on the surface, moves a little with each blink and stays comfortable all day.

Dr. Russell also checks the fit with a magnified view of your eye. Because a poor fit can irritate the surface of the eye, this check matters as much as the prescription itself.

What happens at your visit

Your visit begins with questions about your eyes, your health and your daily routine. Then we run the same kind of testing as a regular exam, plus the extra measurements contacts need.

• Measurement: keratometry maps the curve of the front of your eye.
• Tear check: we look at how your eyes make tears, since that affects comfort.
• Trial lenses: you try a lens, and we check how it sits and moves.
• Follow-up: a second visit lets us see how your eyes are doing with the new lenses.

New to contacts, or switching

If you have never worn contacts, we teach you to put them in, take them out and care for them before you leave with a pair. If you already wear them and want a change, tell us what bothers you. Dryness, blur or end-of-day discomfort can sometimes be helped by a different lens type or schedule. Ask Dr. Russell what suits your eyes.

Come in with your questions. How many hours a day will you wear them? Do you read a lot, drive at night or play golf? Your answers help us choose a lens that fits your routine. We will also show you how to clean and store your lenses so they stay comfortable.

Contacts the same day

With a valid prescription, we can fill contact lenses the same day. However, stock varies by prescription, so call ahead at (352) 399-5412 if your lens is unusual. If you wear contacts for reading and glasses for distance, mention that when you call, because it can change what we order.

Caring for your lenses

Good habits keep contacts comfortable. The CDC advises washing your hands with soap and water and drying them before you touch your lenses. It also advises against sleeping in contacts, unless your eye doctor says it is safe for your lens type, and against swimming or showering in them. Replace your lens case on a regular schedule, and follow the replacement schedule Dr. Russell gives you.

If your eye turns red, hurts or feels irritated, take the lenses out and call us. Many patients seek Contact Lens Exams & Fittings in The Villages because they want a clear plan for care, so we go over these steps at your fitting.

Source: CDC (cdc.gov/contact-lenses).

Cost and insurance

Vision plans and medical plans can treat contact lens visits differently. We accept Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Medicare, Cigna, Humana and other plans, and CareCredit. Because coverage varies, the next step is to call us with your plan name. Our team will explain what applies before your visit, so there are fewer surprises at the desk.

Bring your current lenses, the boxes or packaging if you have them, and your glasses. Also bring your insurance cards and a list of your medicines.

Your prescription is yours

After your exam, you get a copy of your prescription. You may fill it here or anywhere you like.

Under the FTC Contact Lens Rule, you receive your contact lens prescription once the fitting is complete. It has an expiration date, usually at least one year, and a yearly check keeps your eyes healthy under the lenses. Call (352) 399-5412 to schedule.

Book Contact Lens Exams & Fittings in The Villages

To book contact lens exams & fittings in The Villages, call (352) 399-5412 or use any Request an Appointment button. We are in Pinellas Plaza at 2478 Burnsed Blvd, an easy golf-cart ride from most of the south Villages.

Common questions

Why is a contact lens exam separate from a glasses exam?

Contacts rest on the surface of your eye, so they need extra measurements and a fit check that glasses do not.

Can I buy my contacts somewhere else?

Yes. Once your fitting is done and your prescription is valid, you get a copy and may order from any seller.

Can I get contacts the same day?

With a valid prescription, often yes. Stock varies, so call us first about Contact Lens Exams & Fittings in The Villages and your lens type.