PATIENT QUESTIONS RELATED TO CONTACT LENSES
“Why do I need to have a contact lens exam?” Contact lenses are regulated by both the FDA and NH state law. In order to buy contacts, you need a valid prescription. Contact Lens prescriptions expire after one year.
“Why do I have to pay for a new contact lens exam?” In order for the doctor to write you a new contact lens prescription, in addition to performing a routine eye exam, the doctor needs to also perform a contact lens exam, which involves evaluating your vision and overall eye health while wearing contact lenses.
A few key points:
1. Refer to this as a “Contact Lens Exam," not as a “contact lens fitting." Patients will tell you they do not need to be fit and do not want to pay. They are paying for a contact lens exam, which is what is needed to get a new contact lens prescription.
2. A routine exam with a contact lens exam still needs to be done even if the doctor ends up not changing the expired contact lens prescription.
3. A contact lens exam needs to be done even if the patient claims their lenses are working fine.
4. If the patient is having a problem with their "contacts", normal fees will apply. But, if it turns out to be a medical issue (ie. underlying conjunctivitis), then there will be a charge for an office visit and they should make sure they do not need a referral (HMO plans) with their insurance before they come in. Our recommendation is they get the referral and we won’t use it if it is a lens issue, otherwise they will have to pay out of pocket.