Buying contact lenses online

KizZ · 9 May 2010 at 23:27

So basically I want to get some contacts and I was looking at these http://www.visiondirect.co.uk/product.php?xProd=12

The thing is, there is only one choice for Base curve and Diameter. Would it be OK to buy these?

thanks

tom_e · 9 May 2010 at 23:37

that depends on your perscription, if it matches those lenses go for it

KizZ · 9 May 2010 at 23:47

yeah that's the thing tho. I've lost my perscription so I'm not sure what they are. Are the base curve and diameter that important? (I remember the power)

DB_SamX · 9 May 2010 at 23:47

DOn't know. I buy elsewhere online and can get my exact spec lenses. They probably matter when it comes to comfort. Check your exisiting lens box - shoudl have them marked.

tom_e · 9 May 2010 at 23:58

yep they are the bits that make sure the lenses will actually fit and stay on your eye

Nymins · 10 May 2010 at 00:16

Websites check with your optician to make sure your prescription is correct (to avoid legal issues, like getting the wrong ones and damaging your eyes etc).

So you need to make sure you have the right details as the order won't go through otherwise.

panthro · 10 May 2010 at 00:19

Nymins said:
Websites check with your optician to make sure your prescription is correct (to avoid legal issues, like getting the wrong ones and damaging your eyes etc).

So you need to make sure you have the right details as the order won't go through otherwise.

Yep, they wont sell you the lenses unless the prescription you give is up to date, which they will check with your optician.

Clum · 10 May 2010 at 01:06

How will they do that, is there some sort of Opticians database? Just ordered a years worth off there as it was a lot cheaper than what I'm paying now (thanks OP). Will I have to hide if I see my optician in the street as he'll know I've been cheating on him with the internet?

Nymins · 10 May 2010 at 01:11

You should have been asked to fill in your opticians details when you checkout. They will phone them and confirm your prescription.

gee3000 · 10 May 2010 at 01:14

I buy mine from this place: http://cosmeticlenses.co.uk

They're fairly cheap and do quite a few offers. They also do a loyalty card so after ie. 5 pairs you get 1 free.

Clum · 10 May 2010 at 01:22

Nymins said:
You should have been asked to fill in your opticians details when you checkout. They will phone them and confirm your prescription.

Nope defiantly not. I know ive ordered the right prescription but I guess there's no way for them to tell that. Suppose I'll get a phonecall tomo for the details of my optician or something then.

1mm3 · 10 May 2010 at 06:55

Some of these lens companies will NOT call you/ your optician. It is down to you to make sure you buy the correct ones (just like buying already-made prescription glasses).

I would suggest copying the prescription from your old lens box/ prescription/ give your optician a call and get your old prescription BEFORE ordering.

Vanilla · 10 May 2010 at 07:58

I specifically go for the companies that don't check the pescription. I'm buying something online, I know what I want, give it to me. I don't want the delay.

I use contactlenses.co.uk - no perscription check. Confirm your perscription with your optician and see what they say - I am able to wear different base curves and diameter lenses.

Mp4 · 10 May 2010 at 08:33

I pay £25 per month - £12.50 per box (delivered) - I get half price frames / lenses / sunglasses/checkups. From what I can see online they are more expensive.

I'd go to your optician

Tomsk · 10 May 2010 at 09:08

Vanilla said:
I specifically go for the companies that don't check the pescription. I'm buying something online, I know what I want, give it to me. I don't want the delay.

I use contactlenses.co.uk - no perscription check. Confirm your perscription with your optician and see what they say - I am able to wear different base curves and diameter lenses.

I've purchased different lenses (different makes, same power but slightly different BC and diameter) from four different companies. It seems none of them checked with my optician.

Nymins · 10 May 2010 at 12:53

Interesting that some companies don't check with your optician. I would probably buy some from them if they didn't check!

I preferred having -2.5 in each eye, but my optician kept saying "-2.5 left, -2.25 right". Just didn't feel right, even though i said it felt better with both the same, they said the -2.5 and -2.25 was my correct prescription even after 2 different tests

Might check out that contactlenses.co.uk. Are they quick to delivery, good customer service etc?

KizZ · 10 May 2010 at 22:49

Tomsk said:
I've purchased different lenses (different makes, same power but slightly different BC and diameter) from four different companies. It seems none of them checked with my optician.

You got contacts with slightly different BC and diameter and they fitted fine?

nydryl · 10 May 2010 at 22:58

They certainly don't all contact your optician. My lenses are ordered under a different name and address to the one the optician has.

1mm3 · 10 May 2010 at 23:12

KizZ said:
You got contacts with slightly different BC and diameter and they fitted fine?

May well feel like they fit fine "subjective" but visual acuity will not be optimum (this is why your optom uses objective + subjective tests to determine the best prescription, well they should be doing

)

Have a brother and sister who are both optoms

Nymins · 10 May 2010 at 23:57

Ordered some from Lensbase. Just to try them out. Pretty cheap and no mention of contact with optician.