A person in a white coat holds a pair of brown eyeglasses in one hand and two contact lens cases, one blue and one white, showcasing their commitment to eye care. The background is blurred.

What Happens at a Contact Lens Fitting: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Thinking about making the switch to contact lenses? It is an exciting step towards more freedom in how you see and live, whether you want to leave your glasses behind for sport, free up your face for a special occasion, or simply enjoy the comfort of going without frames.

If you have never worn lenses before, it is natural to wonder what actually happens at the appointment. The good news is that there is nothing to feel nervous about. A contact lens fitting is a friendly, unhurried process designed to find lenses that feel comfortable, sit well, and give you clear, healthy vision.

Here is exactly what to expect, step by step, when you come in for a contact lens fitting at our Belsize Park practice.

New to lenses, or thinking about a switch? Book a contact lens assessment, and we will walk you through your options, with no pressure to commit. Call 020 7586 5508 or book an appointment online.

Your contact lens options at a glance

There is no single best lens. The right choice depends on your eyes, your prescription, and how you want to wear them. Here is a quick overview of the main types of contact lens we fit.

Lens type Who it tends to suit Worth knowing
Daily disposables Occasional wear, sport, travel, allergy sufferers A fresh pair every day with no cleaning routine
Two weekly and monthly lenses Regular, everyday wearers Better value for full-time wear, with a simple cleaning routine
Toric lenses People with astigmatism Shaped to correct the irregular curve that blurs vision
Multifocal lenses Anyone juggling near and distant vision (presbyopia) Clear focus across distances without reading glasses on top
Gas-permeable lenses Those wanting crisp vision and a longer-lasting lens Firmer lenses that can suit more complex prescriptions
Children’s myopia control lenses Short-sighted children Designed to help slow how quickly short-sightedness progresses

Step 1: Booking your assessment

Every fitting starts with a contact lens assessment. If it has been a while since your last eye examination, we may carry this out first, or alongside your fitting, so we are working from an up-to-date prescription and a clear picture of your eye health. You are welcome to call us on 020 7586 5508, book online, or pop in.

What to bring with you

  • your current glasses, if you wear them
  • Details of any contact lenses you already wear
  • a note of any eye drops or solutions you use

Step 2: A relaxed chat about you and your eyes

Before anything touches your eyes, we sit down and talk. This is where we get to know how you live, because that shapes which lenses will suit you best. We will usually ask about:

  • whether you wear glasses now, and what your prescription is
  • any vision you find tricky, such as blurring up close or glare around lights
  • your work and hobbies, from long hours at a screen to swimming or running
  • your daily routine, including how you manage hygiene and whether you wear eye makeup
  • What you want from lenses, whether that is all-day wear or just the odd weekend

There are no wrong answers here. The more we understand, the better we can match you to a lens that feels right.

Step 3: Checking your eye health and measuring your eyes

Next, we take a close look at the health and shape of your eyes. We examine the front structures of your eye, assess your tear film to see how well your eyes stay moist, and measure the curve of your cornea.

These checks matter because contact lenses sit directly on the surface of your eye, so the fit has to be just right for both comfort and long-term health. This is also how we confirm that lenses are a suitable option for you in the first place.

Step 4: Choosing the right lenses

With your measurements and your lifestyle in mind, we recommend the lenses we think will work best and explain why. That might be a daily disposable for fuss-free wear, a toric lens to correct astigmatism, or a multifocal so you can leave the reading glasses behind. It is a conversation, not a sales pitch, and we are always happy to talk through the pros and cons so you can make a confident choice.

Not sure which lenses fit your life? That is exactly what the assessment is for. Book your contact lens assessment and let us do the matching.

Step 5: Learning to put your lenses in and take them out

For many people new to lenses, this is the part they feel most unsure about, and that is completely normal. We will show you how to insert and remove your lenses, then let you practise until it feels natural. There is no rush. Most people are surprised by how quickly it clicks, and we are right beside you the whole time.

Step 6: Your trial period

Once you are comfortable handling your lenses, we send you away with a trial pair to wear in real life. This is the proper test: your own day, your own screen time, your own commute. You get a real feel for how the lenses settle, how they look, and how your eyes respond over a week or so of normal wear.

Step 7: Your follow-up appointment

We will see you again, usually between one and two weeks later, to check how you have got on. We look at how the lenses are sitting, how your eyes are coping, and whether anything needs adjusting. If a different lens or a small tweak would serve you better, this is where we sort it. Only when you and we are both happy is your fitting complete.

Step 8: Ongoing care and supply

Healthy contact lens wear is not a one-off. We recommend regular aftercare checks, generally every six to 12 months, to make sure your lenses still suit you and your eyes stay in great shape. We will keep you supplied with lenses and solutions, and you are always welcome to get in touch between visits if anything ever feels off.

A quick word on sleeping in lenses. Some lenses are designed for extended wear, but research shows that sleeping in lenses raises the risk of infection. We will only ever suggest it where it genuinely suits you, and we will explain exactly how to do it safely.

Why have your contact lens fitting at Perspective

At Perspective Optometrists, your fitting is carried out by an optometrist from start to finish. In fact, contact lenses can only legally be fitted by a registered optometrist or another qualified specialist, and we would not have it any other way. You get unhurried, genuinely personal care in our Belsize Park practice, with the same friendly team there for you long after your fitting. It is the kind of attentive service that brings people in from Hampstead, Primrose Hill and Camden.

Can children wear contact lenses?

Yes. Lenses are not just for adults. For some short-sighted children, we offer myopia control lenses, which are designed to help slow how quickly short-sightedness progresses as they grow. If you are curious whether they might help your child, our children’s eye examinations are a good place to start.

Contact lens fitting FAQs

How long does a contact lens fitting take?

We never rush a fitting. We allow plenty of time to assess your eyes, find the right lenses, and teach you how to handle them comfortably, so you leave feeling confident rather than hurried.

Can I get my contact lenses on the same day?

Often, yes. Once your assessment is done and you are comfortable handling lenses, we will usually send you away with a trial pair to wear straight away. Your ongoing supply is then arranged to suit you.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?

Very likely, yes. Toric lenses are designed specifically to correct astigmatism, and they are a routine part of what we fit. We will check the shape of your eye and recommend the right option for you.

Do I still need glasses if I wear contact lenses?

It is wise to keep a current pair of glasses even if you wear lenses most of the time. You will want them when your eyes feel tired, and they are essential as a backup. Many people happily switch between the two.

Are contact lenses safe?

Modern lenses are very safe when you follow your optometrist’s advice on wear and care, and keep up with regular checkups. Good hygiene, especially washing and drying your hands before handling lenses, makes all the difference.

How much does a contact lens fitting cost?

Costs depend on the type of lenses and the aftercare you choose. You will find current details on our pricing and FAQ page, or you can simply ask us when you book.

I have never worn lenses before. Is that a problem?

Not at all. A good share of the people we fit are complete beginners. We will guide you through every step, including putting lenses in and taking them out, at a pace that suits you.

Ready to see what life with contact lenses feels like? Book your contact lens fitting at Perspective Optometrists today. Call 020 7586 5508, book online, or pop into our Belsize Park practice.
A hand holding a contact lens on the tip of the index finger. In the background, there is an open contact lens package and a contact lens case on a white surface.

Contact Lenses for Beginners: A Simple Starter Guide

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Thinking about trying contact lenses for the first time? It is completely normal to feel a little unsure. Most people worry about touching their eyes, picking the right lenses, or keeping everything clean and safe. This friendly guide to contact lenses for beginners covers all of that, so the basics quickly become second nature.

This guide walks you through everything a beginner needs to know, from the different types of lenses to what happens at a fitting and how to look after your eyes day to day. If you are still deciding between lenses and glasses, our contact lenses versus glasses guide can help you weigh things up. By the end, you will feel ready to take the next step with confidence.

Not sure if contact lenses are right for you? A friendly chat is the easiest place to start. We will check your eyes, answer your questions, and talk you through your options with no pressure.

Book a contact lens consultation in Belsize Park

Are contact lenses right for you?

Almost anyone can wear contact lenses these days. That includes people with astigmatism, those who need both reading and distance correction, and children who would benefit from myopia management. Modern materials are more comfortable and breathable than ever, so even if you tried lenses years ago and found them tricky, it is well worth another look.

The only way to know for certain is a proper contact lens fitting. This is where an optometrist checks that your eyes are healthy, measures their shape, and matches you with lenses designed for your prescription and lifestyle. We explain exactly what a fitting involves further down the page. If you are due an eye test, our eye examination is the natural first step.

The main types of contact lenses, explained simply

There are more options than most beginners expect, but you do not need to memorise them all. Your optometrist will narrow things down for you. Here is a quick overview so the choices feel familiar when you arrive.

Lens type Best for Why beginners like them
Daily disposables First-time and occasional wearers, allergy sufferers A fresh pair each day, nothing to clean or store, low infection risk
Monthly and fortnightly Regular wearers who want better value Reused with a simple cleaning routine, cost-effective over time
Silicone hydrogel Most wearers, longer days Let more oxygen reach the eye for all-day comfort
Toric People with astigmatism Shaped to correct an irregular cornea and keep vision sharp
Multifocal Anyone needing near and distant vision Clear sight at varying distances in a single lens
Gas permeable Specific prescriptions and conditions Rigid and durable, with exceptionally crisp vision

Soft lenses are the most popular choice and where most beginners start. They are flexible, comfortable, and available in daily, fortnightly, and monthly options. Most are now made from silicone hydrogel, a material that lets more oxygen reach your eye, which helps your eyes stay white and comfortable through a long day.

Daily disposable lenses are often the easiest starting point. You wear a fresh pair each morning and simply throw them away at night. There is nothing to clean and nothing to store, which keeps life simple and lowers the risk of infection. They are also ideal if you only want to wear lenses now and then, or if you are prone to allergies.

Toric lenses are made for people with astigmatism, where the eye is shaped a little more like a rugby ball than a football. They are weighted to sit in the right position so your vision stays steady and sharp.

Multifocal lenses help if you need clear vision both up close and far away, which becomes more common from your forties onwards. They let you read a menu and see across the room without reaching for a second pair of glasses.

Gas-permeable lenses are firmer than soft lenses and suit certain prescriptions and conditions. They take a little longer to get used to, but they reward you with very crisp vision and a long lifespan.

Contact lenses for children are increasingly popular, particularly for myopia management. Specialist myopia management lenses are designed to help slow the progression of short-sightedness in children, with the added freedom to take part in sport without glasses. Our paediatric experience means we can advise on whether your child is ready for lens wear. You can learn more on our children’s eye examinations page.

Choosing contact lenses for beginners: daily or monthly?

This is the most common question we hear, and there is no single right answer. It comes down to how often you plan to wear your lenses and what matters most to you.

Choose daily disposables if you want the simplest, lowest maintenance option, if you wear lenses occasionally, or if you are prone to eye allergies. There is no cleaning routine to remember, and a fresh pair every day.

Choose monthly or fortnightly lenses if you wear lenses most days and want better value over time. They cost less per wear, although you will need to clean and store them properly each night.

As a rough guide, daily disposables usually cost a little more per wear but need no extra kit, while monthly lenses tend to work out cheaper over time once you include the cost of cleaning solution. The right balance depends on how often you reach for them.

Many of our clients start with daily disposables while they build confidence, then review their options at a follow-up. There is no pressure to decide everything at once, and our pricing and FAQ page give a clear idea of what to expect in terms of cost.

Still weighing up your options? Pop into our practice near Hampstead and Primrose Hill for a relaxed, no obligation chat, and we will help you find the lenses that fit your routine.

Talk to our team

What happens at a contact lens fitting

A fitting is a relaxed, step-by-step process designed to make sure your lenses are safe, comfortable, and right for you. Here is what to expect.

  1. A healthy eye check. We start with a thorough eye examination to confirm your eyes are healthy and to establish your prescription. A contact lens prescription is different from a glasses prescription, so this step matters even if you have had a recent test.
  2. Measuring your eyes. We measure the curve and size of your cornea and assess your tear film, which tells us which lenses will fit well and stay comfortable.
  3. A trial pair. You will try lenses on so we can check how they sit, move, and feel, and so you can see how clear and comfortable they are.
  4. Learning the ropes. If you are new to lenses, we will teach you how to put them in, take them out, and care for them. Most people get the hang of it sooner than they expect, and we are with you until you feel confident.

Because our appointments are unhurried and optometrist-led from start to finish, you will never feel rushed through any of this. And with complimentary aftercare, our support does not stop the moment you leave the practice.

After your fitting, you will be given a contact lens specification. This includes an expiry date, and regular check-ups keep your prescription up to date and your eyes healthy.

Looking after your lenses and your eyes

Good habits protect your eyes and keep lens wear comfortable. The College of Optometrists offers clear guidance for wearers, and these are the golden rules worth remembering.

  • Always wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses or your eyes. Research suggests many wearers skip this, and it is one of the simplest ways to avoid infection.
  • Never use tap water to rinse or store your lenses or case. Water can carry microbes that cause serious eye infections.
  • Stick to your replacement schedule. If your lenses are daily, do not stretch them to a second day. Reusable lenses should be cleaned with the solution your optometrist recommends.
  • Replace your lens case regularly, ideally every three months, to keep bacteria at bay.
  • Take your lenses out before bed, unless your optometrist has specifically advised otherwise. Sleeping in lenses raises the risk of infection.
  • Avoid showering or swimming in your lenses, and keep a pair of glasses handy as a backup.

Staying safe and knowing when to ask for help

Modern contact lenses are very safe when you follow your optometrist’s advice and attend regular check-ups. Problems are uncommon, but it helps to know the signs to watch for so you can act early.

Mild dryness can happen, especially during long screen sessions, and lubricating drops recommended by your optometrist usually help. If you notice redness, pain, blurred vision, or unusual sensitivity to light, remove your lenses and contact us. These are signs your eyes need attention, and early advice almost always resolves things quickly.

It is also worth knowing one reassuring fact. A contact lens cannot get lost behind your eye. A thin membrane stops that from happening, so if a lens shifts out of place, a gentle blink or a clean fingertip will bring it back.

Frequently asked questions

Do contact lenses hurt?

No. A well-fitted lens should feel barely noticeable. You may sense it at first, but that settles quickly. If a lens feels painful or gritty, take it out and check it, as it may be inside out or have a speck of debris on it.

How long does it take to get used to contact lenses?

Most beginners feel comfortable within a few days to a couple of weeks. Putting lenses in and taking them out feels strange at first, then quickly becomes routine.

Can a contact lens get stuck behind my eye?

No. This is a common worry, but it is physically impossible. A thin membrane covers the white of your eye and connects to your eyelid, which keeps the lens at the front.

Can I sleep or shower in my contact lenses?

It is best not to. Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of infection unless they are designed for it and your optometrist has approved it. Avoid showering and swimming in lenses too, as water can carry harmful microbes.

Do I need a separate prescription for contact lenses?

Yes. A contact lens specification is different from a glasses prescription because lenses sit directly on your eye. That is why a contact lens fitting is an important first step.

How often do I need a contact lens check-up?

Your optometrist will recommend how often, usually at least once a year, depending on the lenses you wear and how you wear them. Regular check-ups keep your eyes healthy and your prescription valid, as a contact lens specification carries an expiry date.

Can children wear contact lenses?

Yes, many children wear lenses successfully, particularly for sport and for myopia management. We will assess whether your child is ready and guide you both through the process.

Start your contact lens journey with Perspective Optometrists

Switching to contact lenses opens up a new sense of freedom, whether you want clearer vision for sports, a break from glasses, or simply more options day to day. With the right fitting and a few good habits, lens wear soon becomes effortless.

Our optometrist-led team in Belsize Park takes the time to find lenses that genuinely suit you, and we are here for unhurried advice and aftercare whenever you need it. We welcome clients from across Hampstead, Primrose Hill, Camden, and beyond.

Ready to get started? Book your contact lens consultation today and take the first easy step towards clearer, more comfortable vision.

Book your consultation