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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.