Contact Lens Fitting: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Contact Lens Fitting?
An eye doctor, such as an optometrist, does a contact lens fitting. An optometrist is a doctor who examines eyes and prescribes glasses and contact lenses. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Contact lenses are thin lenses that sit on top of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. In a fitting, the eye doctor puts trial lenses on your eyes to see how they fit and to test your vision while you wear them.
Why a doctor might recommend it
If you have a refractive error, like being nearsighted or farsighted, your eye doctor can prescribe contact lenses to help you see clearly. Contacts stay in place and improve side vision, so they can be easier to wear when you are active or playing sports.
How to prepare
Your eye doctor can prescribe contact lenses as part of a dilated eye exam, an exam that uses drops to widen the pupil. The doctor will ask about the following things.
- Any eye or vision problems you have now.
- Your overall health.
- The medicines you take.
What happens during it
The exam is simple and painless. Your doctor will ask you to read letters that are up close and far away. Then you get eye drops that widen your pupil, so the doctor can check for other eye problems.
One test measures the curve of the cornea. This measurement is especially important for finding the proper fit for contact lenses. A test called refraction finds the lens power you need to fix your refractive error. Then the doctor puts trial lenses on your eyes to check the fit and your vision.
You and your doctor will also pick a lens type. The main choices are whether lenses are soft or hard, how long you can wear them, and how often you replace them.
- Soft lenses are much more common than hard lenses. Because they are soft and flexible, they can be more comfortable and easier to get used to.
- You keep daily wear lenses in all day and take them out at night. You can leave extended wear lenses in overnight.
Recovery
It may take several days to get used to soft lenses. If you wear contacts, get an eye exam at least once a year.
Risks and side effects
Contact lenses are not risk-free. If you do not use them the right way, you can get serious eye conditions, including corneal ulcers, which are sores on the cornea, and infections. It is not safe to sleep in daily wear lenses, because it can put you at risk for serious eye infections. You can lower your risk in these ways.
- Disinfect and store your contacts correctly, every time.
- Wear your contacts only for the amount of time your doctor recommends.
- Take out your contacts before you shower, swim, or go in a bath or hot tub.
Take out your contacts if you have any of these symptoms.
- Eye pain.
- Red eyes.
- Sudden blurry vision.
- Discharge, which is unusual fluid leaking out of your eyes.
If the symptoms do not go away or they get worse, call your eye doctor.
Who performs it
An eye doctor can prescribe contact lenses as part of a dilated eye exam. A doctor of optometry, also called an optometrist, may first look at specific parts of your visual function and eye health.
Common questions
How long does it take to get used to contact lenses?
It may take several days to get used to soft lenses. Rigid gas permeable lenses, the firm kind, may take a few weeks.
How often should I have an eye exam if I wear contacts?
You should get an eye exam at least once a year. That way your eye doctor can make sure you are still seeing clearly.
What is the difference between daily wear and extended wear lenses?
Daily wear lenses come out at night, while extended wear lenses can stay in overnight. Depending on the brand, extended wear lenses can be worn for as long as 30 days and nights before you take them out.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can review your health and medicines with you and refer you to an eye doctor for the fitting.
Sources
- National Eye Institute - Contact Lenses
- American Optometric Association - Comprehensive eye exams
- FDA - Types of Contact Lenses
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
