Therapeutic Lenses - Hospital cases fitted

Probably 99% of people today think of Contact Lenses as just an alternative to glasses chosen for cosmetic, sporting or occupational reasons - how wrong they are!

Few people are aware that, since the invention of the very first glass Haptic or Scleral lenses in the 1880's, they have been used extensively all over the World for the treatment of medical eye problems -- what is known as therapeutic use!

Nearly every Eye Hospital today has it's own Contact Lens Department and millions of people owe their sight to the use of Contact Lenses to correct, contain or even cure a whole range of pathological eye conditions.

Babies only months old are fitted with them -- the aged with chronic 'dry eye syndrome' are fitted!

There are numerous other conditions where only Contact Lenses can provide adequate vision such as Keratoconus and high errors of short sight and ASTIGMATISM!

Many people with high or complex spectacle prescriptions who can't meet driving test standards will do so with the improved vision Contact Lenses can offer.

Because patients who need Contacts for therapeutic reasons are usually eligible to have them fitted under the Health Service most are seen in Hospital Eye Clinics. Many however, often because of long waiting lists, consult us for our advice.

Today's Optical students are only taught to fit one or two basic lens designs so need to learn much more if they wish to fit anything more complex. Having qualified in the ''good old days' (1966) when Scleral Lenses were still part of the University curriculum and every lens fitted was individually designed (today's 'off the peg' branded one fit lenses were unheard of then!) Geoff Wilson has experience with many of the complex designs needed for therapeutic Contact Lens fitting.

We are always pleased to advise and care for patients who may need lenses for medical reasons. Obviously, if outside our remit or experience, we will refer patients to the appropriate specialists either within the NHS or privately.