Contact Lens Exam Process and FAQ

Our Process

First time wearers: How exciting! You are ready to make the leap from glasses to contacts. We make the process accurate and simple so you can trust that you'll be thrilled with your decision. 

  • The first step is having a comprehensive eye exam with one of our optometrists to get an up-to-date, accurate prescription. During the exam the optometrist will also evaluate the shape and health of your eye to ensure the best fitting contact lens. From this information, your optometrist will select a specific contact lens. 
  • This information will then be given to one of our trained contact lens technicians, who will order a trial pair of contacts for you and schedule you back in 1-2 weeks for a training class. Before your training class, we recommend you practice getting comfortable touching your eyelids and around your eyes. 
  • Once the time comes for your training class our contact lens technician will teach you the proper way to insert and remove contact lenses, how to clean and care for your lenses, and be able to answer any questions you may have. 
  • After you've successfully demonstrated your ability to put in and take out the lenses you will get to take the contact lenses home with you. In 1-2 weeks from your training you will meet with the optometrist to guarantee that the lenses are working well for you and will not cause any issues later on. It is VERY important that you wear the contact lenses to this exam! If you are having any issues with the lenses now is the time to mention them to the eye doctor. 
  • Once you and the doctor agree that the lenses are working well the doctor will finalize the prescription and you are able to purchase contact lenses! 

**There is just one fee for this entire fitting process, but does not include the purchase of contact lenses. 

Change in brand, prescription, or contact lens type: You or your eye doctor have decided that the current contact lenses you are wearing aren't working as well as the should be. Maybe you now need a lens that corrects your astigmatism, maybe you want to try multifocal contact lenses, or maybe your current contacts are irritating your eyes.. We are here to find the perfect lens for you! 

  • First we would perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the best prescription and lens fit. Sometimes the optometrist will have you try different trial contact lenses on during this exam. 
  • We would then have our contact lens technician order in new trials lenses for you to wear at home. They will then schedule you to see your optometrist back in 1-2 weeks. 
  • At your contact lens check the optometrist will evaluate the lenses on your eyes to guarantee that the lenses are working well for you and will not cause any issues later on. It is VERY important that you wear the contact lenses to this exam! If you are having any issues with the lenses now is the time to mention them to the eye doctor. 
  • Once you and the doctor agree that the lenses are working well the doctor will finalize the prescription and you are able to purchase contact lenses! 

**There is just one fee for this fitting process, but does not include the purchase of contact lenses. 

New to our clinic, but not new to contacts: If you are a new patient of ours and want to order more contact lenses; first, thank you for choosing us to take care of your eye health and vision! As optometrists we need to ensure that the contact lenses you will be wearing are not only accurate in correcting your vision but also will not damage your eyes. For us to be able to write a new contact lens prescription we need to determine the power of the lens and see how it is fitting on the eye. Often times this will require having a contact lens exam. We will provide you will trial lenses that you will wear for the next 1-2 weeks. Then your eye doctor will see you back to evaluate the lens on your eye before finalizing a prescription for you. This ensures that we are prescribing the best lenses possible for you.

**There is just one fee for the contact lens exam, but does not include the purchase of contact lenses



Contact Lens Exam FAQ

Is a Contact Lens Exam the Same As an Eye Exam?

A contact lens exam is not the same as an eye exam. An eye exam should be done prior to or in addition to a contact lens exam. A contact lens exam specifically has to do with fitting you for the right type of contact lenses and ensuring your new lenses work for you and fit your eye properly. 

What is a Done During a Contact Lens Exam? 

During a contact lens exam, the first thing that will be done is to determine if you can wear contact exams. A tear film evaluation may be conducted by an eye care professional to ensure you have enough tears to lubricate your eye and comfortably wear contact lenses.

The next thing that will occur is a test that measures your eyes' surface. This is important as it helps to determine what size contacts you need and which type may be ideal for you. 

The optometrist will then discuss what your wants and needs are in a contact. If you prefer disposable contacts or colored contacts, now is the time to speak up. Once all of this information is obtained, an optometrist will be able to determine will provide you with a contact prescription that is ideal for your eyes. 

In some cases, the doctor will be able to provide you with a trial pair of the contact lenses you were given a prescription for. They will ask you to put them in, and then ensure they fit your eye properly and that your vision has improved with them on. 

Why Do I Need a Follow-Up Contact Lens Exam? 

Most optometrists will ask you to schedule a follow-up contact lens exam after you have been wearing the lenses for 7 to ten days. The doctor wants to ensure that the lenses fit you correctly, that they are meeting your needs and that you are not experiencing any issues with the lenses. 

Are you tired of wearing glasses? Would you prefer to wear contact lenses instead? Here at Carlson-Tillisch Eye Clinic, we can help you determine if you are a candidate for contact lenses, determine your contact lens prescription and fit you for contact lenses that will improve your vision while still being comfortable. Contact either our Mankato or New Ulm, Minnesota offices today to schedule an appointment with our optometrist for a contact lens exam.  You can call our Mankato office at (507) 345-5087 or our New Ulm location at (507) 354-7407 today!

 

No Insurance? No Problem.

We Offer A 25% Discount With Same Day Payment Of Your Eye Exam.

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • Very friendly and professional. I actually look forward to the exam.

    - Gregory M.
  • Friendly, professional staff. Well kept, pleasant offices. Organized.

    - Albert F.
  • Carlson-Tillisch is always a such pleasant visit. I almost wish I need to be seen more often! Front desk staff makes checking in so easy. Staff explain the exam so it’s never uncomfortable and the physicians are wonderful! They are always so thorough and help me to fully understand my options.

    - Jessica S
  • Staff and doctors are very friendly. Up to date equipment is amazing!!

    - Cynthia H.
  • The staff was efficient and friendly. I was really happy with the examination and the consultation. I would recommend them 100%.

    - Mary W.

Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you

Hours of Operation

Both offices will be closed Saturday, May 27th and Monday, May 29th in observance of the Memorial Holiday

Mankato Hours

Monday

7:45 am - 5:30 pm

Tuesday

7:45 am - 5:30 pm

Wednesday

9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Thursday

7:45 am - 7:00 pm

Friday

7:45 am - 5:30 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

New Ulm Hours

Monday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

9:30 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Mankato Hours

Monday
7:45 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday
7:45 am - 5:30 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday
7:45 am - 7:00 pm
Friday
7:45 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed

New Ulm Hours

Monday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

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