What if I can't make it to your office in Vancouver?
No problem, with the help of your local Eye Care Practitioner (ECP) and a half decent camera we can get all we need to provide you with a great contact lens.
What information do you need to begin working?
We will need the following from your eye care professional:
From you we need:
- Corneal measurements
- HVID
- Palpebral fissure
- Prescription or eye exam results
From you we need:
- close up photograph of your unaffected eye
- make the shot from forehead to chin
- always use the flash
- better to be slightly farther away and clear than close up and blurry
- non-refundable deposit payment of half the total amount
What is the process and how long does it take?
Once we have received the necessary information and payment we will make a color sample lens based on the photo you send and ship it to you within 2 weeks.
When you receive the color sample you need to put it on and have it photographed so we can COMPARE it to your unaffected eye. In this way we can determine if we need to make it darker/lighter/bigger/smaller etc.
You then ship the sample lens and comparison photos back to us and we either make a new sample lens or begin work on your final lens. Most of the time we will make a second sample lens; the original photo is only a starting point and there are so many color variables that we can’t control, i.e. lighting, shadows, etc that the first sample lens will often be quite ‘off’. That is why we need a good comparison photo—this is where we really learn what colors we need to use. The second color sample lens is usually a very close color match to the unaffected eye.
The time line depends a lot on how fast you can have the sample lenses photographed and sent back to us. We can usually produce a sample or final lens within 2 weeks of receiving the comparison photos.
When you receive the color sample you need to put it on and have it photographed so we can COMPARE it to your unaffected eye. In this way we can determine if we need to make it darker/lighter/bigger/smaller etc.
You then ship the sample lens and comparison photos back to us and we either make a new sample lens or begin work on your final lens. Most of the time we will make a second sample lens; the original photo is only a starting point and there are so many color variables that we can’t control, i.e. lighting, shadows, etc that the first sample lens will often be quite ‘off’. That is why we need a good comparison photo—this is where we really learn what colors we need to use. The second color sample lens is usually a very close color match to the unaffected eye.
The time line depends a lot on how fast you can have the sample lenses photographed and sent back to us. We can usually produce a sample or final lens within 2 weeks of receiving the comparison photos.
I have an irregularly-shaped cornea, can you still make me a lens?
With the help of your local ECP we can determine the best fitting lens for you. After your initial consultation with your ECP he/she will send us your ocular measurements. Using this information we will send several ‘fitting blanks’ to your ECP for trial purposes. He/she will then assess each of them on you and determine which is the best fit. Once the correct fit has been established, all the lenses are returned to us and we have the information we need to begin working on your lens.
How much do they cost?
Anywhere from $400 to $1200 per lens, it will depend on eye color, prescription and type of lens required i.e. if a custom lens needs to be manufactured to fit an irregular eye. Precise prices vary between each lens.
How long do the lenses last?
Generally from 1-2 years. This varies from person to person depending on how well they are cleaned and maintained as well as how often and long they are worn
How long can I wear the lenses each day?
These lenses are 55% water and 45% Methafilcon, which means they are designed to be worn comfortably for 10-12 hours per day. This will vary from person to person as everyone has different tear quality, i.e. some people have naturally dry eyes and will be more comfortable removing their lenses after a shorter wearing time.