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Contact Lens Fitting During Your Eye Exam?

What a contact lens fitting includes, why it's a separate step, and how to plan your visit.

In Short

Often, yes. A contact lens fitting can happen in the same visit as your eye exam, but it's a separate step with its own measurements, lens trials and training. Mention contact lenses when you book so we can set aside enough time, and expect a short follow-up to check how your lenses are working.

The Short Answer

Same visit, two steps.

Your eye exam checks the health of your eyes and works out your prescription. A contact lens fitting is the next step: it's where we decide which lens suits your eyes and lifestyle, check how it sits on your eye, and make sure you can handle it comfortably. That's why a glasses prescription can't simply be copied into a contact lens prescription.

For many people the two happen back to back at the same appointment, because what we find in the exam feeds straight into the fitting. If you're new to contacts or need a specialty lens, it can take a little longer or need an extra visit, so it's worth planning for it.

What's Involved

What a fitting includes

  • Mapping the shape of your cornea and checking your tear film
  • Choosing a lens type that suits your prescription, eye health and lifestyle
  • Trial lenses you can test, with adjustments until the fit feels right
  • Hands-on training in insertion, removal and cleaning for new wearers
  • A follow-up to fine-tune the fit and update your prescription
Plan Ahead

Allow extra time if

  • You've never worn contact lenses before
  • You have astigmatism or need multifocal lenses
  • You're interested in specialty lenses, like scleral or ortho-k
  • You have dry eyes, which we may treat first
  • You've been told in the past that you can't wear contacts
Good to Know

Your exam and your fitting aren't billed the same.

Alberta Health Care generally doesn't cover contact lens fittings, even when your eye exam is covered, so it helps to know before you book. If you have private insurance, we direct bill most major providers. At Eye Check Calgary, lens training and follow-ups come with no added fees, and our pricing page shows what to expect.

What We Can Do

Contact lens fitting, done properly.

Every contact lens consultation at Eye Check Calgary includes a corneal health check, and first-time wearers get personalized training so you feel confident handling your lenses. We fit soft, toric, multifocal, rigid gas permeable, scleral and orthokeratology lenses, so whether you want everyday daily disposables or a specialty fit, we'll start with your exam and take it from there. If you've been told you can't wear contacts, ask us whether a different lens could work.

FAQ

Contact lens fittings, answered.

Can I get contact lenses at the same appointment as my eye exam?
Often, yes. Let us know when you book that you're interested in contact lenses so we can set aside time for the fitting. First-time wearers and specialty lenses may need a second visit.
Is a contact lens prescription the same as a glasses prescription?
No. A contact lens prescription includes details like lens type, curvature and diameter, and it's based on a fitting, not just your glasses prescription. That's why you need a fitting before you can order contacts.
How long does a contact lens fitting take?
It depends. A simple fit for an experienced wearer can be quick, while a first-time fit includes training and a follow-up, and specialty lenses take longer. Ask when you book and we'll help you plan the time.
Is a contact lens fitting covered by Alberta Health Care?
Generally no. Contact lens fittings are usually a separate service from your eye exam, even if your exam is covered. If you have private insurance, we direct bill most major providers, and our pricing page explains what to expect.
Book Your Visit

Tell us you want contacts when you book.

Mention contact lenses when you book your eye exam so we can plan enough time for the fitting. Book online or call, and we'll take it from there.

Eye Check Calgary

100 Anderson Rd SE, 2nd Floor
At SpecSavers Southcentre
Calgary, AB T2J 3V1
Mon to Wed10am – 8pm
Thu & Fri10am – 9pm
Saturday10am – 8pm
Sunday11am – 6pm

See Clearly. Feel Confident.

Book your comprehensive eye exam in Calgary with Eye Check Calgary. Whether it’s digital eye strain, dry eyes, diabetes-related vision concerns, or a contact lens fitting, we’ll guide you through every step with care and clarity. Call us today at 587-441-5254.