Contact Lens Trials Explained

What is a contact lens trial?

A contact lens trial is a short period where you can try wearing contact lenses before committing to a full supply. It gives you the chance to see whether lenses suit your eyes, your lifestyle and your daily routine without spending money on boxes you might not use.

Many people are curious about contact lenses but feel unsure about making the switch from glasses. Concerns about comfort, handling and ongoing costs are common. A trial period removes some of that uncertainty by letting you test things out in a practical way.

Trials are offered by most high street opticians. They typically last a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the provider and the type of lens being fitted. Online retailers generally do not offer trials, as initial fittings require professional assessment in person.

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How to arrange a trial

Many people find starting with their regular optician helpful. If you have had an eye examination within the past two years, you may be able to book a contact lens fitting appointment without needing another full sight test. However, your optician may still require a new examination depending on your circumstances. During the fitting appointment, the optician or a trained contact lens specialist will assess your eyes and recommend suitable lens types.

Not everyone is suited to every type of contact lens. Factors like the shape of your eye, any dryness issues, and your prescription will all play a part in what gets recommended. The fitting appointment also covers how to insert, remove and care for your lenses safely.

Some providers include a trial supply as part of the fitting fee, while others may charge separately. It is worth asking about costs upfront so you know what to expect. Fitting fees vary between practices, so comparing a few local options can be useful. That said, the cheapest fitting is not always the best choice. The quality of the assessment and the experience of the practitioner matter more than saving a few pounds.

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What happens during the trial?

Once you have been fitted with lenses and shown how to use them, you will be given a small supply to take home. This might be a few daily disposables or a single pair of monthly lenses, depending on what type you are trying.

The idea is to wear them in your normal routine. You might notice things you would not pick up in a short appointment, such as how comfortable the lenses feel after several hours, whether your eyes feel dry by the end of the day, or how easy you find the handling process. Following your optician's guidance on wearing times is important during this period. Wearing lenses for longer than recommended can cause discomfort and affect how well you can judge whether they suit you.

Most opticians will book a follow up appointment at the end of the trial to check how you got on. This is a chance to discuss any issues and decide whether to continue with that type of lens or try a different option. If something felt uncomfortable or awkward, mentioning it at this stage often leads to a better fitting lens or a different brand that works better for your eyes.

There is no obligation to buy after a trial. If contact lenses are not for you, that is a perfectly reasonable outcome.

Costs and where to buy

There is now a wide range of suppliers competing for custom. High street opticians, supermarket opticians and online retailers all sell lenses, often at quite different price points.

Some things to consider when choosing where to buy:

• Monthly subscription plans can offer convenience and sometimes a small discount
• Buying in bulk may reduce the cost per lens
• Online retailers often have lower prices but require you to know your exact prescription and lens brand
• Some providers include aftercare appointments in their pricing, while others charge separately

If you are new to contact lenses, it may be worth staying with your optician for the first few orders until you are confident with your prescription details and lens preferences. After that, shopping around can make sense.

Bear in mind that contact lens prescriptions are separate from glasses prescriptions. Your optician should provide you with a copy of your contact lens specification, which you can use to order from any supplier you choose. You are not obliged to buy from the practice that fitted you.

For general advice on eye health and optician services, the NHS website provides useful guidance on what to expect from eye examinations and contact lens care.

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Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Eye Symptom Checker lets you describe your eye symptoms and we will help you understand what might be going on and whether it needs urgent attention. Try it now →