Contact lens frequently asked questions

Contact lenses are provided at Moorfields only when there is a medical need. Usually this is when vision cannot be improved with spectacles but can be improved with contact lenses. The contact lens clinical staff at Moorfields will assess eligibility. Examples of eligibility include some disorders of the cornea, high prescriptions (over +10.00DS/-15.00DS) and "bandage" lenses.

We must receive a referral letter, either from your GP, an ophthalmologist at Moorfields or another hospital.

You will be assessed in the contact lens clinic to ensure that you are suitable and eligible for lenses. The lens type will be selected according to your medical need. The lenses are often specially made, so you will usually require a separate appointment to have the lenses issued and to receive instruction on lens care and lens handling.

Statutory NHS patient charges or exemptions arrangements apply and these charges are updated annually on 1 April each year. The current prices are available from the contact lens clinic.

• The payment is for one standard replacement contact lens (or where appropriate, six months supply of daily or monthly disposable lenses)
• If lenses are to be posted, there is a charge for all patients.

The same charges apply for replacement lenses or if a lens breaks outside the three-month manufacturer’s warranty period (this does not affect your statutory rights).

Please note that lenses will not be ordered until payment or proof of exemption has been seen.

• Patients who have proof of a qualifying benefit (our cashiers department can advise)
• Patients requiring a lens as a "bandage" or “prosthesis”
• Children under 16, or 16 to 19 years and in full-time education
• Patients not in receipt of an eligible benefit can apply to the NHS Business Services Authority for a contribution to the cost of their lenses using an HC1 form, which can be obtained directly from the authority (0300 3301 343) or from Moorfields’ cashiers office on the ground floor at the City Road hospital
• Patients who need their contact lenses to be changed for clinical reasons within a specific time of payment

Someone who is exempt from standard charges, but repeatedly breaks or loses lenses will be charged for replacements (this does not affect your statutory rights).

To avoid the problems of contact lens loss, we advise that you keep a spare.

Costs can be obtained from the clinic and are reviewed annually. Please note that there is no exemption from payment for spares.

Please use one of the following methods to contact the contact lens orders department:

• Email: moorfields.contactlenses@nhs.net
• Phone: 020 7566 2100
• Write to us at Contact Lens Orders, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust, 162 City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
• Visit us at clinic 4, contact lens reception (Monday to Friday, 9am– 4.45pm)

This depends on the complexity of the lens and the individual manufacturer, but typically:

• Rigid gas permeable (corneal) lenses take two to six weeks
• Scleral contact lenses take six to eight weeks
• Cosmetic soft contact lenses take two to six weeks.

Patients are taught how to handle and look after their contact lenses and detailed written instructions are provided. You can also view videos on how to insert, remove and care for contact lenses.  

If you require further clarification, please email meh-tr.contactlenses@nhs.net or phone contact lens orders on 020 7566 2100.

• One month’s solutions can be supplied on prescription at each scheduled contact lens clinic appointment. The prescription is only valid at Moorfields' pharmacy. Each item incurs the standard NHS prescription charge
• Patients are able to purchase additional supplies from Moorfields’ pharmacy
• Unfortunately, solutions may not be prescribed outside appointments and will not be posted

No – your GP can prescribe eye medication, but is prohibited from prescribing contact lens solutions.

Yes, if you can tolerate your lenses, we would like to assess the effect of the lenses on your eyes.

Please advise our appointment clerks in advance if you know that you cannot keep an appointment so that an alternative date can be arranged (020 7566 2475).

Patients will be discharged if they fail to attend two consecutive contact lens clinic appointments or if they are not seen for more than 15 months.

• If you are not a current patient, you will not be able to obtain contact lenses or contact lens solutions from the hospital, nor can you be seen in the clinic unless you are re-referred by your doctor
• If you are discharged from the hospital and continue to wear contact lenses, it is essential that you are under the care of a contact lens practitioner

The hospital can supply a copy of your contact lens specifications once your contact lens fitting is complete. This is usually after you have been reviewed in the clinic, wearing the lenses for a minimum of three months after issue.

Please email: meh-tr.contactlenses@nhs.net

Phone: 020 7566 2100

Or ask when you attend the clinic for your booked appointment.

If you cannot wait until your next appointment, current patients of the contact lens clinic should phone the appointment clerks on 020 7566 2475 and explain the nature of your contact lens problem.

Please note that there is no guarantee that you will be seen in the contact lens clinic without an appointment.

In an emergency, for example if your eye suddenly becomes red, painful or your vision suddenly becomes worse:

• You should attend your local ophthalmic casualty service or GP
• The A&E department at Moorfields will see casualties and, if necessary, will arrange an appropriate referral

It is important to let the staff know if you are wearing an extended wear lens (e.g. regular overnight wear) or a bandage (therapeutic) contact lens.

• First, you will be assessed by an experienced ophthalmic-trained nurse at the reception
• The nurse will determine who needs urgent attention. Please note, only patients with an ocular emergency will be seen by the medical staff in A&E
• Please note that A&E does not provide contact lenses or contact lens solutions

Contact lens orders:

Email: meh-tr.contactlenses@nhs.net

Phone: 020 7566 2100, Monday– Friday, 9am– 5pm

Fax: 020 7566 2471

Contact lens appointments:

Phone: 020 7566 2475

Monday–Friday, 8.00am– 5.00pm