How to get contact lenses Wearing contact lenses for the first time may seem daunting, but it couldn’t be simpler with Vision Express. And, thanks to technological advances, there are now contact lenses to suit most prescriptions and people of all ages, including children.
If you’re new to contact lenses, this page will help you discover how, in just a few simple steps, you could join the 4.2 million people in the UK who are already enjoying the freedom and flexibility that wearing contact lenses can offer.
1. Booking an eye test Do you need an eye test? As long as you have a valid eye prescription that’s within the expiry date, you won’t need another eye test to get contact lenses. If you haven’t had a test in a while, it’s easy to book an eye appointment online . Just call into your local Vision Express store or book online.
Our optometrists have over 100 ways of assessing your vision, eye health and suitability for contact lenses and will select the tests most appropriate to you. Although every eye test is different, you can expect to be with our eyecare professionals for about 30 minutes, during which time you’ll be asked about your lifestyle and particular reasons for wanting contact lenses.
Book an eye test
2. Initial eye assessment About the initial eye assessment for contact lenses Whether you have your assessment straight after your eye test or you arrange one for another date, it will involve spending time with one of our expert opticians to ensure you have the correct contact lenses for your eyes and your lifestyle. We’ll also show you how to insert and remove your lenses , and how best to look after them .
To make sure the lenses we choose are the right ones for you, we’ll arrange a free trial , so you can get used to them and see how they feel. For the free trial we’ll give you either five pairs of daily disposable lenses or a pair of reusable contact lenses.
Book an initial assessment
Save over £100 on your eyewear With daily lenses starting from as little as 68p a day, and reusable contact lenses from only 20p, you could make big savings by joining Complete Contact Care, our monthly Direct Debit plan.
Free annual eye test Free home delivery Free expert aftercare service Free solutions and trials of latest products Find out more
Buy contact lenses online We’ve now a wide range of contact lenses available to buy online with free delivery, with daily , monthly and two-weekly options. As well as our own exclusive brands, we also feature lenses from leading manufacturers, including CooperVision and Johnson & Johnson.
You will need a current eye prescription to buy online from Vision Express. So, if you don’t have one, book an eye test and contact lens assessment at your local Vision Express store, which can easily be done online.
View full contact lens range online
Finding your perfect contact lenses From daily and monthly disposables to multifocal contact lenses and contact lenses suitable for astigmatism, we have the perfect contact lenses for your prescription and lifestyle needs.
We have a guide to help you understand the different types of contact lenses .
Contact lenses for children As long as your child is careful, there's no reason why they can't wear contact lenses, which can really help to boost confidence and self-esteem. They are also ideal for youngsters taking part in sports and leisure activities.
Read our guide on contact lenses for children .