Contact Lens Fitting in Brisbane: Your Complete Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit

Last Updated: February 2026 | Reviewed by: EyeSelect Clinical Team, Browns Plains & Forest Lake

Thinking about switching from glasses to contact lenses? Or perhaps you’ve tried contacts before but never quite got them comfortable? You’re in the right place.

A proper contact lens fitting is more than just a prescription. Your eyes are unique. The shape of your cornea, the quality of your tears and even how your eyelids sit all affect which lenses will work for you. Getting these details right is what a professional fitting is for.

What Happens During a Contact Lens Fitting

A contact lens fitting is more involved than a standard eye exam. Here’s what to expect at your appointment.

Eye exam (20 to 30 minutes)

We check your eye health and confirm your prescription is current. This includes digital retinal imaging and glaucoma screening. If you’re eligible for Medicare, this portion is bulk-billed.

Corneal measurements (10 to 15 minutes)

We use a keratometer to measure the curvature of your cornea. This tells us the right base curve and diameter for your lenses. We also check your tear film and pupil size.

Lifestyle discussion (5 to 10 minutes)

We ask about your daily routine, work environment and lens care preferences. These details help us recommend the right type of lens for you.

Trial lens fitting (10 to 15 minutes)

We place a trial lens on your eye. We check how it moves, centres and performs when you blink. If the fit isn’t right, we try another option.

Insertion and removal training (15 to 45+ minutes) We teach you how to put in and take out your lenses safely. You won’t leave until you can do this on your own.

Follow-up (1 to 2 weeks later)

We examine your cornea after you’ve been wearing the lenses. We check that everything looks healthy.

Plan for 90 minutes to 2 hours for your first visit. The I&R (insertion and removal) training takes the longest. This is especially true for first-time wearers. We never rush this step. Your safety matters more than the clock.

How Much Does a Contact Lens Fitting Cost in Brisbane?

Your contact lens fitting at EyeSelect includes all measurements, trial lenses, I&R training and your follow-up appointment.

• Standard soft lens fitting (myopia or hyperopia): Often covered entirely under bulk-billing for Medicare-eligible patients.
• Toric lens fitting (astigmatism): May incur a small additional fee for extra chair time.
• Multifocal lens fitting (presbyopia): Typically involves an additional fee, as these fittings are more complex.
• Specialty fittings (Ortho-K, scleral, RGP): Higher fees apply due to specialised equipment and multiple follow-ups.

Daily disposable lenses typically cost $400 to $800 per year. Monthly lenses cost $300 to $600 per year, including cleaning solutions. We offer package pricing on annual supplies. We always discuss costs upfront before proceeding.

You don’t need to buy a full year’s supply at your first appointment. We send you home with enough trial lenses for one to two weeks. This lets you confirm contacts work for you before committing to a larger order.

Types of Contact Lenses We Fit at EyeSelect

As independent optometrists, we are not tied to any single brand. This independence allows us to recommend the best contact lens for your specific eye health and lifestyle. Whether you need a simple daily lens or a complex specialty fit, we offer a range of options tailored to your needs.

1. Choosing Your Wearing Schedule

The first step is deciding how often you want to change your lenses. We typically recommend one of two paths: daily or monthly.

• Daily Disposables: You wear a fresh pair each day and throw them away at night. Because there is no cleaning routine, they are the best choice for active lifestyles, occasional wearers and anyone prone to allergies.
• Fortnightly and Monthly Lenses: These are removed, cleaned and stored nightly. While they require a consistent care routine, they are a more economical choice if you plan to wear lenses every day.

2. Solutions for Specific Vision Needs

Beyond standard lenses, we use advanced technology to correct more complex vision issues:

• Toric Lenses for Astigmatism: These lenses use different powers across the lens to correct irregular corneal curvature. Modern toric technology has improved so much that we can now successfully fit almost any astigmatic prescription.
• Multifocal Lenses for Presbyopia: Designed for those who need help seeing both far away and up close, these lenses provide multiple focal points. Most patients adjust to this new way of seeing within one to two weeks.
• Ortho-K Lenses: These are speciality lenses worn only overnight. They gently reshape your cornea while you sleep so you can see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts. This is a highly effective tool for myopia management in children.
• Coloured Lenses: Whether you need a prescription or just want to change your eye color, these lenses offer a cosmetic shift. However, they still require a professional fitting to ensure they don’t cause infections or corneal damage.

Why a Professional Contact Lens Fitting Matters

Contact lenses sit directly on your eye. A prescription alone isn’t enough.

Without proper measurements, you risk lenses that cause discomfort, blurry vision or serious problems such as corneal abrasions and infections. A professional fitting checks that the lens allows enough oxygen to your cornea, moves correctly when you blink, and performs well in your day-to-day environment.

At EyeSelect, we’ve been fitting every type of contact lens since the 1980s. If you’ve been told that contacts won’t work for your prescription, it’s worth getting a second opinion. The technology has advanced significantly. We can now fit patients who would have had no options just a few years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lens Fittings

How long does a contact lens fitting take?

Plan for 90 minutes to 2 hours. The eye exam and measurements take about 45 minutes. Insertion and removal training adds 15 to 45 minutes on top of that.

Do I need a fitting if I already have a glasses prescription?

Yes. A glasses prescription doesn’t account for your corneal curvature, tear film or how a lens sits on your eye. A contact lens fitting includes extra measurements that are essential for a safe fit.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?

Yes. Toric lenses are designed specifically for astigmatism. Many patients find they see better in toric contacts than they did in glasses.

Are contact lenses safe for children?

Yes. Most children can start from around age 10 to 12. The key factor is whether they can follow proper hygiene routines. We assess each young patient individually.

Can I swim with contact lenses in?

We don’t recommend it. Water can introduce bacteria that stick to lenses. If you must swim in contact lenses, use daily disposables and throw them away immediately after swimming. Goggles are another option.

What if I can’t get the lenses in during my appointment?

That’s completely normal. We can take breaks or try different techniques. We can also split the training across two appointments. We never rush this step.

Book Your Contact Lens Fitting in Brisbane

We offer same-day appointments at both our Browns Plains and Forest Lake locations. For Medicare-eligible patients, eye examinations are bulk-billed with no out-of-pocket costs. To secure your time, book online or call your preferred clinic directly.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Book an appointment at EyeSelect for a personalised contact lens fitting assessment.