Contact lenses & ortho-k in Melbourne
Contact lenses can offer clear, comfortable vision without relying on glasses all day - but the right lens depends on much more than your prescription. At Oculus Dexter Optometry in Spotswood, we provide personalised contact lens fitting, ongoing care and orthokeratology (Ortho-K) for suitable patients.
Could contact lenses work for you?
Contact lenses can be useful for sport, work, travel, special occasions or simply as an alternative to glasses. They can also correct astigmatism, presbyopia and a range of prescriptions, and specialised designs may be used for particular clinical needs.
A glasses prescription is only the starting point. The shape of your eyes, tear film, eye health, lifestyle and how often you want to wear lenses all influence the best option. If you have tried contact lenses before and found them uncomfortable or difficult, it is still worth discussing what did not work - newer materials, designs or a different fitting approach may change the experience.
New to contact lenses?
That is completely fine. We can teach you how to handle, insert, remove and care for them safely!
Contact lens fitting: finding the right lens for your eyes
A contact lens fitting is different from a standard glasses prescription. We assess the front surface of your eyes, take the measurements needed to select an appropriate lens and consider your tear film, eye health, prescription and how you want to use contact lenses.
We then trial a lens and assess how it sits, moves and performs on your eye. Your vision and comfort are checked, and we can adjust the lens type or parameters where needed. For new wearers, we also spend time teaching insertion, removal, hygiene and safe wear before you leave with lenses to trial.
The aim is not simply to find a lens you can see through. It is to find a lens that gives you useful vision, feels comfortable and is appropriate for the health of your eyes.
What a fitting may include
EYE MEASUREMENTS
Measurements of the cornea and other features help us choose an appropriate starting lens and fit.
TRIAL LENSES
We assess vision, comfort, movement and lens position on the eye, then refine the fit if needed.
INSERTION & REMOVAL TRAINING
If you are new to contact lenses, we teach you how to handle them confidently and hygienically.
FOLLOW-UP
A review allows us to check how your eyes are responding in real-world wear and make adjustments where necessary.
Different eyes need different contact lenses
There is no single 'best' contact lens. The right choice depends on your prescription, eye shape, tear film, lifestyle, wearing schedule and what you want the lenses to do. We recommend lenses based on the fit and performance on your eyes rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
DAILY DISPOSABLE LENSES
Fresh lenses each day, with no cleaning routine. A convenient option for regular or occasional wear.
REUSABLE LENSES
Monthly or other planned-replacement lenses can suit some prescriptions and wearing patterns, with appropriate cleaning and care.
TORIC LENSES FOR ASTIGMATISM
Designed to remain stable on the eye so astigmatism can be corrected consistently.
MULTIFOCAL CONTACT LENSES
An option for some people who need help with both distance and near vision as presbyopia develops.
SPECIALTY LENSES
Rigid, custom or other specialised designs may be considered when standard soft lenses do not adequately meet the optical or clinical need.
ORTHO K PRINCIPLE
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): clear vision through overnight lens wear
Orthokeratology, usually called Ortho-K, uses specially designed rigid contact lenses worn while you sleep. The lenses gently reshape the front surface of the eye overnight so that suitable patients can see more clearly during the day without wearing glasses or contact lenses. The effect is temporary, so the lenses need to be worn on an ongoing schedule to maintain the result.
Ortho-K is most commonly used for short-sightedness (myopia). In children and teenagers, orthokeratology can also form part of an evidence-based myopia-management plan aimed at slowing myopia progression. It is not suitable for every prescription or every eye, so careful assessment, corneal measurements and regular follow-up are essential.
If Ortho-K may suit you or your child, we explain the likely benefits, limitations, lens-care requirements and review schedule before proceeding.
Ortho-K for children with myopia: If your child is becoming more short-sighted, the goal is not only to make the board clear today. We can discuss whether Ortho-K or another myopia-management option is appropriate, and how treatment would be monitored over time. → Children’s Vision
Contact lens care continues after the fitting
Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, so ongoing care matters. We review your vision, lens fit and eye health at appropriate intervals and can adjust the lens or wearing plan if your prescription, comfort or lifestyle changes.
Follow the replacement schedule and cleaning instructions provided for your lenses, never use tap water on contact lenses or lens cases, and do not continue wearing lenses if an eye becomes painful, very red, light-sensitive or suddenly blurred. Remove the lens and contact us promptly for advice.
If you buy replacement lenses online, use a current contact lens prescription rather than relying only on an old glasses prescription or previous lens order.
Good to know…
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Yes. A contact lens sits directly on the eye, so the prescription and lens specifications can differ from your glasses. A contact lens fitting also considers the lens material, size, curvature, movement and how it interacts with your eye surface.
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Yes. New wearers are shown how to insert and remove their lenses, how to clean or replace them correctly, and what safe wear looks like. We want you to be comfortable handling the lenses before you rely on them at home
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Often, yes. Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism and are available across many prescriptions. Suitability depends on your prescription, eye measurements and how the lens behaves on your eye.
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Many children and teenagers can successfully wear contact lenses when they are motivated, able to follow the care routine and have appropriate support. Contact lenses may also be used as part of myopia management in suitable children.
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Orthokeratology uses custom rigid lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye. Suitable patients can then have clearer daytime vision without wearing glasses or daytime contact lenses. It can also be used as a myopia-management option for some children.
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The review schedule depends on the lens type, your eye health and whether you are new to lenses or using a specialty design such as Ortho-K. Your optometrist will tell you when your next review is due. Ortho-K generally requires closer follow-up, particularly during the initial fitting period.
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Yes. We sell replacement contact lenses and lens-care products through our online store. Contact lens orders require a valid contact lens prescription so we can confirm that the lens and parameters remain appropriate for you.
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Yes. If your policy includes optical extras, you may be able to claim towards prescribed contact lenses. Benefits and limits vary between health funds and policies, so check your available cover with your insurer.
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Remove the lens and stop wearing contact lenses. Significant pain, marked redness, light sensitivity, discharge or sudden changes in vision should be assessed promptly. Contact the practice for advice; urgent or emergency eye symptoms may require same-day medical care.