Community Medical Contact Lens Service

What is the Community Medical Contact Lens Service?

The Community Medical Contact Lens Service provides specialist contact lenses through NHS eye care services for people who have particular eye conditions where glasses alone do not give clear or comfortable vision.

These lenses are different from standard contact lenses. They are designed to:

• Improve vision where glasses are not effective
• Support and protect the surface of the eye
• Help manage certain medical eye conditions

This service ensures you receive the care you need closer to home, with support from trained eye care professionals.

Who is this service for?

You may be referred to this service if you have a specific clinical need for contact lenses. This is usually when your vision cannot be improved with glasses but can be improved with contact lenses.

Examples include:

• Keratoconus (a condition where the front of the eye becomes irregular in shape)
• Corneal irregularities or scarring from injury, infection or surgery
• Very high prescriptions where glasses are not effective
• Medical or therapeutic needs, such as lenses used to protect and heal the eye

Your local optician will assess whether this service is right for you.

What happens are your appointment?

If you are referred into the service, you will be invited to attend a local optometry practice.

At your appointment, the eye care team will:

• Assess your eye health and vision
• Take detailed measurements of your eyes
• Discuss the most suitable contact lens options for you
• Trial lenses to find the best fit

Contact lenses for medical conditions are often custom-made, so it may take more than one appointment to achieve the best result.

You will also be shown:

• How to insert and remove your lenses (if appropriate)
• How to care for them safely

How do I access the service?

You cannot usually refer yourself to this service.

To access it:

• You must be referred into the service, following referral from a hospital eye service by a consultant
• If needed, they will refer you to the Community Medical Contact Lens Service

All referrals are reviewed to ensure the service is appropriate for your clinical needs.

What types of contact lenses are used?

The type of lens you receive will depend on your condition and your individual needs.

These may include:

• Specialist vision lenses, designed to improve sight where the shape of your eye affects how light focuses
• Rigid or custom-made lenses, which help create a smooth surface over the eye to improve clarity of vision
• Therapeutic (“bandage”) lenses, which are used to protect the eye and help it heal

Bandage lenses, for example, act as a protective layer over the front of the eye, reducing discomfort and supporting healing.

Are NHS Contact Lenses Free?

NHS contact lenses are provided at a set national charge/contribution, although some patients may be eligible to help with these costs.

Your local optician will explain any costs or exemptions that apply to you.

Important things to know

• You will need regular follow-up appointments to check your lenses and eye health
• Specialist lenses may take time to fit properly and adjust to
• Good hygiene and following care advice is essential to reduce the risk of infection

You eye care team will support you throughout your treatment and make sure your lenses are safe and comfortable.