While we now have soft lenses, scleral lenses, and hybrid lenses, rigid gas permeable (GP) contact lenses can still be a favorable way to care for our patients. In fact, many patients and eye care professionals (ECPs) still prefer rigid GP contact lenses to provide clear, comfortable, and consistent vision.
How does a practice find the appropriate rigid contact lens lab to partner with? In our practice, we have several requirements.
Comprehensive Catalog of Lens Designs
Although spherical lenses are ordered most often, we need a comprehensive catalog that includes sphere, front surface toric, bi-toric, and multifocal contact lenses. Within each of these designs, we need the ability to change the curves that fit the cornea and affect the positioning and movement of the contact lens. The edge design, which can vary the eccentricity, is also critical for proper lens fit and lens comfort.
Next, we need a range of materials that affect wettability and Dk/t breathability. Providers often have their favorites, but patients do respond better to particular lens compositions. Additionally, there are times when we require a coating such as Tangible Hydra-PEG (Tangible Science) to provide a surface that mimics the natural tear film of the eye since the silicone in a GP contact lens will make it hydrophobic.
Competent Consultants to Assist With Fitting Patients
Working with the right laboratory consultant is another important step for achieving successful contact lens design. Experience fitting their own patients drastically improves the ability of consultants to assist the ECP in understanding lens features and attributes. When the GP contact lens does not perform as expected, the experienced consultant can use tested algorithms to improve the fit and redesign the contact lens. If topography is available, sharing the topographic maps with the consultant can improve their understanding of the patient’s cornea as well as the fitting relationship for the desired and expected outcome.
Lengthy Warranty Period to Refine the Proper Final Fit
Once the order is placed, the clock starts counting the time for the practice to succeed in ensuring the optimal final lens design. Contact lens performance should provide the vision and wearing comfort that the doctor and the patient expect. The length of time allowed to make changes without incurring additional charges is very important. While many labs charge an extra fee for this warranty, it is an important benefit for any new fits or those with a change in design type. Those labs that want original lenses to be returned with an invoice add staff and accounting time that can be avoided by choosing a lab with easy return requirements and no lens return policy.
Fast Manufacturing Time for Quicker Lens Delivery
The shorter the wait to receive the lens, the better the outcome for the patient and the practice. While a custom lens is designed exactly for each patient’s specific corneal shape and prescription, waiting weeks for a new lens order or reorder becomes a frustrating process that diminishes the patient and doctor's enthusiasm during the prescribing process. At my practice, we enjoy working with a lab that has a 5- to 7-day manufacture and shipping time. We compare shipping costs in the overall price of the contact lenses.
Competitive Pricing
As fewer ECPs prescribe rigid GP corneal contact lenses, we have noticed that lab and lens prices continue to increase. A competitive pricing structure with minimal extra charges for the type of lens and surface treatment is always an advantage. While GP contact lens patients compare prices less for contact lens care, each knows what price they have paid in the past and where they are comfortable with professional and contact lens fees.
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