Are there times when you would prefer not to wear your glasses, but don't want surgery? Then perhaps contact lenses are the option for you.  Contact lenses are small lenses made of a plastic material that are worn in your eye to correct your vision, or just change the appearance of your eyes. We have a huge selection of contact lenses available. Our optometrists will carry out a full eye examination and discuss your requirements to determine the lenses that will best suit your prescription and lifestyle. The 2 main types of contact lenses are soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP). You may have heard about replacement schedules. This refers to how long you can wear the lenses before they need throwing away and replacing. A RGP lens usually lasts 12-18months before it needs replacing. Soft contact lenses come in a wide variety of replacement schedules: daily disposable, frequent replacement/disposables, conventional and extended wear. The wearing schedule describes how long you can wear your contact lenses each day and if you can sleep in them. Your optometrist will be able to advise you on this. Some people have more complicated visual requirements such as keratoconus, astigmatism, presbyopia (bifocals/multifocals) or dry eyes. This doesn't mean that you can't have contact lenses, just that it may take a little longer to get the ideal lens for you. Maybe you just fancy a change in appearance? Coloured contact lenses can subtly change your eye colour, or temporarily transform you into an alien or cat. Or maybe you would like a contact lens that corrects your vision while you are asleep? This process is called orthokeratology . When you sleep you wear a special contact lens that gently reshapes your cornea. The effect is temporary, usually enough to get you through the day.  Although contact lenses rarely cause serous complications, you will need to have regular check ups. Just as you may be unaware of general health problems, like high blood pressure, changes can happen to the eye in contact lens wear that you are unaware of. Without regular check ups these changes could lead to serious damage. Our Do's and Don'ts page will give you some pointers for avoiding problems.  Not sure if contact lenses will suit you? If you would like to experience what a contact lens feels like on your eye, we would be happy to arrange a free 1-day soft lens try on. A pair of clear disposable contact lenses are inserted in the morning and the success of the lens wear is assessed in the afternoon. A recent eye examination is required to ensure your eyes are suitable for contact lens wear and to determine your prescription (professional fees will apply). Please go to appointments if you would like to arrange a contact lens try on.