Soft contact lenses can provide an alternative to glasses for short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. At VCO, we bring careful optical assessment and individual lens selection to every contact lens fitting, matching the lens material, design and replacement schedule to your prescription, eye surface and daily needs.
Our aim is clear, comfortable vision with a lens you can handle and wear safely.
Contents
What a soft lens fitting actually involves
Choosing and assessing a trial lens
Your assessment starts with your prescription, eye health, tear film and the activities you want lenses for. We then assess a trial lens on your eye, allowing it to settle before checking its position, coverage and movement. Lens selection and settling time are tailored to the lens and your eye, with the fit assessed alongside comfort and vision. 1
Checking movement, alignment and vision
We check how the lens moves when you blink and look in different directions, and assess its mobility using a gentle clinical push-up test through the eyelid. For toric lenses, we also check rotational stability so the astigmatism correction stays appropriately aligned. For multifocal lenses, we assess centration and your distance and near vision together; most concentric multifocal designs do not depend on rotational alignment in the same way as toric lenses. 1
Standard soft lenses suit many eyes, but an acceptable prescription alone does not establish a good fit. If the trial does not meet your needs, we can refine the lens choice, consider available customised parameters or discuss a different lens type. We explain the options and the reasons behind our recommendation.
Lens types we fit
Daily disposable and reusable lenses
Daily disposable lenses are used once and discarded after removal. They can suit occasional and regular wear and avoid the need to clean and store the lenses between uses. Fortnightly and monthly lenses are reused within their prescribed replacement schedule and require cleaning and disinfection after removal. The right option depends on your eyes, routine and ability to follow the care instructions. 4
Toric lenses for astigmatism
Toric soft lenses correct astigmatism using a design that helps keep the correction aligned on the eye. We assess both the stability of the lens and the quality of your vision. 1
Multifocal lenses for near and distance vision
Multifocal soft lenses use different optical powers across the lens to help with distance and near tasks as near focusing changes with age. Designs vary, and finding a suitable balance may involve adjusting the prescription or trying another design. Adaptation varies; some people still need glasses for fine print or demanding tasks, particularly in dim light. We discuss these trade-offs during fitting and review. 1
Why the follow-up visit matters
Follow-up checks how your lenses perform in everyday use and whether your eye surface remains healthy. We review fit, comfort, vision and wearing time, then refine the prescription, material, design or care system where needed. Regular reviews remain important even when lenses feel comfortable. 1
Learning to handle your lenses
For new wearers, fitting includes guidance and practice with insertion and removal, together with instructions on wearing time, replacement and lens care. Before wearing lenses independently, you should be able to handle them safely and understand when to remove them and seek advice. 1 2
Everyday wear and care
Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses. Keep lenses away from water, including during showering and swimming. Do not sleep or nap in them unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear. Never reuse daily disposables. For reusable lenses, follow the recommended cleaning and disinfection instructions, use fresh solution each time without topping up, and replace the case at least every three months or as advised. Keep a current pair of glasses available. 2 4
Symptoms that need urgent assessment
If you develop pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or sudden blurred vision, remove your lenses immediately and seek urgent eye care. Do not reinsert them while waiting for advice. Contact VCO promptly; if we are closed or you cannot reach us, seek urgent assessment elsewhere. Do not wait for a scheduled follow-up. 3
Your next step
If you’re considering contact lenses for the first time, book an eye test and mention you’d like to discuss contact lenses. We’ll confirm your prescription and suitability before moving to a trial fitting. If you’re already a contact lens wearer elsewhere and want a second opinion on comfort, dryness or a lens that never quite feels right, we can assess your current fit against what a well-matched lens should look and feel like.
For soft lenses specifically aimed at slowing myopia progression in children, see our myopia-control soft contact lenses (MiSight) page.
Before your appointment
Bring the information that will help us understand your eyes and routine:
- Your glasses, current contact lens prescription or packaging, and any care products you use.
- A note of when you want to wear lenses, including sport, work and reading.
Tell us about dryness, allergies, previous lens difficulties and relevant medicines. Ask whether you should arrive wearing your current lenses.
Questions patients often ask
Can I wear soft contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Often, yes. Toric soft lenses are designed to correct astigmatism. We assess whether an available design suits your prescription and remains stable on your eye, then check the quality of your vision during the trial. 1
Can contact lenses replace my reading glasses?
Multifocal lenses may reduce how often you reach for reading glasses, but the balance between near and distance vision varies. You may still prefer glasses for small print, dim light or demanding tasks. A trial lets us assess that balance with you. 1
Can I reuse daily disposable lenses if I only wore them briefly?
No. Daily disposable lenses are for single use and should be discarded after removal. Cleaning or storing them does not turn them into reusable lenses. If you want a reusable option, ask us about a lens and care system designed for that purpose. 4
Can I switch lens brands using the same prescription?
Check with us first. A matching prescription does not establish that another lens has a suitable fit. Lens design and material affect how it behaves on the eye, so a change may need a fitting assessment. 1
Visit Vision Camberwell Optometrists
Vision Camberwell Optometrists is at 784 Burke Road, Camberwell VIC 3124, in Melbourne’s inner east. We welcome patients from Camberwell, Hawthorn, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury and across Melbourne. Consultations are available in English and Mandarin with Jue Wang; mention your language preference when booking.
Call (03) 9882 5666 or contact our team to arrange an appointment and confirm the right appointment type for your needs.
References
- Wolffsohn JS, Dumbleton K, Huntjens B, et al. BCLA CLEAR – Evidence-based contact lens practice. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2021;44(2):368–397. doi:10.1016/j.clae.2021.02.008.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts. Updated 27 May 2025. Accessed 11 September 2026.
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Contact Lens Risks. Accessed 11 September 2026.
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Types of Contact Lenses. Accessed 11 September 2026.
Reviewed by Dr Shonit Jagmohan, B.Optom (Hons), FIAOMC, IACMM, Ophthalmic Medicines Prescriber, Fellowship Chair for the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (Oceania). Last reviewed October 2026.
Visit us in Camberwell
T. (03) 9882 5666
E. vision@visioncamberwell.com.au
Find Us at:
784 Burke Rd, Camberwell
Victoria 3124, Australia
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday. 9am – 6pm
Wednesday. 9am – 5pm
Thursday. 10.30am – 7.30pm
Saturday. CLOSED
Book your appointment with one of our friendly team members today
T: (03) 9882 5666
Serving Camberwell and the Surrounding South Eastern Suburbs
An independent practice in Camberwell since 1951, we are experts in contact lens fitting, including soft, toric and multifocal lenses. We welcome patients from Hawthorn, Deepdene, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury, Box Hill, Glen Iris, and across greater Melbourne.
