OrthoK Fitting and Fees in Melbourne

What is included in the OrthoK programme?

The programme brings lens design, fitting and early follow up together, with time to refine the result and help you feel confident with the routine.

• OrthoK lenses for both eyes, with the ability to order additional or multiple lenses at no additional cost to get the optimal result.
• Unlimited visits during the first six months.
• A three month starter supply of lens solutions.
• Insertion and removal tools, with practical handling instruction.
• All imaging, corneal topography and axial length measurements performed during the six month programme.

We routinely order more than one pair of lenses per patient to refine the result, even when the first pair works well. These fitting refinements are included. Our aim is to find the best result we can achieve for your eyes, rather than stopping at the first acceptable fit.

The starter solutions cover three months. Further solution supplies are an ongoing expense. After the six month programme, reviews and replacement lenses are billed separately.

What happens during an OrthoK fitting?

Suitability assessment and corneal mapping

We begin with your prescription, eye health and corneal topography, which maps the shape of the clear front surface of your eye. We’ll also discuss your goals, whether that is reducing reliance on glasses during the day, managing a child’s myopia, or both.

OrthoK uses specially designed rigid lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. Suitability depends on more than prescription alone: eye health, corneal shape and the ability to follow a consistent care routine also matter. ¹

Lens design, collection and training

Your corneal maps help guide the lens design. When the lenses are ready, we’ll teach you how to insert and remove them, clean and disinfect them, and recognise when to contact us.

For children, a parent or carer should be involved in learning and supervising the routine. We’ll explain how to manage school, work and other activities while daytime vision is changing.

Early reviews and adjustments

At Vision Camberwell we review after the first night, at one week, one month, three months and six months, then every six months for children and every 12 months for adults, with additional visits when needed. We also review one month after any new or additional lens is fitted. We assess vision, corneal response, lens positioning and handling, then adjust the plan if necessary.

Improvement can begin early, but the time taken to achieve stable daytime vision varies with the prescription and response to treatment. We will assess your progress rather than promise a fixed result within a set number of nights.

Lens replacement and transferring care

At VCO, replacement is commonly planned around 18–24 months, but the right interval depends on your lens design, condition, eye health and prescription. We may recommend earlier replacement if a lens is damaged or the fit or vision changes. See our OrthoK review and refitting page for what a review involves. Your prescribed replacement schedule takes priority over a general estimate.

If you already wear OrthoK lenses from another practice, bring your lenses and any recent corneal maps. We can assess your existing fit before discussing whether to continue with it or recommend a new design. Unless we advise otherwise, continue your usual lens routine before the assessment if your eyes are comfortable and your vision is unchanged. If you develop pain, redness, light sensitivity or reduced vision, remove the lenses, do not reinsert them, and seek urgent eye care at Vision Camberwell Optometrists.

Safe overnight wear

OrthoK lenses are prescribed for overnight use, but they are not risk-free. Corneal infection is a recognised complication, and safe wear depends on appropriate fitting, careful hygiene and regular follow up. ³

Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses, use the prescribed cleaning and disinfection system, and keep lenses and cases away from tap water. Follow the wearing schedule we give you and keep your review appointments. Our OrthoK lens care guide covers the routine in detail. ¹

Remove your lenses and seek urgent eye care advice if you develop pain, unusual redness, light sensitivity, discharge or a sudden change in vision. Do not resume wear until advised it is safe. If you cannot reach us promptly, seek urgent eye care elsewhere. ⁴

Questions about OrthoK fees and fitting

Is the starting price for one eye or both?

The programme starts from $2,000 for both eyes. Medicare rebates and/or private health rebates may apply. Your individual price depends on your prescription and lens-design needs.

Will I pay more if the fitting needs another pair of lenses?

No. Additional or multiple lenses ordered to get the optimal result during the six-month programme are included at no additional cost. Ask us about the terms for lost or damaged lenses.

What costs should I expect after the programme?

Reviews and replacement lenses are charged separately after six months. You will also need ongoing care products once the three month starter supply is used. We’ll explain these costs as part of your care plan.

Is OrthoK a permanent correction?

No. Its effect on corneal shape is temporary and requires continued prescribed wear. If you want to stop, speak with us about alternative vision correction and, for a child, ongoing myopia management. ¹

Does the programme guarantee glasses-free vision?

No. Your result depends on your prescription, eye shape and response to treatment. The assessment and follow up help establish what is achievable, including whether you need supplementary correction for some activities.

References

Programme fees, inclusions and practice specific arrangements are supplied by Vision Camberwell Optometrists. The references below support the clinical information.

1. Gifford KL, Richdale K, Kang P, et al. IMI – Clinical Management Guidelines Report. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2019;60(3):M184–M203. doi:10.1167/iovs.18-25977.
2. Sartor L, Hunter DS, Vo ML, Samarawickrama C. Benefits and risks of orthokeratology treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Ophthalmology. 2024;44:239. doi:10.1007/s10792-024-03175-w.
3. Liu YM, Xie P. The Safety of Orthokeratology—A Systematic Review. Eye & Contact Lens. 2016;42(1):35–42. doi:10.1097/ICL.0000000000000219.
4. United States Food and Drug Administration. Contact Lens Risks. Accessed 10 September 2026.