Custom scleral lens fitting in Melbourne for keratoconus, irregular corneas, post-graft eyes and severe dry eye.
What are scleral contact lenses?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid contact lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, the white of the eye, without touching the cornea itself. The gap beneath the lens holds saline, creating a smooth optical surface and a fluid reservoir that keeps the eye surface hydrated. This makes them effective for irregular corneas such as keratoconus, corneal scarring from injury or surgery, severe refractive errors and severe dry eye.
Because they hold their shape and barely move on the eye, they give stable, clear vision and long-lasting comfort once fitted, and can delay or in some cases avoid surgery for corneal irregularities.
At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, fitting starts with an assessment that includes trialling a lens on your eye, followed by custom design from detailed imaging and reviews over several months to refine fit and vision. An initial assessment costs approximately $300-$350, and lenses start from $800 per lens. With proper care, lenses typically last up to two years, with reviews every 12 months.
SCLERAL LENS
Who are scleral lenses for?
Scleral contacts can help people with the following eye conditions:
- Keratoconus. See keratoconus treatment and our comparison of scleral lenses for keratoconus with other lens types.
- Pellucid marginal degeneration and other irregular corneal conditions.
- Post-graft eyes. See contact lenses after a corneal graft.
- Post-surgical corneas. See contact lenses after laser eye surgery.
- Corneal scarring from injuries or surgery.
- High prescriptions: severe refractive errors (myopia and hyperopia) and astigmatism.
- Severe dry eye.
FIG 1. SCLERAL LENS
Fig 2. RGP Contact Lens
FIG 3. SOFT CONTACT LENS
Comparing Scleral lenses, RGP lenses, and soft contact lenses
- Design and Fit: Scleral contacts cover the cornea and sit on the white of the eye. RGP lenses sit on the cornea and are smaller than the corneal diameter. Soft contact lenses rest directly on the cornea and extend onto the white of the eye.
- Vision Correction: All 3 lenses can correct vision, but scleral and RGP contact lenses are particularly effective for individuals with severe refractive errors, irregular corneas or severe dry eyes. Scleral lenses can delay (or in some cases, prevent) surgeries needed to correct corneal irregularities.
- Comfort: Scleral contacts can take time to adjust to, but once fitted, they offer long-lasting comfort as they don’t move around on the eye. RGP lenses cover less of the surface of your eye, sit on the cornea, and move around, and are generally more uncomfortable than scleral lenses. Soft contact lenses are immediately comfortable for most individuals.
- Benefits for Dry Eye: Custom scleral lenses create a stable protective fluid reservoir in the gap between the surface of your eye and the lens. This is ideal for dry eye syndrome and irregular corneas. RGP lenses transmit more oxygen to the cornea, which can reduce symptoms of dry eye. Soft lenses are less suitable for severe dry eye.
Also see our page on hybrid contact lenses.
How scleral lens fitting works at Vision Camberwell
- Initial assessment (60–90 minutes). The appointment includes baseline 3D corneal scans, 3D contact lens scans and a retinal health assessment. We’ll discuss suitable contact lens options and trial a scleral lens to assess comfort and visual potential. The trial helps guide the next step; it does not guarantee the final result.
- Custom design and order. Your lens is custom designed from detailed imaging. It usually arrives in about one to two weeks.
- Collection and teaching. When receiving your contact lenses, you will be guided on how to use and care for them. Our scleral lens care guide explains daily cleaning and handling.
- Fitting reviews. Follow up appointments check fit, comfort and vision, and allow adjustments where needed. This typically takes 4 to 6 visits over the first few months; there is no fixed number of visits that suits everyone.
- Ongoing care. Once your lens fit is settled, we recommend a review every 12 months, or sooner if advised by your optometrist. With proper care, lenses typically last up to 2 years.
Vision Camberwell Optometrists can create scleral lenses Melbourne-wide.
Scleral lens designs we fit
Two people may both wear scleral lenses but need different shapes, prescriptions and optical features. The designs we fit include:
- EyeSpace Scleral
- Zenlens
- WAVE sclerals
- KATT lenses
- Gelflex sclerals
We also fit other scleral lens designs, selected according to your corneal shape, prescription and eye health needs.
Fenestrated scleral lenses
Fenestrated scleral lenses have one or more small holes in the lens, designed to allow air or fluid exchange beneath it. We fit fenestrated designs, including CTE scleral lenses.
Higher-Order Aberrations (Wavefront Aberrations)
At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, we are one of the few practices in Melbourne experienced in correcting Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs) using customised scleral lens designs. These subtle imperfections in the eye’s optical system, often present in conditions like keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, or other irregular corneas, can lead to symptoms such as halos, glares, ghosting, and poor night vision.
Our advanced scleral lens fitting system allows us to treat complex aberrations. We tailor each lens to the specific irregularity of the individual eye. We can enhance visual acuity, specifically with those patients who have not achieved satisfactory outcomes with conventional keratoconus correction methods. This highly personalised approach reflects our commitment to offering clearer and more comfortable vision, even in the most challenging circumstances. Where advanced optics are needed, the lens design is more complex; our scleral lens fitting and fees page explains why the lens price varies.
How much do scleral lenses cost?
An initial scleral lens assessment costs approximately $300–$350, and a Medicare rebate may apply. The assessment includes trialling a scleral lens on your eye, so you can experience the comfort and visual potential of a scleral lens before committing to anything. Lenses start from $800 per lens, which also covers any additional lenses that need to be ordered over the following months with the necessary alterations to get the optimum result. A private health rebate may apply. Additional fitting fees apply after your lens is ordered, so the assessment and lens prices are not the complete programme cost. See our scleral lens fitting and fees page for what is included and why the lens price varies.
What to expect and limitations
- Adapting. Scleral contacts can take time to adjust to. Your previous experience with hard or rigid lenses helps us plan the support you may need.
- Fogging. Some people develop cloudy vision from debris beneath the lens or poor wetting of its front surface. Persistent fogging needs review; it should not simply be accepted as part of treatment. See our page on scleral lens fogging, discomfort and refitting.
- Daily care. Clean and disinfect after removal, and use fresh solution as instructed. Routine scleral lenses should be removed before sleep.
- Results vary. The trial helps guide the next step; it does not guarantee the final result. Further refinements may be needed, and we will explain the purpose of a proposed change before proceeding.
- When to stop wear. Remove the lens and seek urgent eye assessment if you develop pain, redness, increasing light sensitivity, discharge or a sudden reduction in vision. Do not reinsert the lens while waiting for advice.
Your scleral lens optometrists
Our principal optometrist, Shonit, is highly regarded for his expertise in fitting a wide range of lenses for keratoconus. As part of the groundbreaking Research and Development team within Innovative Contacts, Shonit helped develop EyeSpace Sclerals and the revolutionary EyeSpace software. His role in troubleshooting scleral and RGP lens designs for optometrists across Australia and New Zealand offered him the unique opportunity to gain advanced knowledge in custom contact lens design.
Optometrist Jue Wang developed a special interest in complex contact lenses for complicated eye conditions such as keratoconus and post-graft corneas, as well as managing progressive myopia. He brings his expertise to patients of all ages and can provide treatment in English and Mandarin Chinese.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can I wear scleral lenses?
Most people who use scleral contact lenses can wear them comfortably for about 12-14 hours a day. If the contacts feel uncomfortable or become fogged, you may need to remove them to clean and then re-apply.
Are scleral lenses comfortable to wear?
Scleral contacts can take time to adjust to, but once fitted, they offer long-lasting comfort as they don’t move around on the eye. They vault over the cornea, resting on the sclera (the white part of the eye). The fluid reservoir beneath the lens keeps your eyes hydrated.
How long do scleral contact lenses last?
As long as the scleral contact lens can provide clear vision and fit well, you can keep using it. With proper care, they typically last up to 2 years. Their durability depends on usage and maintenance. We recommend daily cleaning, a monthly deep protein clean, and reviews with your optometrist every 12 months.
Is $800 the cost for both eyes?
No. It is the starting price for one eye, not two. This price also covers any additional lenses that need to be ordered over the following months to optimise the comfort, vision and eye health. If both eyes need lenses, each lens is charged separately. The final lens price depends on the design required for each eye.
How do I clean and maintain scleral contact lenses?
Never use tap water to rinse or store lenses. See our full scleral lens care guide for daily cleaning, rinsing and case hygiene.
Can I wear scleral lenses while sleeping or napping?
No, it’s not recommended that you wear contacts while sleeping or taking a nap.
If you’re taking a nap, remove your lenses and re-wear them when you wake up. At night, we recommend removing the lenses approximately an hour before going to sleep as best practice. Wearing them overnight can cause discomfort and eye health issues.
If you’re looking for lens options that offer vision correction while you sleep, consider Ortho K lenses.
Can children use scleral lenses?
Yes, children can use custom scleral contacts, especially if they have specific eye conditions — including keratoconus, severe dry eye, or irregular corneas. Certain eye conditions can make them a good candidate for scleral contacts. You need to start with a proper lens fitting process by an experienced optometrist. Young children will need parental supervision when wearing and removing lenses, and during cleaning.
I already wear scleral lenses fitted elsewhere. Can you help?
If you already wear scleral lenses fitted elsewhere, bring them with you. We can assess the existing lenses and your current needs before discussing whether they can continue to be used or whether a different design is appropriate. A transfer does not automatically mean you need new lenses.
References
Assessment prices, lens prices, appointment inclusions and fitting-fee arrangements are supplied by Vision Camberwell Optometrists.
- Picot C, Gauthier AS, Campolmi N, Delbosc B. Quality of life in patients wearing scleral lenses. Journal Français d’Ophtalmologie. 2015;38(7):615–619. doi:10.1016/j.jfo.2014.10.018. Accessed 1 October 2026.
- Barnett M, Courey C, Fadel D, et al. CLEAR – Scleral lenses. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2021;44(2):270–288. doi:10.1016/j.clae.2021.02.001. Accessed 9 September 2026.
- United States Food and Drug Administration. Contact Lens Risks. Accessed 9 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 fitting scleral lenses. We welcome patients seeking scleral lens fitting from Hawthorn, Deepdene, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury, Box Hill, Glen Iris, and across greater Melbourne. Consultations with Jue Wang are available in English and Mandarin.
