At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, 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.
We’ll explain the recommended lens, the fitting-fee options and the expected costs before you decide to proceed. Whether you are trying scleral lenses for the first time or looking for help with an existing pair, the assessment is the starting point.
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How much do scleral lenses cost?
There are three separate parts to the cost of starting scleral lens care at VCO:
- Initial assessment: approximately $300–$350 for a 60–90 minute appointment, which includes trialling a scleral lens on your eye to assess comfort and visual potential before you commit to anything. A Medicare rebate may apply.
- The lens: 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.
- Further fitting and follow up: additional fees after your lens is ordered, charged per visit or as a flat fee covering the first six months.
Your fitting fees vary according to your previous experience with hard or rigid contact lenses. We’ll discuss both fee options and give you the applicable figure before you commit. The figures above are a starting guide line, not a quote for your full course of care.
What does the initial assessment include?
The assessment helps us understand your eye shape, check eye health and explore the vision and comfort a scleral lens may offer. Allow 60–90 minutes with the optometrist.
Scans and eye-health assessment
The appointment includes baseline 3D corneal scans, 3D contact lens scans and a retinal health assessment. We also discuss your prescription, previous eye treatment and what you would like to improve.
Lens options and a trial on your eye
We’ll discuss suitable contact lens options and trial a scleral lens to assess comfort and visual potential. Tell us about problems such as ghosting, glare, lens movement or limited wearing time, as well as any difficulty handling your current lenses. Read about custom RGP lenses and hybrid lenses as alternatives.
The trial helps guide the next step; it does not guarantee the final result. Scleral lens assessment involves evaluating both optical performance and how the lens fits on the eye. 1 We’ll explain what we have found and whether further assessment or lens adjustments are needed.
Why does the lens price vary?
The lens price reflects the design your eye needs. Two people may both wear scleral lenses but need different shapes, prescriptions and optical features.
Corneal shape and lens geometry
Factors that can increase lens design complexity include an irregular cornea, a higher or more complex prescription, and a lens that needs different shaping in different areas rather than a uniform curve around its edge. Some eyes require oval, larger or deeper designs because of their anatomy and corneal condition.
The aim is a lens that matches your eye’s shape and visual needs. Individual eye surface shape is an important part of scleral lens fitting. 1
Advanced optics for remaining visual distortion
Some eyes have higher order aberrations: complex optical distortions that can remain even when the standard prescription is well corrected. Specialised optics may be considered to address these residual distortions. A clinical trial published in 2025 found that wavefront guided scleral lenses improved average visual acuity compared with conventional scleral lenses in selected eyes with irregular corneal astigmatism, although improvement varied. 2
If advanced optics are relevant to your eyes, we’ll explain the expected benefit and the associated lens cost. They are not needed for every patient.
What happens after the lens is ordered?
Fitting continues after the initial assessment. Follow up appointments check fit, comfort and vision, and allow adjustments where needed. This ongoing evaluation is part of scleral lens practice. 1
At VCO, you can choose per visit fitting fees or a flat fitting fee covering your first six months. We’ll explain the inclusions and applicable amount before you decide. Your previous experience with hard or rigid lenses helps us plan the support you may need; there is no fixed number of visits that suits everyone.
Ongoing reviews, replacement and transferring care
Your care continues beyond the initial fitting period. We’ll recommend review and replacement timing according to your eye health, lens condition and any changes in your vision or fit. Ask us to explain the costs of ongoing reviews and replacement lenses when discussing your plan. Our scleral lens care guide explains daily cleaning and handling.
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. If fogging or discomfort is the concern, see our scleral lens fogging, discomfort and refitting page.
Before your scleral lens assessment
Bring the information that will help us understand your eyes and your current routine:
- Your current glasses and contact lenses, including the lens case.
- The cleaning, disinfecting and filling products you use.
- Previous prescriptions, corneal scans and specialist letters, if available.
- Details of any corneal graft, crosslinking or other eye surgery.
- A note of your comfortable wearing time and the problems you most want to solve.
Contact us before the appointment to check whether you should arrive wearing your lenses or leave them out for testing.
Vision Camberwell Optometrists is at 784 Burke Road, Camberwell, in Melbourne’s inner east, serving Camberwell, Hawthorn, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury and across Australia. Consultations with Jue Wang are available in English and Mandarin.
Book your initial assessment or call 03 9882 5666. We’ll help you understand your options and the costs involved. For more about how these lenses work and who they may suit, read about scleral lenses in Melbourne.
Questions about scleral lens fees and fitting
Is the assessment included in the $800 lens price?
No. The assessment is approximately $300–$350, and lenses start from $800 each. Further fitting fees also apply. Adding the assessment fee to the starting lens price does not give the complete programme cost.
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.
Can I choose to pay for fitting appointments individually?
Yes. VCO offers per visit fitting fees or a flat fitting fee covering the first six months. We’ll discuss both options and the applicable amount before you commit.
Do I need to buy a lens at the assessment?
The assessment is used to explore suitability and discuss your options. We’ll explain the recommended next step and costs before you decide whether to proceed with a lens order.
Should I wait for a routine review if my eye becomes painful or red?
No. Remove the lens and seek urgent eye care advice for pain, unusual redness, light sensitivity, discharge or a sudden change in vision. Do not put the lens back in until you have been advised it is safe. If we cannot see you promptly, seek urgent eye care elsewhere. 3
References
Assessment prices, lens prices, appointment inclusions and fitting-fee arrangements are supplied by Vision Camberwell Optometrists. The references below support the clinical explanations, not the prices.
- 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.
- Gelles JD, Su B, Kelly D, et al. Visual Improvement With Wavefront-Guided Scleral Lenses for Irregular Corneal Astigmatism. Eye & Contact Lens. 2025;51(2):58–64. doi:10.1097/ICL.0000000000001152. 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 specialty contact lenses, including scleral lens fitting and fee guidance for keratoconus and irregular corneas. We welcome patients from Hawthorn, Deepdene, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury, Box Hill, Glen Iris, and across greater Melbourne.
