Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about ordering contact lenses online? We’re here to help! Our handy FAQ covers everything from payment methods and Eye Love Vue promotional codes to getting started with contact lenses for the first time. Need help? Give our friendly customer services team a call on 0330 133 13 14 or email us: [email protected]

It's considered good practice to have an eye exam every ​2 years, this allows you to see if your prescription has changed and to detect early indications of eye conditions and even other health conditions such as diabetes. ​However, there's no reason you cannot order contact lenses once your prescription is more than 2 years old, provided that your vision is still clear and you feel confident it's the right prescription for you​. We recommend wearers try a variety of lenses to find the perfect vision and fit. There's no need to stick to the one​ brand ​that your eye doctor recommended as it may not be the most comfortable by the end of the day. It can sometimes take time to find the ideal lens for your eyes and prescription, so be patient and keep trialling new lenses until you find something you can wear comfortably all day.
Prescription lengths vary depending on the lens type and wearing pattern. However, most will be valid for up to 2 years. We recommend visiting your eye doctor for an eye test every 2 years, although some people will be comfortable using the same lenses for longer. Always consult your eye doctor when you can no longer see comfortably at your current prescription.
When you are trying on lenses for the very first time, yes this is true. However, if you're simply having a check-up, you should have access to your prescription as standard. For wearers trying a new lens, you'll need to wait until the end of the lens trial to be approved and access your new specification. When you order online, there's no need to wait until after the contact lens trial to order new lenses if you know your prescription. With us you can switch lenses as often as you like. First-time customers should test their prescribed lenses for a while to understand the size and shape of lens they are comfortable with, before committing to a purchase.
If you can't find your prescription or Rx, as long as it is still valid, there's no need to go through another eye exam in order to get a new copy. You can ask for your prescription whenever you need it and request it as many times as you like. Or, simply check the side of your most recent box. For US lens wearers this can be a relief as it removes the hassle of having to visit your eye doctor every time you want to order new lenses. For further guidance check out our article outlining the simple process of ordering contact lenses to the US.
Absolutely not, following your eye exam, your eye doctor or optician should provide you with a copy of your prescription according to UK and US legislation. We have a useful guide to help you find out how to access your prescription, which empowers you to order contact lenses from the retailer of your choice. You also never have to pay a fee to release your prescription, and should only ever be charged for having an eye exam or purchasing lenses.
If you cannot locate your written prescription but are 100% sure of your details you can still order from Vision Direct. At checkout choose to proceed without us verifying your prescription, this means that we will not check with your optician to ensure you have ordered the correct specifications. It is always best to check the prescription details entered against those on your contact lens box to ensure they are correct, it's very easy to read and understand your prescription details from your current box.
No, a contact lens prescription is not the same as a prescription for glasses. Your contact lens prescription will include extra specifications which ensure your lenses fit with the correct diameter and base curve. A contact lens prescription also differs from a glasses prescription as the power/sphere values are ranked differently, so your lenses and glasses powers won't necessarily match. It also differs for patients with astigmatism.
By law you are legally entitled to own a copy of your contact lens prescription. If you did not receive a copy of your prescription at your last contact lens fitting you can request it by fax, email or post from your optician. The only time your optician is not obliged to supply you with a prescription is when you are still trialling a new pair of contact lenses.
It is always best to consult your optician if you feel your vision has become blurred and unfocused. You may have a slight astigmatism or you may simply need stronger lenses. Although you can self-prescribe the next available power this is not recommended by Eye Love Vue.
A valid prescription is one that is in date. On your written prescription there should be an expiry date given. Most prescriptions are valid for a year from the date of your last contact lens check-up.