Why a contact lens exam is different
People searching for an eye exam in Surrey often ask for contacts at the same time as new glasses. That is practical. It is also where confusion starts. Glasses sit in front of the eye. Contact lenses sit on the tear film and cornea. The numbers on a glasses script do not automatically become a safe contact lens prescription.
A proper contact lens exam and fitting adds steps a glasses-only visit does not. We measure the shape of the eye, check the health of the cornea and tear film, try lenses on the eye, and confirm that vision stays clear and comfortable before you leave with a plan. Getting that fit right is what helps prevent dryness, irritation, and problems that show up months later when lenses never quite sat well.
Guildford Eye Clinic is an independent clinic run by Dr. Lin and Dr. Xue Optometry. We practise inside Specsavers at Guildford Town Centre in Surrey, BC. Specsavers is the retail dispensary in the same space. We provide the clinical exam, imaging, fitting, and explanation of results.
What we check during a contact lens fitting
Think of the visit in four parts. First is eye health and vision, usually as part of a comprehensive eye exam. That includes OCT retinal imaging at no extra charge on the comprehensive exam, so we are looking at eye health as well as the prescription. Second is measurement: curvature, tear film, and how the ocular surface looks under magnification. Third is the trial: you wear lenses in clinic so we can see how they centre, move with a blink, and feel after a short settle time. Fourth is teaching and follow-up when you are new to contacts or changing to a different lens type.
Lens type matters as much as the power. Daily disposables suit many busy Guildford and Surrey patients who want simple hygiene. Monthly lenses can work well when care routines are solid. Toric lenses are designed for astigmatism. Multifocal lenses can help when near vision needs support as well as distance. We match the design to your eyes and how you actually use them for work, driving, sports, or screens.
If contacts feel dry or gritty later, that belongs in the exam conversation too. Dryness is not only a lens brand problem. Tear film, screen time, lid oil glands, and lens material all interact. Our dry eye page covers the comfort side when lenses are part of the picture.
New wearers: we teach insertion, removal, and care
First-time wearers often worry more about touching their eye than about the prescription. That is normal. We teach insertion, removal, and care at a comfortable pace, and we do not rush that part of the visit. The goal is that you can handle lenses at home without guessing from a phone video.
Bring your current glasses if you have them, and any old contact lens boxes if you already wear a brand. If you are switching from monthly lenses to dailies, or from spherical lenses to torics for astigmatism, say so when you book. Extra chair time for teaching is easier to plan when we know ahead.
Online booking works for the exam itself. If you have a specific lens goal, such as first-time wear, multifocals, or lenses for a nearsighted child, a short call to (604) 229-9627 helps us set the right visit length.
Kids and contacts, including myopia control options
Many children do well in contact lenses when they are mature enough to handle hygiene and follow-up. Readiness is about responsibility more than a single birthday. We teach young wearers the same insertion and care steps adults learn, with parents in the loop.
For nearsighted kids, specialty soft contact lenses can also be one tool inside a broader myopia control program. That program is led by Dr. Laura Lin. Soft multifocal-style myopia control lenses are not the same as ordinary cosmetic contacts. We first look at how fast the prescription and eye growth are changing, then decide whether those lenses, myopia control spectacles, atropine, or another option fits that child. Ortho-K is not offered at our clinic. For the parent walkthrough, see myopia control for kids in Surrey.
In BC, a full eye exam is covered yearly by MSP for children 18 and under. That coverage is for the comprehensive clinical exam. Contact lens fittings and ongoing myopia treatment are separate conversations, and we explain any extra before it is added. More detail for parents is on our children's eye exam page and the guide to MSP for kids eye exams.
What you pay, and how we avoid surprise bills
Price clarity is part of the visit. You pay at the front desk. Anything that costs extra is explained before it is added, so the amount at the end matches what you were told. That includes a contact lens fitting, a form an insurer or school requires, or a change that turns a glasses-only plan into a contacts plan mid-visit.
Adults 19 to 64 generally pay for a routine comprehensive exam. With MSP, the adult exam is $99 with OCT included. Private insurance may reimburse part or all of that fee depending on your plan. We direct bill many major plans where possible, so you usually pay only the part your plan does not cover. Bring your insurance details to the visit.
A full eye exam is covered yearly by MSP for children 18 and under and seniors 65 and over, with no extra fee on top of that covered exam at our clinic. MSP coverage applies to the eye exam itself. Extras such as contact lens fittings may not be covered. We still say the fitting fee out loud before it is added. Seniors who mainly need a yearly health check can start with our senior eye exam page; if contacts are also on the list, tell us when you book.
We do not invent a one-line price for every lens type here, because materials and complexity differ. The reliable rule at Guildford Eye Clinic is simpler: no silent add-ons, and no surprise bill after you leave the chair.
How to book a contact lens visit in Guildford
Book online when you already know you want an adult, kids, or senior exam and plan to discuss contacts. Mention contacts in the booking notes if the form allows it, or call after you book so we can protect enough time for trial lenses and teaching.
We are on the upper level of Guildford Town Centre in Surrey, inside Specsavers: Unit 2309, 10355 152 Street, Surrey, BC V3R 7C1. Mall parking is available. Set your GPS to Specsavers Guildford. After parking, take the mall entrance closest to Scotiabank; Specsavers is the second store on your left.
For urgent symptoms such as a red eye, sudden vision change, pain with contact lens wear, flashes, floaters, or something stuck in the eye, do not wait for a routine fitting slot. Call (604) 229-9627 first so we can triage. Same-day urgent care is offered when a doctor is available. More detail is on our emergency eye care page.
Contact lens exam FAQ
Is a contact lens exam the same as a glasses prescription?
No. A glasses prescription is not enough for safe contact lens wear. Lenses sit on the eye, so a contact lens exam adds measurements of the cornea and tear film, a fit check, and confirmation that vision is clear and comfortable with the chosen lens.
Do I need a separate appointment for a contact lens fitting in Surrey?
Often the fitting can be combined with a comprehensive eye exam at Guildford Eye Clinic inside Specsavers Guildford Town Centre. Tell us when you book that you want contacts, so we allow time for measurements, trial lenses, and teaching if you are new. Start with our contact lens exam page or book online.
Will I get a surprise bill for a contact lens fitting?
No. You pay at the front desk. Anything that costs extra, including a contact lens fitting or a form an insurer or school requires, is explained before it is added. The amount at the end should match what you were told.
Does MSP cover a contact lens fitting?
MSP coverage applies to the eye exam itself for eligible groups. A full eye exam is covered yearly by MSP for children 18 and under and seniors 65 and over. Extras such as contact lens fittings may not be covered. We explain any fitting fee clearly before it is added.
Can children wear contact lenses?
Many children do well in contacts when they are ready to handle them safely. For nearsighted kids, specialty soft contact lenses can also be part of a myopia control plan led by Dr. Laura Lin. We teach young wearers how to insert, remove, and care for lenses.
Can I wear contacts if I have astigmatism or need reading help?
Yes. Toric lenses are designed for astigmatism, and multifocal lenses can help with near vision as well as distance. We confirm clear, comfortable vision with trial lenses before you commit.
Are you Specsavers, or a separate clinic?
Guildford Eye Clinic is an independent optometry clinic operated by Dr. Lin and Dr. Xue Optometry. We provide the clinical care. Specsavers is the retail dispensary in the same location at Guildford Town Centre. You can often complete the exam and fill glasses or contact lenses in one visit, but the clinical fitting is with us.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for a personalized eye examination or contact lens fitting. Coverage details and fees can change; confirm current MSP rules, insurance billing, and fitting fees when you book.