Do Optometrists Offer Only Some Brands of Contacts?

[HappyDog]

I have a bad combo of dry eyes and significant astigmatism, and have tried and failed to be able to wear contacts many times.  But I think I've come to realize that each optometrist offers only some of the many brands of lenses.  Needless to say, restricting the brands would seriously affect my chances of success.  Is it true?  Will a given doctor offer any brand of lens?  Or will he or she offer only certain brands?  

If the brands are resticted, how can I find out which lenses are best for me first, so I can find a doctor who offers those lenses?  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

(crossing fingers) Goog luck. JCH MD

[HappyDog]

Thanks again.  I'm going to email a few optometrist to ask if they're interested in working with hard-to-fit cases (my current optometrist doesn't seem to be) before I make the appointment.  I'm hoping that and the advances in toric and dry-eye lenses will make the difference this time.  Keep your fingers crossed for me and thanks!.    

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[JodieJ]

There are a couple of 1-day disposable toric contacts--Clearsight and Focus Dailies toric (corrects up to 1.50D of astigmatism).  There are also toric versions of Oasys, Acuvue Advance, Proclear.  Your best bet may be to do everything possible to treat your dry eyes, and then find an eye care provider who specializes in contacts for the hard to fit patient.  Good luck--there are always new contacts on the market.

[HappyDog]

Thanks for your response to my question about optometrists and brands of contact lenses.  That puts my mind at ease.  And you're right.  I should probably give up, but I check every couple of years or so to see if anyone is manufacturing one of the new dry- eye toric lens for a -300 cylinder prescription.  

Thanks again.  I appreciate your help.  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

No your perception is incorrect. It is not possible to stock every type of contact lens made by every manufactuerer.  Most contact lens fitters carry enough different types to mean the needs of 98% of the people that come to them.

Given you history it's likely that you are a person that can't wear contacts, many people can't.  You should probably make your peace with glasses or see a corneal Eye surgeon to discuss refractive surgery such as lasik

JHC MD