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General Eye Doctor or Eye Doctor Trained in Fitting Contact Lenses? —Specialty Contacts in Georgetown, Ontario

"Hard-To-Fit" Contact Lens Patients

In the world of healthcare, there are many conditions that are treated by a specialized doctor rather than a general practitioner. Eye doctors are no exception. When it comes to certain ocular conditions and complications, the most effective care is delivered by an eye doctor trained in a particular area of eye health. While a general practitioner is typically familiar with the condition, it's still going to be the eye doctor with special training and greater experience who will provide the most effective treatments and solutions.

Hard-To-Fit Contact Lens Patients

Certain individuals with corneal irregularities or other ocular aberrations require custom-made specialty contact lenses. These patients are called “hard-to-fit”, as they cannot wear standard contact lenses and struggle with standard prescription eyeglasses. Fitting specialty contact lenses needs to be done by a contact lens specialist, who will use the latest corneal imaging and topographic technology to customize the lenses to your unique dimensions. At , our eye doctors are experts in fitting specialized and custom contact lenses in Georgetown. 

Do You Struggle With Contact Lenses?

Do you find wearing traditional contact lenses painful or uncomfortable? You aren't alone. There are many people who fall under the "hard-to-fit" category, whether due to corneal conditions, such as keratoconus or other problems such as sensitivity or chronic dry eye. People in this category are incorrectly told that they can’t wear contact lenses at all. The truth is that most patients can be successfully fitted with scleral contact lenses, which deliver impressive visual clarity and unparalleled comfort.

    Scleral Lenses Can Be Worn By People With These Conditions

    • Astigmatism
    • Dry eyes
    • Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)
    • Keratoconus
    • Post-refractive surgery (LASIK)
    • Corneal irregularity or corneal dystrophy
    • Post-Corneal Transplant

    Any of these problems will typically require eye care beyond the scope of general care optometry.

    Elderly Woman, Wearing Scleral Lenses

    What is an Eye Doctor Trained in Fitting Contact Lenses?

    The eye doctor that fits patients with scleral lenses has extensive training in the techniques and technologies required to create and fit customized contact lenses. At Giddens Optometry, we provide hi-tech contact lens solutions to adults and children alike. Dr. Ben Giddens, Dr. Andrea Kozma and Dr. Brandon Pham will assess your contact lens needs and recommend a contact lens solution that provides the comfort, stability, and clarity you need.

    Call Our Offices

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    Close up of woman's eye, ad for contact lens specialist

    When Should I See an Eye Doctor for Scleral Lenses?

    If you have any corneal irregularity or visual disorder that prevents you from wearing regular contact lenses, or if you're seeking to correct your myopia in a non-surgical way, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ben Giddens, Dr. Andrea Kozma and Dr. Brandon Pham. The first step of any treatment is the assessment, which requires specialized diagnostic and digital imaging tools, such as a corneal topography which produces high-resolution corneal imagery. A detailed mapping of the contours of your eyes will allow us to create custom-fit contact lenses uniquely fitted to your eyes. The most common specialty contact lenses used are Scleral lenses. Ortho-K lenses are typically worn by children for myopia control or adults who seek a non-surgical alternative to LASIK.

    Scleral Lenses

    Scleral Lenses are large-diameter gas-permeable contact lenses that rest on the sclera and create a tear-filled vault over the cornea. The lenses, therefore, sit over an irregular cornea and not on it. Sclerals provides a perfectly smooth optical surface to correct refractive errors with tremendous accuracy while retaining maximum comfort. Scleral lenses are also fixed in place to avoid discomfort and remain in place. These specialized Scleral Contact Lenses are often the ideal solution for patients suffering from:

    • keratoconus
    • chronic dry eyes
    • SjÖgren’s syndrome
    • sensitive eyes
    • Steven-Johnson syndrome
    • neurotrophic keratitis
    • aniridia
    • microphthalmia
    • higher aberration of the eye
    • pellucid degeneration
    • complications from eye surgery
    • sensitive eyes
    Ortho-K Lenses

    Your contact lens specialist may also recommend the use of Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) lenses for your vision. These are rigid gas permeable contact lenses that you wear overnight. They gently reshape the cornea so that you can enjoy corrected, accurate vision during the day.  Orthokeratology is a safe, effective, and non-surgical alternative to  LASIK or similar surgical procedures. The use of Ortho-k has also been demonstrated to effectively manage the progression of myopia in children.

    The corneal reshaping lenses quality of orthokeratology can be used to correct refractive problems such as near-sightedness, astigmatism, and hyperopia. In some cases, it can also be used to correct for presbyopia as well.

    Meet Our Contact Lens Specialist

    Doris Chow, OD

    Doris Chow, OD

    Languages: English, Cantonese
    Dr. Doris Chow obtained her Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing from McMaster University and then completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the University of Waterloo in 2016. She received the Helen K. Mussallem Award from McMaster University for her involvement in the Hamilton community and with the public health program...
    Brandon Pham, OD, BSc

    Brandon Pham, OD, BSc

    Optometrist Dr. Brandon Pham received both his Honours Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees from the University of Waterloo. He graduated with distinction and completed all of his school terms on the Dean’s list. As an optometry student, he had the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Giddens, Dr. Kozma and...
    Andrea Kozma B. Mech Eng & Mgt, OD

    Andrea Kozma B. Mech Eng & Mgt, OD

    Optometrist Dr. Andrea Kozma received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from McMaster University. She worked in manufacturing for a few years prior to deciding that she would rather work in health care. She then completed her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Waterloo, and was recognized on the Dean’s Honour...
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    Terry

    Optical Lab Technician
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    emily GSP UID 8f902d57 07b7 4ebf b3c7 8f9f275c1825

    Emily

    Reception/Optometry Assistant
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    Kim

    Office Manager
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    Ben Giddens, OD, BSc

    Ben Giddens, OD, BSc

    Optometrist & Founder    Letter from Dr. Ben Giddens Hello friends, I have retired! I had 37 years of good fun in Georgetown and loved the gift of meeting so many warm and friendly people! I am very sorry that I didn’t have the time to chat with everyone about...
    Serving Patients From

    Georgetown | Limehouse | Acton | Halton Hills | and the state of Ontario

    If You’re Looking For A Eye Doctor Near Georgetown, Ontario, Dr. Ben Giddens, Dr. Andrea Kozma and Dr. Brandon Pham Of Giddens Optometry Is The Destination.

    Don’t let discomfort or a corneal condition prevent you from having clear, comfortable vision. Contact us to asses and fit you with the contact lens solution you need.

    Call Our Offices

    Book Online

    Serving Patients From:

    Georgetown | Limehouse | Acton | Halton Hills | and the state of Ontario