Although contact lenses have been widely used for decades, trying them for the first time can feel intimidating. To help ease any concerns, we’ve debunked some of the most common contact lens myths, so you can make an informed decision about whether they’re right for you
Suitability and age
You can wear contact lenses, even if your eyesight starts to change
You can still continue to wear contact lenses if your eyesight changes. If you’ve noticed you struggling to focus up close, for example things have gotten blurry at normal reading distance, you may have presbyopia. This is just a natural part of ageing and something that most of us will experience at some point in our lives. Our multifocal contact lenses are a great option for those who have presbyopia. Find out more about presbyopia.
Contact lenses are suitable for most people and age ranges
Including children too. Sometimes, medical conditions such as myopia mean that children have to wear contact lenses. Find out more about children’s contact lenses here. Lots of children benefit from wearing contact lenses. They can help to improve self-esteem, improve academic performance and encourage participation in sports and recreational activities. Most children can learn how to insert and remove contact lenses safely and hygienically, although they might need help or supervision to begin with.
There's also no upper age limit to wearing contact lenses. Whatever your age, the decision to wear glasses or contact lenses is up to you. Most vision prescriptions can be corrected with contact lenses. So, whether you think you’re too young, too old, or that your eyesight can’t be corrected with lenses, you might be pleasantly surprised at the options available. Read more about getting started with contact lenses here.
You can still wear contact lenses if you have astigmatism
There are contact lenses available that have been specifically designed for people with astigmatism. Just ask your optician when you next have your appointment to find out more.
Comfort and usage
Contact lenses are generally comfortable
Most contact lenses are made from materials that are soft and flexible. With the correct lens choice, many people can’t even feel them once they’re in. Our clinicians will be on hand to help ensure they fit the eye comfortably.
You don’t have to wear contact lenses every day
Contact lenses offer great flexibility and can be worn every day or just occasionally, even if only for a few hours at a time. Many people find a combination of both glasses and contact lenses is the best solution for them. Find out more about the types of contact lenses.
You can wear glasses and contact lenses at the same time
For some prescriptions, a combination of glasses and contact lenses at the same time could work well. For example, if you need help with close-up vision like reading, as well as far-sightedness.
You can wear eye make-up with contact lenses
For hygiene, it’s best to put in your contact lenses before applying makeup and remove them before taking makeup off. Explore our top tips on make-up for contact lens wearers.
Not all contact lenses help us see more clearly
Some lenses, such as coloured ones, are purely cosmetic, while others - like Halloween or novelty lenses - are considered fun, occasional-use products. These are often referred to as plano or zero-powered lenses and are widely available online. However, legally, they are still classified as contact lenses. It’s strongly advised that their sale and use be supervised by an optometrist, contact lens optician, or medical doctor to ensure they are safe and suitable for your eyes.
Putting in and taking our contact lenses
You don't have to touch your eye
This is a very common myth, but when put in and taken out correctly, it’s only ever the lens itself that you’ll touch. They sit directly on the surface of the eye, meaning that wherever you look, your vision stays in focus. Read more about how to put in and take out contact lenses.
Contact lenses can't get lost behind your eye
This is a very common worry, but your contact lens can’t get stuck behind your eye. Your eyelid and eyeball are connected, so there's no space for a lens to get through. If you find that your contact lens is gettin stuck to the inside of your eyelid, you apply some techniques listed in our contact lens advice page to help unstick them.
Safety and hygiene
Contact lenses won't harm your eyes
As contact lenses sit on the surface of the eye, safety and hygiene is important. You'll avoid most problems by following our top do's and don'ts listed in our contact lens advice page.
Contact lenses are safe
As long as you don’t wear contact lenses longer than prescribed by your optician, they are cleaned properly and replaced as advised, contact lenses are quite safe. Read our top contact lens do's and don'ts here.
Cost and sustainability
Contact lenses don't have to be expensive
There are lots of options available with lenses to suit all lifestyles and budgets. Contact lenses may seem more expensive but the cost can be spread monthly. For most people, the choice between glasses and contact lenses is usually decided by lifestyle factors, such as convenience and personal appearance. With our Contact Lens Rewards Plan,* you can save on average up to £335 along with other benefits such as 19% off Boots brands every time you shop, and more.
Recycling contact lenses
While you can’t recycle contact lenses as part of your household waste, at Boots Opticians we have recycling drop off points for your contact lenses and packaging. You can read more about our eco-friendly eyewear here.
Interested in giving contact lenses a go?
If you’re ready to give them a try, or it’s been a while since you last wore contacts, we offer a free contact lens trial** so you can see how they feel. Keep in mind, if you haven’t had an eye test in the past 12 months, you’ll need a combined eye test with free contact lens trial appointment. Already a contact lens wearer? Simply book the eye test with contact lens check option to keep your lenses up to date.
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Terms and conditions
*Contact Lens Rewards Plan:
Unmatched rewards
To receive 19% off Boots branded products, you must be a Contact Lens Rewards Plan member and hold a permanent Advantage Card (you can apply online at boots.com). The Contact Lens Reward Scheme and Advantage Card discounts are applied in succession with the Advantage Card discount being deducted first. The remaining balance is then subject to a further 10% Contact Lens Reward Scheme reduction. This results in a 19% overall saving. Earn Advantage Card points on your plan payments. Claim based on comparison of plan benefits against those offered by other high street Opticians in the UK in September 2024. See comparison table.
The 19% discount will be activated automatically when you register your Advantage Card to your scheme in a Boots Opticians store. You must present your permanent Advantage Card each time you shop to receive the 19% discount. The discount will not be awarded retrospectively. 19% offer excludes Boots branded glasses, contact lenses and any services from Boots Opticians, purchases from ‘third party sites’ including Boots Hearingcare, BootsKitchenAppliances.com, Boots prescription items, infant milks (up to 6 months), gift vouchers/cards, insurance, travel money, and travel services. This offer is open to UK residents. Not available on boots.com. Full Advantage Card terms and conditions apply. We reserve the right to cancel or vary this offer at any time. Available in all Boots stores. No cash alternative available. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount. A valid specification is required.
10% off selected branded products
To receive 10% off Boots branded products, you will need to be a member of the Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan and hold a permanent Advantage Card (You can apply online at boots.com). Discount includes 10% off selected brands purchased at Boots, including Boots brand, No7, Liz Earle, Ted Baker, Joules and Soap and Glory.
Save 50% on a pair of complete glasses and sunglasses (including frames, lenses and dispensing) and 50% on non-prescription sunglasses at Boots Opticians
NHS vouchers may be used as a cash contribution towards the final cost of your glasses. This offer excludes Smart Eyewear (Meta and Nuance), frame only purchases and re-glazes. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or staff discount.
What is the yearly saving based on?
Based on average contact lens reward scheme customer saving for transactions between July 2024 to July 2025. Saving amount is based on discount achieved in relation to eye tests (non-NHS customers), contact lens checks, glasses purchases, Boots Advantage Card points awarded on monthly reward scheme subscription charges and purchases of Boots brand products as part of the scheme.
What is Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan?
Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan is a Direct Debit scheme, which provides a convenient way to spread the cost of wearing contact lenses. Additionally, and depending on your contact lens type, solutions can be included in your plan. Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan is not a credit agreement, it's a payment plan which allows you to pay in advance for each order. You will be required to pay the first three months' payments upfront when you join Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan. Your bank account will then be debited each month following sign up. Your contact lenses will be ordered automatically every three months, and you'll make three payments for each order.
How long will my agreement last?
Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan does not have a minimum agreement term and can be cancelled at any time, all we ask is that you give us 28 days' notice of your wish to cancel and we'll cancel your plan and refund any advance payments directly into your bank account. We reserve the right to change the terms of your Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan agreement giving you three months' notice.
How much will I pay?
All payments you make (including your initial payment and subsequent monthly Direct Debits) are made up of (i) a charge for professional dispensing services including check-ups and (ii) a charge for goods, inclusive of postage and packaging. Of your total payment 50% is for dispensing services and 50% is for goods.
All prices are subject to review, and any changes to your Direct Debit will be detailed, via a letter, with at least five weeks' notice.
What happens if a mistake is made with my payment?
If Boots Opticians or your bank or building society makes a mistake with your monthly Direct Debit payment, an immediate refund can be requested under the terms of the Direct Debit Guarantee by contacting your bank or building society directly. Please also contact the Boots Opticians Contact Lens Reward Scheme on 0345 125 3752 (calls are charged at local rate) or email contactlenses@boots-opticians.co.uk.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If, for any reason, your bank or building society rejects our request for your monthly Direct Debit payment, then we will attempt to take the payment 15 days later and again on your next payment date. Please be aware we are unable to send your contact lenses until you have paid the full balance of your delivery and any missed payments could lead to your delivery schedule being altered. We will contact you to arrange payment of any outstanding monies and can realign your delivery schedule if required. If we cannot collect your payments for three consecutive months then your scheme membership will be automatically cancelled.
How can I change the Boots Opticians I go to?
If you move house just pop into your new local Boots Opticians practice and let them know you have moved to the area. Your Boots Opticians practice will arrange to transfer your Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan and patient records. In the majority of cases there will be no requirement for you to sign a new Direct Debit Instruction.
What happens if I have a change to my contact lenses?
If you need a new lens type or your prescription changes during the term of your Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan membership we can arrange for your new lenses to be transferred to your account. You will see a payment adjustment on your next payment date following your lens type change.
Can I return unwanted lens?
If you need to return unwanted lenses, the lenses need to be returned unopened to the CLRP team (return address can be found on the delivery packaging) or store in the delivery box with the dispatch note enclosed. Please contact the customer services team on 0345 125 3752 to arrange this. You are entitled to return or exchange a maximum of 1 delivery per year.
What happens about solutions on my plan?
If you need contact lens solution for your lens type, your optician can include these in your monthly payments. If you have selected store pick up for your lenses, every three months a solution pack will be available for you to collect in store. If you have selected home delivery both your lenses and solutions will be delivered to your home address.
How do I tell you about a change to my personal details?
If you wish to update your bank or building society details, or change your Direct Debit payment date, please contact your local Boots Opticians practice. Alternatively, you can call our Customer Service team on 0345 125 3752. We’re available Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 18:30, and Saturday from 08:45 to 17:00.
Can I collect Boots Advantage Card points?
You'll collect one point for every £1 you spend on lenses and solutions on your Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan. We can add points on to your Advantage Card when you visit the practice to collect your lenses, or come in for your contact lens appointment or eye test. If you have opted for home delivery on your plan, your Advantage Card points will automatically be uploaded on to your Advantage Card, five days after the delivery of your lenses. We will not exchange Advantage Card points for cash. Advantage Card points cannot be spent in Boots Opticians, 'third party sites' including Boots Hearingcare, bootskitchenappliances.com, prescription items, infants milks (up to 6 months), gift vouchers/cards, postage stamps, mobile phone top-up cards and Boots insurance. Full Boots Advantage Card terms and conditions apply.
Boots Opticians Contact Lens Reward Scheme offers
Being a member of the Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan also gives you access to other great offers. These do not form part of your agreement and we reserve the right to alter or withdraw linked benefits without notice.
Contact lens checks
We want to make sure your eyes are healthy and that your lenses are as comfortable as they can be, so we will need you to attend an inclusive contact lens check at least once every 24 months; your optician will advise if we need to see you more frequently. Please be aware that if your contact lens check becomes overdue, your lenses will be directed to your base practice and will not be available to you until you have attended your contact lens check. These checks are important as your eyes and eye health can change over time. We'll let you know when your next appointment is due.
Inclusive eye test and contact lens checks
As a Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan customer, all aspects of your eyecare needs are included. You are entitled to unlimited eye tests and contact lens checks within your monthly Direct Debit. These appointments are subject to availability (if you are eligible for an NHS eye test you can choose to claim via the NHS or the Contact Lens Rewards Plan. Our colleagues in store can explain any impact if you are eligible for an NHS voucher). There is no cash alternative or refund for NHS eye tests. Chargeable imaging is not included.
Spare contact lenses for emergency use
We know that accidents sometimes happen, so we'll be happy to offer you occasional replacement lenses on request, depending on your plan type. Monthly/twice monthly lenses - a maximum of three lenses per year, daily disposable lenses - a maximum of 10 pairs per year. Quarterly/annual/made to order lenses - one lens per year at 50% off, based on the usual cash sale price. Should you need any emergency replacement contact lenses, please contact your local practice who will be more than happy to help.
Plan holiday
If you find you are not wearing all of your lenses before your next delivery arrives, please contact us on 0345 125 3752 to discuss taking a plan holiday as we can stop your payments and lenses up to a maximum of six months in a 12 month period. Calls are charged at local rate.
Free contact lens trial
Please ask your optician when you attend for your contact lens check about new lenses on the market. We are happy to offer you a free trial of any alternative lenses.
Home delivery of contact lenses and solutions
Too busy to come in and collect your lenses? You can now choose home delivery for most lens types (excludes annual or other made to order contact lenses). We will deliver your lenses and solutions (if applicable) every three months. There is no extra charge for this service, and you do not need to sign for your deliveries. We can deliver to any UK address. If you do not receive your contact lens or solutions, please report this as missing as soon as possible on 0345 125 3752, calls are charged at local rate. It's important that we look after the health of your eyes so if you miss your regular contact lens check-up appointments your lenses will be automatically sent to your local Boots Opticians practice who will contact you to arrange your appointment and to collect your lenses. We can only hold your lenses for a limited period of time, so please arrange your contact lens check-up appointment as soon as possible. You can also decide to collect your contact lenses and solutions (if applicable) from your Boots Opticians practice, who will let you know when your lenses arrive.
All customer benefits will only apply to Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan customers. Cancellation of your scheme or failure to keep your payments up to date will result in your benefits being cancelled. The benefits of Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan are subject to change at any time without notice.
For the purpose of the Contact Lens Reward Scheme, references in these terms to Boots Opticians means Boots Opticians Professional Services Limited and its Franchise Partners.
**Free Contact Lens Assessment and Trial: A trial consists of up to 5 pairs of daily disposable lenses or a month’s supply of selected daily reusable lenses. This trial excludes quarterly replacement, annual replacement and coloured contact lenses. You will need to have a valid glasses prescription. If you do not have a prescription, a sight test is required and is chargeable at the current price, please ask a member of staff for details. Excludes current Boots Contact Lens Reward Plan customers.
