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 10% 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:
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, contact lens solutions can be included in your plan. Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan is not a credit agreement, this is 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. Then your bank account will be debited each month following sign up. Your contact lenses will be ordered automatically every three months, and you will make three payments for each order. To be a Boots Opticians Reward Plan member and use our direct debit service you must provide (and keep updated) a valid email address to receive notifications about your payments and plan
How long will my Plan last?
Your Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan does not have a minimum term and you can cancel it at any time; all we ask is that you give us 28 days’ notice of your wish to cancel and we will cancel your plan and refund any advance payments directly into your bank account. Should you wish to cancel please contact your local Boots Opticians store. Alternatively, you can call our Customer Service team on 0345 125 3752.
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 contact lens checks and eye tests; and (ii) a charge for the products (e.g. contact lenses and solutions), inclusive of postage and packaging. 50% of your total payment is for dispensing services and 50% is for products.
All prices are subject to review, and any changes to your direct debit will be detailed, via email, with at least 30 days’ 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 Boots Opticians on 0345 125 3752, 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 (or the next working day if this falls on a weekend or bank holiday) and again on your next payment date. Please be aware that we will not send your contact lenses when scheduled if any payments are overdue, and any missed payments could therefore lead to your delivery schedule being altered. You can call us on 0345 125 3752 to arrange payment of any outstanding monies and can realign your delivery schedule if required. If we cannot collect your payments for 3 consecutive months, then your contact lens reward scheme will be automatically cancelled.
Changes to your plan
We reserve the right to change the terms of your Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan at any time. Changes to the plan includes but is not limited to a change of lens brand or frequency of delivery. We will provide reasonable notice of any changes to your plan via a durable medium (e.g by email).
How can I change the Boots Opticians I go to?
If you want to change the Boots Opticians you go to, please just pop into your new preferred Boots Opticians store and let them know. The Boots Opticians store will arrange to transfer your Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan and patient records. In the majority of cases, you will not need 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 will update your plan to your new lenses. You will see a payment adjustment on your next payment date following your lens type change to reflect the changes made.
What happens if I want to include contact lens solutions in my plan?
If you need contact lens solution for your lens type, your Optician can include these in your monthly payments and deliveries.
How do I tell you about a change to my personal details?
Please contact your local Boots Opticians store (the store where you attend your contact lens appointments) or log into your account and make the changes directly at bootscontactlensrewardscheme.com. If you wish to change your bank or building society details or direct debit payment date, please contact your Boots Opticians store or call Boots Opticians on 0345 125 3752.
Can I collect Boots Advantage Card points?
You’ll collect 1 point for every £1 you spend on lenses and solutions as part of your Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan. Your Advantage Card points will automatically be uploaded on to your Advantage Card 5 days after the delivery of your lenses.
How can I spend Boots Advantage Card points?
You cannot spend your Advantage Card points on Boots Opticians products and services, and we will not exchange Advantage Card points for cash. You can find details of how you can spend your points and details of all other exclusions at https://www.boots.com/shopping/advantage-card/advantage-card-terms-and-conditions. Full Boots Advantage Card Terms and condition apply - please ask in store for full terms and conditions or view online at https://www.boots.com/shopping/advantage-card/advantage-card-terms-and-conditions
Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan benefits
Being a member of the Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan also gives you access to other great offers and discounts. Full details of exclusive plan benefits can be found visiting https://www.bootsopticians.com/our-range/contact-lenses/contact-lens-reward.s-plan/. These do not form part of your plan, and we reserve the right to alter or withdraw linked benefits without notice.
10% Discount on Boots brand products in Boots UK store.
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). The 10% discount on Boots branded products will be activated automatically when you register your Advantage Card to your Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards in a Boots Opticians store), add the card details in your account at bootscontactlensrewardscheme.com or call Boots Opticians on 0345 125 3752. You must present your permanent Advantage Card each time you shop in Boots to receive the 10% discount. The discount will not be awarded retrospectively. The 10% offer excludes purchases from third party sites or apps, Boots Kitchen appliances, on Boots Opticians products and services, Boots Hearingcare or on Travel Services and Boots Insurance and bootsphoto.com. 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 UK Boots stores. No cash alternative is available. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount.
Changes to your Contact Lens Rewards Plan benefits
Contact Lens Rewards Plan benefits do not form part of your agreement, and we reserve the right to alter or withdraw linked offers, discounts and any other benefits offered by the plan at any time. The benefits of Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan are subject to change at any time. All customer benefits will only apply to Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan customers. Cancellation of your plan or failure to keep your payments up to date will result in your benefits being cancelled
The benefits associated with the Boots Advantage Card are subject to change in accordance with the Full Advantage Card terms and conditions. These are separate to changes that may be made to the benefits of the Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan.
Inclusive eye tests & contact lens checks
As a Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan member, all essential aspects of your eyecare needs are included. You are entitled to unlimited contact lens checks and our Essential Eye Test within your monthly direct debit. Appointments are subject to availability (If you are eligible for an NHS eye test you can choose to claim via the NHS or the Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan. If you are eligible for an NHS Optical voucher our colleagues in store can explain you can use this towards your glasses or contact lens purchases. There is no cash alternative or refund for NHS Eye Tests. Chargeable imaging (Advance or Ultimate Eye Test) is not included.
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 a contact lens check at least once every 24 months. Your Optician will advise if we need to see you more frequently. We’ll let you know when your next appointment is due.
Please be aware that if your contact lens check becomes overdue, your lenses will automatically be directed to your Boots Opticians store and will not be available to you until you have attended your contact lens check. We can only hold your lenses for only a limited period of time, so please arrange your contact lens check appointment as soon as possible
Save 50% on complete glasses & sunglasses, (including frames, lenses and dispensing and 50% on non-prescription sunglasses at Boots Opticians).
All of our prices for glasses include the dispensing fee and a fee for the frame and Boots Essential single vision lenses. NHS vouchers may be used as a cash contribution towards the final cost of your glasses. Prices shown in Boots Opticians stores include the frame and Boots standard single vision lenses. These offers exclude Smart Eyewear (Meta and Nuance), exclusive brands sold at Wigmore Street store, frame only purchases and re-glazes and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or staff discount.
Spare and replacement contact lenses
We know that accidents sometimes happen, so we'll be happy to offer you occasional replacement lenses, depending on your plan type on request. Monthly/twice monthly lenses - a maximum of 4 lenses per year, daily disposable lenses - a maximum of 10 pairs per year. Quarterly/annual/made
to order lenses - 1 lens per year at 50% off, based on the usual cash sale price. Should you need any replacement contact lenses, please contact your Boots Opticians store who will be more than happy to help.
Can I return unwanted lens?
If you would like to return unwanted lenses, the lenses need to be returned unopened in the delivery box with the dispatch note enclosed either: (i) to the Boots Optician at the return address specified on the delivery packaging); or (ii) to your Boots Opticians store. Please contact the customer services team on 0345 125 3752 to arrange this. You are entitled to return for refund) or exchange a maximum of 1 delivery per year. If the return is made to your Boots Opticians store, they can request the exchange or refund for you.
Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards 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 pause your payments and the delivery of your contact lenses (and, if applicable, solutions) for up to a maximum of 6 months in a rolling 12 month period. We will automatically resume taking payments once an agreed payment holiday period expires.
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 suitable alternative lenses.
Home delivery of contact lenses and solutions is included in the Boots Opticians Contact Lens Rewards Plan
We will deliver your lenses and solutions (if applicable) every 3 months. The exceptions to this are Rigid Gas permeable lenses (every 12 or 6 months, depending on the product) and reusable coloured lenses every 2 months and a limited number of extended wear contact lenses. 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. You can also decide to collect your contact lenses and solutions (if applicable) from your Boots Opticians store, who will let you know when your lenses arrive and are ready for collection.
Call Charges
Calls to Boots Opticians on 0345 125 3752 are charged at local rate from landlines. Mobile costs will vary according to your network provider
Privacy
Your privacy and personal information are important to us. Any personal information that you provide to us will be dealt with in line with our Privacy Policy, which explains what personal information we collect from you, how and why we collect, store, use and share such information, your rights in relation to your personal information and how to contact us and supervisory authorities if you have a query or complaint about the use of your personal information.
Our Privacy Policy is available at: https://www.bootsopticians.com/help/privacy-policy/
General
For the purpose of the Contact Lens Reward Scheme, references in these terms to Boots Opticians means Boots Opticians Professional Services Limited and its franchisees.
The laws of England and Wales apply to these terms and conditions, although if you are resident elsewhere you will retain the benefit of any mandatory protections given to you by the laws of that country.
Any disputes will be subject to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. This means that you can choose whether to bring a claim in the courts of England and Wales or in the courts of another part of the UK in which you live.
Boots Opticians Professional Services Limited, Registered 6779221 1 Thane Road West, Nottingham NG2 3AA
**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.
