Cornea & Contact Lens

The Cornea and Contact Lens Service (CCLS) at the University Eye Institute provides comprehensive vision care including fitting and prescribing customized contact lenses to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism and presbyopia (age-related problem of focusing at near). In addition, cosmetic lenses that change eye color or enhance sports performance are also available. The Service also prescribes specialized contact lenses for individuals with corneal diseases (e.g., keratoconus), postrefractive surgery and those who wish to decrease their level of near-sightedness (Orthokeratology/Corneal Refractive Therapy).

Our experienced faculty is involved in training not only future doctors but also practicing doctors around the state and across the nation in the form of continuing education. Many of our faculty conduct and publish research on the cornea, tear film and new contact lens materials and solutions. The CCLS faculty directly supervises third and fourth year professional students, providing patients with comprehensive visual assessment leading to the most appropriate contact lens based on the eye physiology of their eye, their lifestyle and visual demands. Our goal is to provide each patient with a customized contact lens that is convenient and comfortable for maximum eye health.

What to bring to your appointment

  1. Medical and Vision Insurance cards
  2. Current glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses or a copy of your most recent glasses prescription (Rx)
  3. A list of all current medications including over the counter medications
  4. A list of medical doctors and health problems

What to expect at your appointment

  1. The Cornea and Contact Lens Service operates in a team approach with third and fourth year professional students conducting the exam under the direct supervision of highly skilled faculty. The faculty doctor will make the final decisions regarding your prescription, contact lens design and material and if needed, treatment of eye disease.
  2. During the exam, your vision and eye health will be assessed with a variety of instruments. Your prescription will be determined and advice offered on the suitable options available for correction with contact lenses. The eye health evaluation will screen for eye diseases such as keratoconus, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
  3. Your eyes will likely be dilated as part of an annual examination. This means that eye drops will be applied that better allows the doctor to view the inside of the eye including the retina and optic nerve. This internal eye examination is especially important for patients with diabetes and high blood pressure.

Please explore the links below if you wish to learn more about contact lenses:

To schedule an appointment with the Cornea and Contact Lens Service, call (713) 743-2015 or use our Online Appointment Form