Welcome to BCLA consumer information and guidance section
Whether you’re interested in starting to wear contact lenses, or want to know more about the latest research and developments in contact lens products, the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) website is your first port of call for independent guidance.
The BCLA is the UK’s leading supplier of information and education on contact lenses and the anterior eye. Our mission is to be the leading resource gateway for the contact lens community; and to educate, interact and promote growth within the field of contact lenses and related areas. We have some 2,000 members around the world working in all areas of contact lens practice – as well as in research and academia.
Your BCLA contact lens practitioner can provide you with more information on what contact lenses can do for you, and the best lens type to suit your individual needs. Use our ‘Find a contact lens practitioner‘ tool below to locate your nearest BCLA member practitioner.
Consumers’ guide to contact lenses
Click on the links below to find out more:
Finding a contact lens practitioner
Wearing contact lenses overnight
Astigmatism and contact lenses
Bifocal and multifocal contact lenses
Contact lenses for children and teens
Cosmetic contact lenses (coloured and special effects)
Contact lenses and keratoconus
Aftercare for contact lens wearers
Dos and don’ts of contact lens wear
Acanthamoeba and contact lenses
Contact lenses versus refractive surgery
Regulations on contact lens fitting and supply
Consumer FAQs
The BCLA has compiled the following consumer FAQs. Read the answers to the following questions and many more by clicking here.
Am I likely to lose a contact lens?
Am I too old for contact lenses?
Am I too young for contact lenses?
Are all contact lens solutions the same?
Are all contact lenses the same?
Are contact lenses comfortable to wear?
Can contact lenses protect my eyes against the sun?
Can I re-use my daily disposable lenses if they are still comfortable?
Can I store my contact lenses in water?
Can I use any solution with my contact lenses?
Can I wear any type of eye make-up with my contact lenses?
Can I wear my contact lenses for swimming?
Can I wear my monthly lenses for more than a month?
How can I tell if my soft contact lenses are inside out?
How do I go about getting contact lenses?
How should I choose a contact lens practitioner?
I have dry eyes. Can I wear contact lenses?
I normally wear multifocal glasses. Can I get multifocal contact lenses?
I’ve heard about lenses that are worn during sleep and not during the day. What are these?
I’ve heard that you can buy ‘circle lenses’ on the internet to make your eyes look bigger. Are they safe?
My optician told me I have astigmatism. Can I wear contact lenses?
Find a BCLA contact lens practitioner
Find a BCLA contact lens practitioner near you. Search by postcode, city or town.
Listen to BCLA President Dr Catharine Chisholm providing some advice on contact lens wear and care (courtesy of the Annie Othen Show, BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, weekdays 9am-12noon, on 94.8FM, online and on DAB)
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