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Firm lenses for more precise vision correction

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

Rigid contact lenses are a durable, daytime contact lens option designed to hold their shape on the eye, which can provide crisp, clear vision for some people. They may be recommended for patients with certain prescriptions, irregular corneas or conditions where soft contact lenses do not give the best result.
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About Rigid contact lenses

What are rigid contact lenses?

Rigid contact lenses, also known as RGP (rigid gas permeable) lenses, are firm lenses that hold their shape on the eye to provide clear and stable vision. Unlike soft lenses, they don’t conform to the eye, which allows them to correct vision more precisely, especially for conditions like astigmatism or irregular corneas. They are worn during the day unlike Ortho-k contact lenses which are worn at night.

What are rigid contact lenses used for?

Rigid contact lenses are usually used when standard soft lenses aren’t quite doing the job. They’re great for things like astigmatism, higher prescriptions, or irregular corneas, where you need a bit more precision. Because they keep their shape on the eye, they tend to give sharper, more consistent vision than soft contact lenses.

Who are rigid contact lenses suitable for?

Rigid contact lenses can suit a wide range of people, from older teens through to adults, especially if standard soft lenses aren’t giving you the clarity you need. They’re a great option for people with astigmatism, higher prescriptions, or conditions like keratoconus, where vision can be a bit more complex. They also tend to work well for people who want really sharp, consistent vision and don’t mind a short adjustment period at the start. If you’ve tried soft lenses before and they haven’t quite worked for you, rigid lenses are often the next step worth considering. To determine if rigid contact lenses are right for you, book in for an eye check where we’ll assess your vision and overall eye health.
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How do rigid contact lenses work?

Rigid contact lenses work by holding their shape on the surface of your eye, rather than moulding to it like soft lenses do. This creates a smooth, even surface for light to pass through, which helps focus it more accurately onto the retina. Because of this, they can correct vision more precisely, especially if the front of your eye isn’t perfectly shaped. That’s why they often give sharper, more stable vision compared to standard soft lenses.

Are rigid contact lenses safe?

Rigid contact lenses are safe when they’re properly fitted and you follow the care instructions. They’re made from breathable materials that allow oxygen to reach your eyes, which helps keep them healthy. There can be a short adjustment period at the start, but once you get used to them, most people find them comfortable and reliable. Regular check-ups are important to make sure everything is fitting well and your eyes stay in good condition.

What is the process?

Getting fitted for rigid contact lenses begins with a comprehensive eye exam where we assess your vision quality and eye health. Next we take detailed measurements of your eyes using corneal topography, or for the most precise and personalised results, we use our state-of-the-art DNEye technology. From there, your customised lenses are ordered and you’ll come back for a fitting where we check how they sit and how your vision looks. We’ll also show you how to put them in, take them out, and care for them properly.
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Results and expectations

With rigid contact lenses, most people notice a real improvement in clarity pretty quickly, often from the first time they try them on. There is a short adjustment period, usually a few days to a couple of weeks, where your eyes get used to the feel of the lenses. Wearing them consistently helps speed this up. While rigid contact lenses don’t permanently change your eyes, they provide better quality vision whenever you’re wearing them.

Benefits of rigid contact lenses

Rigid contact lenses:
  • Provide more precise and sharper vision compared to soft contact lenses, especially for those with astigmatism or complex prescriptions
  • Ensure stable and consistent vision throughout the day
  • Are more durable and long lasting than soft contact lenses
  • Can be more cost effective over time when compared to disposable lenses
  • Are custom-fitted for comfort and precision
  • Allow more oxygen to reach the eye than soft contact lenses, supporting better eye health

To get started with rigid contact lenses, book your eye check today!

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The process

Your eye check journey

1. Book Appointment

Book online or call us to book your eye check. 

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2. New Patient Form

If you have not visited us before, fill out our New Patient Form before your appointment. Alternatively complete this in-person prior to your appointment. 

NEW PATIENT FORM
3. Attend Appointment

Attend your eye check appointment. 
Your appointment will begin with a brief consultation, followed by a series of thorough, painless eye tests tailored to you.

4. Results & Treatment

In most cases you will receive your results immediately.
In your appointment your optometrist will assess your results and provide the findings and recommended next actions if required. 

Locations

4 convenient locations in Melbourne’s east

With four convenient locations across Melbourne’s East, accessing quality eye care is easy. All 4 of our Harris Blake & Parsons locations offer an extensive range of eye checks and eye treatments.
In addition, our Ringwood and Croydon clinics offer a large range of eyewear available to browse and purchase in-store.

To book an eye check at our Ringwood or Croydon stores, use the button below. For appointments at our Healesville and Yarram locations, please call us.
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Ringwood
03 9870 5478

Croydon, Healesville & Yarram
03 9723 3218

Ringwood

Croydon

Healesville

Yarram

About

Harris Blake & Parsons

Providing premium optometry in Melbourne for over 65 years

A local and independent optometry practice, we are known for providing the highest quality eye checks, personalised treatments and an unmatched range of eyewear products to our community for over 65 years.
We offer a broad range of eye exams and eye treatments as well as eyewear and contact lens retail.
With locations in Ringwood, Croydon, Healesville & Yarram, we’re the perfect choice for eyecare in Melbourne’s East.
About us

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Which location would you like to attend?

Online bookings are available at Ringwood and Croydon. To make a booking at Healesville or Yarram, please call us. 

Ringwood

Bookings preferred, walk-ins welcome

Open Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 9am – 5:30pm
Fri: 9am – 6:30pm
Sat: 9am – 5pm
Sun: Closed

Book Ringwood

Croydon

Bookings preferred, walk-ins welcome

Open Hours:

Mon-Tues: 9am – 5:30pm
Weds: 9am – 3:30pm
Thurs-Fri: 9am – 5:30pm
Sat-Sun: Closed

Book Croydon

Healesville

By appointment only

Open Hours:

Tues: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Closed all other days

Call (03) 9723 3218 to book

Yarram

By appointment only

Open Hours:

Visiting two days every six weeks, by appointment only.

Call (03) 9723 3218 to book