Agreed.. You can use cheaper accessories but not lenses as our eyes are really precious.. I just went to Singapore Poly Optometry for contact lens prescription after obtaining advice from bros here and the overall experience was very good.. Took a total of 2 hours to get everything done.. I doubt any optometrist in optical shops will spend that amount of time for any customers.. They will probably brush you off and sell you any lenses they deem as good (what happened to my sis)..
I can't remember exactly what they did but the steps are roughly as follows:
(1) Check your ocular history such as operation etc
(2) Check my power for myopia/astig
(3) Check my eyes with staining solution to check for scratches or scar
(4) Check for eyes curvature etc
(5) Fit the contact lens
I can't stress the importance of contact lens fitting.. At first, they fitted me with a B&L Toric, I myself would have thought that it is alright as the feeling is generally good, except that when i looked up, I felt that there was a little sensation on my lids.. After they examined the fitting under white/blue lightings, it was determined that the lens are abit loose, will not drop out but definitely not a good fit.. So they decided to change to Air Optix for Astig and the fitting was so much better..
The only cons is probably that Air Optix is much more expensive than other brands and no discounts are offered there.. Got it at $60 per box.. I got 1 set from them and will probably buy more from other shops.. I guess this is okay since I got all the fittings done nicely le..
The whole checkup was done by a student but the lecturer is there to check and make sure she did the correct thing. She is quite professional despite being a student..
Lastly, I was wondering if anyone bought contact lenses overseas before? I will be going to Taiwan for quite a while and I was wondering if the lenses for Air Optix here and there are identical when all the specs are same?