Contact Lens and Low Vision Service

Contact Lens Service

The UPMC Eye Center’s team of optometrists offer the most all inclusive contact lens services in the Western Pennsylvania region.

In addition to lenses which correct nearsightedness and farsightedness as well as astigmatism, we specialize in difficult to fit patients with high astigmatism, dry eye and presbyopia.

In addition, we feature a comprehensive medical contact lens clinic, fitting patients requiring complex fittings such as keratoconus, LASIK induced keratoectasia, corneal transplants, corneal scars, artificial corneas and trauma.

In addition, we provide scleral lens services for patients who have severe ocular surface disease stemming from conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome, graft versus host disease, neurotrophic keratitis, Steven’s Johnson Syndrome, or chemical injury to the eye. Prosthetic lenses used for traumatic injuries or congenital abnormalities are also available.

All fittings include insertion and removal training, and personalized recommendations for lens disinfection systems, wearing schedules and follow up care.

According to federal law, contact lens prescriptions expire in one year. To place orders for contact lens, please call 412-647-4075.

Paying for your lenses

We participate in a variety of vision insurance plans which can help to defray the cost of contact lenses. Please check with your insurance carrier to see if the UPMC Eye Center is a participating provider. The costs of medically necessary lenses which require multiple fitting visits and custom lens designs may or may not be a covered by medical or vision insurance plans. For these situations, we suggest that you check with your insurance company regarding their policies prior to your appointment. Our staff will help you with submitting the required documentation to file a claim. For patients who do not have coverage, we offer payment through the Medical Bureau of Pittsburgh.

Low Vision Service

UPMC’s low vision service diagnoses and treats patients with restricted vision abilities, including varying degrees of vision loss, distorted or blurred vision, night blindness, loss of contrast, sensitivity to light, and others. Low vision can be caused by a birth defect, complications from an injury or illness, or as part of the aging process, and usually cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses alone.

Following the assessment of a patient's functional visual ability, the ophthalmologists and other eye care professionals may prescribe visual aids, such as magnifying glasses, filters, and other adaptive equipment to help a patient maintain or regain as much sight as possible.