Advanced Treatments & Clinics
Our clinics have been established for the detection and treatment of specific eye health conditions. The clinics offer specialised eye health services beyond the scope of a standard eye examination. Each clinic is run by passionate staff members with genuine interest in their chosen speciality.
We are continuing to add new advanced treatments by investing in continuing education for our staff and new technologies for our practices. Our current clinics available are The Children's Vision Clinic, The Low Vision Clinic, The Dry Eye Clinc, The Ortho K Clinic, and The Speciality Contact Lens Clinic.
Specialty Contact Lenses
Specialty Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are often understood to only be an alternative to wearing glasses. However, if you have a more complicated visual requirement speciality contact lenses may be the best or only solution available. At Paterson Burn we have a number of optometrists who specialise in fitting contact lenses to the most challenging eyes and prescriptions.
Speciality contact lens fittings include:
- Keratoconus
- High astigmatism
- Post-surgical
- Bandage
If you believe you may fit into one of these categories, please talk to us about how the Specialty Contact Lenses Clinic could support you.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Specialty contact lenses are most commonly RGP’s – Rigid Gas Permeable lenses. Rigid or “hard contact lenses” are able to be specially made and formed to the exact contours of your cornea. These lenses are therefore more secure and comfortable than the more common flexible soft lens. Technology furthers our ability to specialise in contact lenses. We can map the shape of your cornea by using a machine called a Topographer that helps us to design the lenses required for you. This machine is used in the Speciality Contact Lens and the Ortho K clinic to provide you with the best visual outcome, for many people, these lenses will be life changing maximising your vision and quality of life.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is the most common eye condition to require a specialty contact lens fitting. Keratoconus occurs when the cornea of the eye becomes thin and weak, which causes the eye to bulge into a cone-like shape. The uncommon shape means that correction with spectacles or standard contact lenses is difficult, and a speciality RGP fit is usually preferable.
Contact Lens Subsidy
Contact lenses for the treatment of Keratoconus and other challenging prescriptions are often subsidised by the Ministry of Health. Your optometrist will explain to you your best course of treatment and, if you are eligible, will provide you access to the contact lens subsidy.