How to Get Contact Lenses in Tamarac, FL: Fitting, Brands & Same-Day Options
How do you get contact lenses in Tamarac, FL?
To get contact lenses in Tamarac, you need a dedicated contact lens exam and fitting from a licensed optometrist — separate from a standard eye exam. Your doctor will measure your corneal curvature, tear film, and pupil size, then fit you with trial lenses. Same-day trials are often available. Specialty lenses for astigmatism, keratoconus, and myopia control require advanced fitting technology such as SMap3D corneal mapping.
Imagine waking up and seeing the world clearly — no frames sliding down your nose, no fogged lenses on a humid South Florida morning, and the freedom to wear any pair of sunglasses you choose at the beach. For millions of people, contact lenses make that a daily reality. But getting the right contacts is not as simple as picking a pair off a shelf. It is a medical process — one that deserves the guidance of an experienced, board-certified eye care team.
At West Broward Eye Care, located at 7822 N. University Dr., Tamarac, FL 33321, our board-certified optometric physicians have been fitting patients with contact lenses for 35 years. Whether you are a first-time wearer curious about dailies, a keratoconus patient who needs a precision scleral lens fit, or a parent exploring overnight orthokeratology for your child, this guide walks you through every step — from your first exam to your first clear-eyed morning.
Step 1 — Do You Need a New Exam Before Getting Contacts?
The short answer is yes — and here is why that is a good thing for your eye health.
A contact lens prescription is legally and medically different from a glasses prescription. Contacts sit directly on the surface of your eye, making them classified as medical devices by the FDA. Before any prescription can be issued, a licensed optometrist must perform a dedicated contact lens exam that goes beyond what a standard comprehensive eye exam covers.
During your contact lens exam at West Broward Eye Care, your doctor will evaluate the overall health of your eyes, assess whether any existing conditions — such as dry eye, allergies, or corneal irregularities — might affect your ability to wear contacts comfortably, and determine the precise measurements needed to fit lenses correctly on your unique eyes.
If you already had a comprehensive eye exam recently, you may still need a separate contact lens fitting appointment. Our team will advise you on what is needed when you call or text us at 954-726-0204. First-time wearers should not feel intimidated — our doctors take the time to walk you through every step, ensuring you leave feeling confident and fully informed about your new lenses.
📍 Ready to start? Book your contact lens exam today. Call or Text West Broward Eye Care: 954-726-0204 Visit us at: 7822 N. University Dr., Tamarac, FL 33321 Hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Friday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Step 2 — What Happens During a Contact Lens Fitting at West Broward Eye Care?
A contact lens fitting is a precise, personalized process — and at West Broward Eye Care, it is backed by some of the most advanced fitting technology available in Broward County.
Here is what you can expect during your fitting appointment:
1. Corneal Curvature Measurement Your doctor begins by measuring the shape and curvature of your cornea — the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye. This determines which lens diameter and base curve will sit comfortably and securely on your eye without moving excessively or causing irritation.
2. Pupil and Iris Sizing The size of your pupil and iris influences which lens design will provide the most stable, centered vision — particularly important for toric and multifocal lens wearers.
3. Tear Film Evaluation Your tear film is a thin, protective layer that keeps your eyes moist. If your tear film evaporates too quickly — a common concern in South Florida’s outdoor, high-UV environment — you may experience discomfort with certain lens materials. Your doctor will assess your tear film stability and recommend the most breathable, moisture-retaining lens materials accordingly.
4. SMap3D Corneal Mapping (For Specialty Lens Patients) West Broward Eye Care is one of the first practices in the United States to use SMap3D technology — a sophisticated corneal mapping system that creates a precise, three-dimensional model of your eye’s surface. For patients who need scleral lenses, gas permeable lenses, or custom specialty contacts — particularly those with keratoconus or irregular corneas — SMap3D eliminates guesswork and delivers a dramatically more comfortable, accurate fit from the very first lens.
5. Trial Lens Fitting & In-Office Assessment Once measurements are complete, your doctor will place trial lenses on your eyes and assess their positioning, movement, and comfort. You will have the opportunity to experience how the lenses feel before any order is placed.
A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled one to two weeks later to confirm comfort, assess how your eyes have adjusted, and finalize your prescription.
| Fitting Step | What Happens | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal Curvature Measurement | Doctor maps the shape of your cornea | Determines correct lens base curve and diameter |
| Pupil & Iris Sizing | Size of pupil and iris recorded | Ensures lens stays centered for clear vision |
| Tear Film Evaluation | Checks how long moisture lasts on eye surface | Prevents dryness and discomfort during wear |
| SMap3D Corneal Mapping | 3D surface model of the eye created | Essential for precision specialty lens fitting |
| Trial Lens Placement | Lenses placed and assessed in office | Confirms comfort and fit before final order |
Step 3 — Which Type of Contact Lens Is Right for You?
Contact lens technology has advanced dramatically. Today, there is a lens designed for almost every prescription, lifestyle, and eye condition. Your West Broward Eye Care optometrist will recommend the best option based on your exam results, daily habits, and vision goals — but here is an overview to help you arrive informed.
Soft Contact Lenses — Best for First-Time Wearers
Soft lenses are the most widely prescribed contact lens type, and for good reason. Made from flexible, water-containing hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials, they conform to the shape of the eye and are typically comfortable from the very first wear.
Silicone hydrogel lenses — the current gold standard — allow significantly more oxygen to reach the cornea than older hydrogel materials. This is especially important in South Florida, where outdoor lifestyles, bright sunlight, and extended screen time all increase oxygen demand on the eye.
Soft lenses come in several replacement schedules:
- Daily disposables — worn once and discarded; ideal for convenience, hygiene, and allergy-prone patients
- Bi-weekly disposables — replaced every two weeks
- Monthly disposables — replaced once a month with nightly cleaning
Popular brands our patients trust include Acuvue Oasys, Dailies Total 1, Air Optix Aqua, and Biofinity.
Toric Lenses — Designed for Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular curve, causing blurred or distorted vision at multiple distances. Standard spherical contact lenses cannot fully correct this — toric lenses can.
Toric lenses feature two different corrective powers built into a single lens, along with a weighted design that keeps the lens properly oriented on the eye. Soft toric lenses are available in daily and monthly formats, while patients with higher degrees of astigmatism may benefit from a rigid gas permeable (RGP) toric lens for sharper optical quality.
If you have been told contacts cannot correct your astigmatism, we encourage you to speak with our team — newer toric lens designs handle a far wider range of prescriptions than ever before.
Multifocal & Bifocal Contacts — For Patients Over 40
Around age 40, most people begin to notice difficulty reading small print up close — a completely normal age-related change called presbyopia, caused by the gradual stiffening of the eye’s natural lens.
Multifocal contact lenses correct both distance and near vision simultaneously, using different optical zones within a single lens. This allows patients to read a menu, drive, and use a smartphone without switching between glasses. Both soft and rigid gas permeable multifocal options are available, and our doctors will determine which design delivers the clearest, most comfortable vision for your unique prescription.
For Tamarac’s active senior community — whether you are on the golf course, at the pool, or enjoying a walk through Caporella Park — multifocal contacts offer a liberating alternative to carrying reading glasses everywhere.
Specialty Contact Lenses — For Complex Eye Conditions
Some patients need more than a standard soft lens — and this is exactly where West Broward Eye Care’s expertise truly sets us apart from every other eye care provider in Tamarac.
Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses Made from a firm, oxygen-permeable plastic, RGP lenses hold their shape on the eye and create a smooth optical surface that masks corneal irregularities. They deliver exceptional visual clarity — often sharper than soft lenses — and are highly durable.
Scleral Contact Lenses Scleral lenses are large-diameter specialty lenses that vault completely over the cornea and rest on the white of the eye (the sclera). This design creates a fluid-filled chamber between the lens and the cornea, making them life-changing for patients with keratoconus, severe dry eye, post-surgical corneas, or any condition that makes standard lenses unbearable.
At West Broward Eye Care, scleral lens fittings are performed using our proprietary SMap3D corneal mapping technology — one of the most precise fitting systems in the country — ensuring each lens is custom-tailored to the exact contours of your eye.
Hybrid Contact Lenses Hybrid lenses combine a rigid gas permeable center with a soft lens skirt. Patients gain the optical clarity of an RGP lens with the comfort of a soft lens — an excellent middle-ground solution for many specialty patients.
Orthokeratology (OrthoK) — Overnight Myopia Control for Children OrthoK lenses are specially designed rigid lenses worn only during sleep. They gently reshape the cornea overnight so that children can see clearly throughout the day — without any daytime lens wear. Beyond vision correction, OrthoK is a clinically validated method for slowing the progression of myopia in children — a concern that is growing rapidly among school-age kids throughout Broward County. Dr. Brianna Rhue, FAAO, a nationally recognized leader in Myopia Management at West Broward Eye Care, has extensive clinical expertise and active research experience in this field.
Step 4 — Top Contact Lens Brands Available in Tamarac
West Broward Eye Care’s full-service optical carries all major contact lens brands and specialty lens lines, giving our doctors the flexibility to prescribe the absolute best option for your eyes — not just what happens to be in stock.
Here is an overview of the most widely prescribed brands at our Tamarac practice:
| Brand | Lens Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Acuvue Oasys (J&J) | Silicone hydrogel — bi-weekly | All-day comfort, high oxygen transmission |
| Acuvue 1-Day Moist | Daily disposable | First-time wearers, allergy-prone patients |
| Dailies Total 1 (Alcon) | Daily disposable — water gradient | Maximum comfort, dry eye patients |
| Air Optix Aqua (Alcon) | Monthly silicone hydrogel | Extended wear, sensitive eyes |
| Biofinity (CooperVision) | Monthly silicone hydrogel | High prescriptions, astigmatism |
| Proclear (CooperVision) | Monthly — PC Technology | Chronic dry eye patients |
| Specialty Scleral Lines | Custom — SMap3D fitted | Keratoconus, irregular cornea, post-surgical |
| MiSight 1-Day (CooperVision) | Daily — myopia control | Children with progressing nearsightedness |
Can I Get Contact Lenses the Same Day in Tamarac?
This is one of the most common questions our team receives — and the answer will reassure most patients.
For standard soft contact lens prescriptions, West Broward Eye Care maintains an in-office trial lens inventory covering a wide range of powers and brands. In many cases, patients are fitted with trial lenses on the same day as their exam and are able to experience their new lenses immediately — sometimes even taking a trial pair home that day.
For specialty lenses — including scleral, RGP, hybrid, or custom orthokeratology lenses — the fitting process involves detailed measurements and custom ordering, which means these lenses are not available same-day. However, your doctor will walk you through a clear timeline, and your comfort and vision clarity are worth every step of the precision fitting process.
South Florida’s active lifestyle — weekend beach trips, outdoor sports, boating on the Intracoastal — makes contact lenses an especially practical choice. Our goal is to get you seeing clearly and comfortably as quickly as possible.
📍 Need contacts fast? Call or text us to check same-day fitting availability. 954-726-0204 | 7822 N. University Dr., Tamarac, FL 33321 Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Who Can (and Can’t) Wear Contact Lenses? — A Candidacy Guide
Here is a reassuring fact that surprises many patients: the vast majority of people with a glasses prescription are good candidates for contact lenses — including many who have been told in the past that they cannot wear them.
You may still be a contact lens candidate if you have:
- Astigmatism — toric lenses are specifically designed for this
- Keratoconus or irregular cornea — scleral and RGP lenses are transformative for these patients
- Presbyopia (need reading glasses) — multifocal contacts are a proven solution
- Dry eyes — newer silicone hydrogel materials and moisture-retaining lenses (like Dailies Total 1 and Proclear) are designed for dry eye patients
- High prescriptions — specialty and custom lenses handle extreme prescriptions that standard soft lenses cannot
Situations that require special evaluation or may limit contact wear:
- Active eye infections or conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Severe, unmanaged dry eye disease
- Certain corneal scarring conditions
- Known allergies to lens materials
If you were previously told you are not a candidate for contact lenses, we encourage you to discuss newer options with our doctors. Contact lens technology has advanced enormously — what was impossible five years ago may be achievable today.
Contact Lens Care & Safety Tips for South Florida Wearers
Wearing contact lenses safely is as important as choosing the right lens. In South Florida’s environment — high UV, warm temperatures, salt air, and plenty of outdoor activity — a few extra precautions go a long way.
Essential daily habits:
- Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses
- Never use tap water, saliva, or homemade saline to rinse lenses
- Replace your lens case every one to three months
- Never sleep in lenses unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear (OrthoK)
- Remove lenses before swimming in pools, the ocean, or hot tubs
South Florida-specific considerations:
- UV exposure: Even with contact lenses in place, UV rays reach the eye. Pair your contacts with UV-blocking sunglasses — our full-service optical carries an extensive selection of designer sun wear to complement every prescription.
- Humidity and allergens: Broward County’s year-round warmth means pollen, mold, and airborne allergens are present most of the year. Daily disposable lenses reduce allergen buildup compared to reusable lenses.
Remove your lenses immediately and contact our office if you experience:
- Sudden redness, pain, or light sensitivity
- Blurred vision that does not clear when you blink
- A sensation that something is stuck in your eye
- Discharge or unusual tearing
Annual contact lens exams are required to renew your prescription legally — and they are an important opportunity for your doctor to monitor your overall eye health and ensure your lenses continue to fit properly as your eyes change over time.
📌 Local Resources & Citations
1. 🏛️ U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) — Contact Lenses Consumer Hub FDA: Contact Lenses — Consumer Information The FDA regulates contact lenses as medical devices — visit this official page to understand your legal right to receive a copy of your contact lens prescription after every fitting and what a valid prescription must include.
2. 🏛️ Florida Board of Optometry — License Verification Portal floridasoptometry.gov — Verify a License Use Florida’s official state optometry board portal to verify that your eye care provider holds a current, active license before booking your contact lens exam in Tamarac.
3. 🎓 Nova Southeastern University — College of Optometry (Broward County) NSU College of Optometry — Eye Care Services Located in Fort Lauderdale, NSU’s accredited College of Optometry — where West Broward Eye Care’s own doctors trained — publishes peer-reviewed research on contact lenses, myopia management, and specialty lens fitting that supports best practices used at your local practice.
4. 🏛️ Broward County Public Schools — Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program BCPS Health Forms & Children’s Vision Resources If your child attends a Broward County public school, this official district page explains the Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program — which provides free eye exams and glasses for qualifying students — and outlines the school vision screening requirements that may prompt a referral for myopia management.
Why Tamarac Patients Choose West Broward Eye Care for Contact Lenses
When it comes to your vision, experience and technology matter. Here is why patients throughout North Broward County trust West Broward Eye Care as their go-to contact lens provider.
35 Years of Community Trust For 35 years, West Broward Eye Care has served the families of Tamarac, FL with consistent, compassionate, and clinically excellent eye care. That kind of longevity is not an accident — it is the result of genuine care for every patient who walks through our doors.
A Board-Certified Team With Unmatched Specialty Expertise Our doctors are not generalists — they are specialists.
- Dr. Brianna Rhue, OD, FAAO is a nationally recognized leader in Myopia Management and orthokeratology, actively conducting research and lecturing nationwide on contact lens-based myopia control for children.
- Dr. Isabel Carvajal, OD specializes in fitting custom therapeutic contact lenses for keratoconus, bifocal contacts, and cosmetic contact lenses.
- Dr. Sara Rasekhi, OD brings expertise in primary care and ocular disease, ensuring every patient receives a thorough, whole-health approach to their contact lens care.
SMap3D Technology — Precision Fitting You Will Not Find Elsewhere West Broward Eye Care is one of the first practices in the United States to use SMap3D corneal mapping technology. For patients requiring specialty lenses, this means a more precise fit, fewer adjustment appointments, and superior long-term comfort.
885+ Five-Star Google Reviews Our patients speak for themselves. With over 885 verified Google reviews, West Broward Eye Care has built one of the strongest reputations in Broward County eye care — earned one patient experience at a time.
Full-Service Optical — All Brands, All Budgets Whether you need basic daily disposables or the most advanced custom scleral lenses in the market, our team has the inventory, the expertise, and the technology to deliver the right solution for your eyes and your lifestyle.
📍 Take the next step toward clear, comfortable vision. Book your contact lens exam, order contacts, or shop our eyewear collection today.
📞 Call or Text: 954-726-0204 📍 7822 N. University Dr., Tamarac, FL 33321 🕐 Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM 📧 info@wbeca.com
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes — a contact lens exam is a separate, required appointment from a standard eye exam. Because contact lenses are classified as medical devices by the FDA, your optometrist must take additional measurements beyond what a routine eye exam covers, including corneal curvature, pupil size, and tear film stability. These measurements are used to generate a legal contact lens prescription, which is different from your glasses prescription. At West Broward Eye Care in Tamarac, our board-certified optometrists perform comprehensive contact lens exams for both new and existing patients. Call or text 954-726-0204 to book yours today.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Contact lens prescriptions and fittings must be performed by a licensed eye care professional. Individual results and candidacy may vary based on eye health and specific vision needs. Always consult your optometrist for a comprehensive evaluation.
