Contact Lens Service at the Ross Eye Institute
Dr. Avani Dave, OD, FAAO
Soft Contact Lenses
The majority of contact lens wearers are prescribed soft contact lenses as a visual and cosmetic luxury, being an alternative to wearing spectacles. These lenses are available in spherical, toric, multifocal and multifocal combined with toric parameters. Soft contact lenses are made of a flexible material composed of either hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. These are the most commonly prescribed type of lenses and are available in a variety of brands. Soft contact lenses are generally comfortable and can be replaced on a daily, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly basis or yearly basis Furthermore, customized soft contact lenses may be designed for prosthetic or cosmetic purposes.
Specialty Contact Lenses
Specialty contact lenses are complex and highly customized lenses specifically serving the need of those patients with a medical necessity. This typically includes keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, corneal transplants, dry eye syndrome, high refractive error, corneal scars and post-refractive error. Specialty contact lenses include the following types:
- Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
- Small diameter, rigid lenses
- Scleral Lenses
- Large diameter, fluid ventilated suctioned lenses
Hybrid Lenses
- Large diameter with central rigid zone and peripheral soft skirt
- Customized Soft Contact Lenses
- Prosthetic, cosmetic, pupil occluding
Insurance Coverage
Due to the medical necessity for certain patients, the specialty contact lens fitting and materials may be submitted to insurance. Once a prior authorization is approved, the fitting process be resumed. Vision insurance plans may also include some coverage or discount for specialty contact lens fitting and/or material fees.
Technical Support
All specialty lens patients will have a training session with our technicians who will show the patient how to safely insert and remove, clean and care for the contact lenses. Specific tools (plungers, stands) and solutions will be provided to the patient as a starting point for handling their lenses.

Find the right contact lens option by scheduling a contact lens service visit with the Ross Eye Institute today. Call 716.677.6500, ext. 100 to make an appointment.


Buffalo Niagara
Medical Campus
1176 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14209
P: 716-881-7900
F: 716-881-4349
Office Hours:
M-F 8a.m. - 4:30p.m.
Northtowns Office
3580 Sheridan Drive
Suite 150
Amherst, NY 14226
P: 716-881-7900
F: 716-833-4916
Office Hours:
M-F 8a.m. - 4:30p.m.
Southtowns Office
301 Sterling Drive
Orchard Park, NY 14127
P: 716-677-6500
F: 716-677-6507
Office Hours:
M-F 8a.m. - 4:30p.m.