Specialty
Contact Lenses

When standard contact lenses cannot deliver clear, comfortable vision, specialty designs can. Our team fits scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, orthokeratology, prosthetic lenses, and other advanced designs for patients with keratoconus, irregular corneas, severe dry eye, and other complex conditions. If you have been told that contact lenses are not an option for your eyes, we encourage you to schedule a consultation.

Call 203-635-2097 Book a Fitting Consultation
Specialty contact lens fitting at Greenwich Ophthalmology

Specialty Contact Lens Services & Resources

Scleral Contact Lenses
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Hybrid Contact Lenses
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RGP Gas Permeable Lenses
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Ortho-K Overnight Correction
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Prosthetic Contact Lenses
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Lenses for Hard-to-Fit Eyes
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Contact Lenses for Keratoconus
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Best Contacts for Dry Eyes
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Specialty Lens Expertise for Complex Eyes

Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates provides advanced contact lens solutions for patients whose eyes do not respond to standard soft lenses. Our team includes a Contact Lens Society of America fellow and a residency-trained optometrist with specialized training in ocular surface disease and dry eye management.

Whether you have keratoconus, a post-surgical irregular cornea, severe dry eye, or another condition that has kept you from wearing contacts comfortably, we have the training and technology to help. We routinely succeed with cases that other practices cannot fit.

CLSA-Certified Specialist

Joe Forte, LDO, CLSA holds a fellowship from the Contact Lens Society of America and a master's degree in contact lens technology.

Residency-Trained Optometrist

Dr. Sofia Ribolla, OD completed a residency with a Master of Visual Science focused on dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Scleral and Hybrid Expertise

We fit custom scleral lenses that vault the cornea and maintain a tear reservoir, providing clear vision and comfort for irregular eyes.

Fitting Lenses Since 1982

Joe Forte has been fitting contact lenses for over 40 years and is board certified by the American Board of Opticianry.

Joe Forte specialty contact lens fitting

CLSA Fellow on Staff

Contact Lens Society of America

Watch: Contact Lens Fitting at Greenwich Ophthalmology

Our Approach to Specialty Fitting

Precision-Fit Lenses for Complex Eyes

A specialty contact lens fitting goes well beyond a standard prescription check. We evaluate corneal topography, tear film quality, scleral shape, and lifestyle needs to match every patient with the ideal lens design.

Patients with keratoconus, post-LASIK irregular corneas, pellucid marginal degeneration, or severe dry eye receive the same level of precision and attention as any other fitting at our practice.

From your first consultation through follow-up visits, we ensure your lenses are comfortable, providing optimal vision, and appropriate for long-term eye health.

Specialty Lens Types We Fit

From scleral vaults to overnight orthokeratology, we carry and fit the full range of advanced contact lens designs.

Scleral Lenses

Large-diameter rigid lenses that vault the entire cornea and rest on the sclera. They create a tear reservoir that bathes the cornea, providing exceptional comfort for irregular and dry eyes.

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Hybrid Lenses

A rigid gas permeable center bonded to a soft skirt. Hybrid lenses deliver the optical clarity of RGP with the edge comfort of soft lenses, ideal for patients who cannot tolerate either alone.

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RGP Lenses

Rigid gas permeable lenses provide crisp, stable vision for high prescriptions and corneal irregularities. More oxygen-permeable than older hard lenses and highly durable.

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Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Specially designed rigid lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the cornea. Patients enjoy clear, unaided daytime vision. Also used as a myopia control strategy for children.

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Prosthetic Lenses

Custom-painted lenses that restore a natural appearance for patients with iris irregularities, corneal scars, or traumatic injuries. Prosthetic lenses can also improve visual function in some cases.

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Pinhole and Specialty Designs

Pinhole lenses for irregular iris and pupil conditions, tinted lenses, and custom designs for Terrien's marginal degeneration, pellucid marginal degeneration, and other rare conditions.

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Conditions We Fit Specialty Lenses For

If another practice has told you contact lenses are not an option, we encourage you to schedule a consultation.

Keratoconus
Post-LASIK Irregular Cornea
Pellucid Marginal Degeneration
High Astigmatism
Severe Dry Eye
Ocular Surface Disease
Terrien's Marginal Degeneration
Irregular Iris / Pupil
Presbyopia (Reading Over 40)
Myopia in Children
Post-Corneal Transplant
Anisometropia

Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus

Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, making standard soft lenses unstable. Scleral lenses vault entirely over the irregular surface and rest on the stable sclera, delivering crisp, consistent vision regardless of corneal shape.

Learn more: Scleral Lens Guide for Keratoconus and Contact Lenses and Keratoconus

Lenses for Severe Dry Eye

Patients with severe dry eye or ocular surface disease often find standard lenses intolerable. Scleral lenses maintain a fluid reservoir between the lens and the cornea that provides continuous lubrication throughout the day.

Learn more: Scleral Lenses for Severe Dry Eyes and Dry Eye Contact Lens Solutions

Myopia Control for Children

Progressive myopia in children can be slowed with specialty lens strategies. Orthokeratology lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea, providing daytime vision without glasses while reducing the rate of myopic progression.

Learn more: Night Contacts for Myopia Control and Ortho-K Overnight Correction

What to Expect at Your Specialty Lens Fitting

A specialty fitting is more thorough than a standard contact lens exam. Every measurement is tailored to your unique corneal and scleral anatomy.

Comprehensive eye exam including refraction and ocular health assessment
Corneal topography to map the shape and curvature of the corneal surface
Tear film assessment to evaluate for dryness or ocular surface issues
Scleral diameter mapping for patients being fitted with scleral lenses
Trial lens fitting to test comfort and visual acuity before ordering
Insertion and removal training with personalized instruction for your lens type

Why Patients Choose Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates

Contact lens specialists
CLSA-Certified Specialist

Joe Forte, LDO, CLSA, holds a master's degree in contact lens technology and is a fellow of the Contact Lens Society of America.

Dr. Sofia Ribolla
Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Expert

Dr. Sofia Ribolla, OD completed a residency focused on dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction to help patients with ocular surface disease.

TechCircles Optomap
Advanced Diagnostic Technology

Corneal topography, anterior segment imaging, and scleral mapping tools guide every specialty lens fitting with precision.

specialty contact lenses
Hard-to-Fit Success

We routinely fit patients who have been told by other practices that contact lenses are not an option for their eyes.

Meet Your Specialty Contact Lens Team

Our team brings two distinct areas of expertise together to cover every patient type, from pediatric fittings to the most complex specialty lens cases.

Joe Forte LDO CLSA

Joe Forte, LDO, CLSA

Licensed optician and Contact Lens Society of America fellow. Program director at Interboro College of Opticianry and holder of a master's degree in contact lens technology. Joe specializes in fitting hard-to-fit eyes including keratoconus, post-LASIK irregular corneas, high astigmatism, presbyopia, and pediatric patients.

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Dr Sofia Ribolla

Dr. Sofia Ribolla, OD

Residency-trained optometrist with a Master of Visual Science focused on dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction. Dr. Ribolla provides comprehensive vision testing, soft and scleral contact lens fittings including specialty designs, myopia management for children, and pre- and post-operative care for cataract and refractive surgery patients.

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Specialty Contact Lens Education & Guides

Browse our complete library of specialty lens topics covering lens types, conditions, and dry eye management.

Specialty Lens Types
Conditions & Keratoconus
Dry Eye & Specialty Lenses
Myopia Control & Vision

Not Sure Which Specialty Lens Is Right for You?

Our specialists evaluate your corneal shape, tear film, prescription, and lifestyle before recommending any lens design. Schedule a comprehensive fitting consultation today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about specialty contact lenses, fittings, and advanced lens designs.

What is included in a specialty contact lens fitting?
A specialty contact lens fitting at Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates includes a comprehensive eye exam, corneal topography, tear film evaluation, and a trial lens assessment. For scleral lens fittings, additional measurements such as scleral diameter mapping and high-resolution anterior segment imaging may also be performed. The goal is to identify the lens design and parameters that provide the best vision, comfort, and long-term ocular health for your specific eyes.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have keratoconus?
Yes. Keratoconus is one of the most common reasons patients seek specialty contact lens care. Standard soft lenses drape over the irregular corneal surface and cannot correct the distorted vision keratoconus causes. Scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, and rigid gas permeable lenses each vault over the cone and create a smooth optical surface in the tear layer, restoring clear, stable vision. Our team evaluates each patient to determine which design is most appropriate based on cone location, severity, and corneal health.
What is the difference between scleral lenses and regular contacts?
Standard contact lenses rest directly on the cornea. Scleral lenses are significantly larger and vault entirely over the corneal surface, resting on the white part of the eye (the sclera). The space between the back of the lens and the cornea fills with preservative-free saline, creating a constant tear reservoir that lubricates and protects the cornea throughout the day. This makes scleral lenses particularly beneficial for patients with irregular corneas, severe dry eye, and ocular surface disease.
Can I wear contacts if I have severe dry eye?
Many patients with severe dry eye are told they cannot wear contact lenses, but that is not always the case. Scleral lenses are specifically designed to help patients with ocular surface disease. Because the lens vault holds a fluid reservoir over the cornea at all times, the ocular surface remains continuously hydrated regardless of tear production. Dr. Sofia Ribolla, whose residency training focused on dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction, evaluates each patient's tear film and surface health before recommending the appropriate lens design and care regimen.
How does Ortho-K work for myopia control?
Orthokeratology lenses are rigid lenses custom designed to gently reshape the front surface of the cornea while you sleep. The lens applies controlled pressure to flatten the central cornea, temporarily correcting nearsightedness. When you remove the lenses in the morning, the cornea retains its new shape for the day, providing clear unaided vision. Over time, regular overnight wear slows the elongation of the eye that drives myopia progression, making Ortho-K one of the most effective non-surgical myopia control options available for children and young adults.
What are prosthetic contact lenses?
Prosthetic contact lenses are custom-painted lenses designed to match the appearance of the unaffected eye in patients with iris irregularities, corneal scars, traumatic injuries, or congenital differences. In addition to restoring a natural cosmetic appearance, prosthetic lenses can reduce light sensitivity and glare, and in some cases improve visual function by creating a defined pupil. Our specialists work closely with prosthetic lens laboratories to achieve a lifelike color and pattern match for each patient.
How often do specialty lens wearers need follow-up visits?
During the initial fitting process, specialty lens patients may require several follow-up visits over a few weeks as lens parameters are refined. Once the fit is finalized, most patients return for an annual contact lens exam and fitting assessment. This visit confirms that your prescription remains accurate, evaluates the health of the cornea and conjunctiva for any lens-related changes, and ensures your current lens design still fits correctly. Corneal curvature can change with age and systemic conditions, so regular follow-up is important even when vision feels stable.

Ready to Find Your Ideal Specialty Lens?

Call our office or request a fitting consultation online. Our specialists are ready to help you see clearly and comfortably, even with the most complex prescriptions.

Call 203-635-2097 Book a Fitting Consultation

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2046 West Main Street, Suite 2, Stamford, CT 06902 203-635-2097
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