The cost of scleral lenses in Sydney and across Australia varies according to the complexity of the eye, the lens design required and the technology used during the fitting process.
At Westmead Eyes:
- Standard scleral lens packages start from $2,250 for two eyes
- Eligible NSW public-hospital-referred patients may access basic packages from $1,260 for one eye or $1,860 for two eyes
- Advanced sMap3D-designed scleral lens packages start from $3,650 for two eyes
- An initial 60-minute scleral lens assessment costs $195
Your initial assessment allows us to examine your eyes, trial scleral lenses and determine which design is likely to provide the best combination of vision, comfort and ocular health.
We will explain the recommended design and total cost before any lenses are ordered.
Scleral Lens Prices at Westmead Eyes
Clear package pricing based on the lens design and level of customisation your eyes require.
Initial Scleral Lens Assessment
A comprehensive 60-minute appointment to determine whether scleral lenses are suitable for your eyes.
- Eye examination and prescription assessment
- Diagnostic scleral lens trial
- Vision, comfort and suitability assessment
- Personalised lens recommendation
Advanced sMap3D Package
For two eyes
- Three-dimensional corneoscleral scanning
- Individually designed free-form scleral lenses
- Initial fitting consultations
- Required modifications during the fitting period
- Insertion and removal training
- Starter lens-care kit
Standard Scleral Lens Package
For two eyes
- One pair of custom scleral lenses
- Initial fitting consultations
- Required modifications during the 90-day fitting period
- Insertion and removal training
- Starter lens-care kit
NSW Public-Hospital Referral Pricing
Discounted basic scleral lens packages are available to eligible patients referred from Westmead Hospital Eye Clinic or another NSW public hospital.
Standalone sMap3D Scan
The scan fee is waived when you proceed with ordering lenses on the same day.
What Is Included in a Scleral Lens Package?
A scleral lens package involves substantially more than simply purchasing a pair of contact lenses.
Our standard package includes:
- Assessment of your prescription and visual requirements
- Examination of the cornea and ocular surface
- Corneal imaging where clinically indicated
- Trial scleral lenses to assess vision, comfort and suitability
- Custom lens design and manufacture
- One pair of scleral lenses
- Lens-delivery and fitting appointments
- Insertion and removal training
- Initial fitting reviews
- Modifications required during the 90-day lens warranty period
- A starter lens-care kit
Scleral lenses are individually prescribed and manufactured according to the shape, prescription and clinical requirements of each eye.
Unlike disposable soft contact lenses, fitting a scleral lens may require several appointments and design refinements to achieve the best possible balance of vision, comfort, stability and corneal health.
Why Do Scleral Lens Prices Vary?
Two patients with the same diagnosis may require very different lens designs. The cost can therefore vary according to the difficulty of the fitting and the technology required.
Complexity of the Eye
A relatively regular eye may be successfully fitted with a standard diagnostic scleral design. More complicated eyes may require additional customisation.
Examples include:
- Advanced keratoconus
- Pellucid marginal degeneration
- Corneal scarring
- Previous corneal transplantation
- Previous LASIK, PRK or radial keratotomy
- Significant scleral asymmetry
- Severe dry eye or ocular-surface disease
- Previously unsuccessful scleral lens fittings
- Very high or unusual prescriptions
Lens Design
Standard scleral lenses work extremely well for many patients. Other eyes may require additional features such as:
- Toric or quadrant-specific landing zones
- Smaller or larger lens diameters
- Customised limbal clearance
- Front-surface astigmatism correction
- Multifocal or bifocal optics
- Specialised surface coatings
- Fully free-form lens designs
The appropriate design should be selected according to the requirements of the individual eye.
Fitting Technology
Traditional scleral lens fitting involves placing diagnostic lenses on the eye, assessing the fit and modifying the relevant lens parameters.
More complex cases may benefit from technology that directly measures a larger area of the ocular surface.
At Westmead Eyes, our available technology includes:
- Computerised corneal topography
- Corneal tomography and thickness mapping
- Anterior-segment OCT
- sMap3D corneoscleral profilometry
These instruments provide different types of information. The most appropriate combination is determined during your assessment.
Standard vs sMap3D-Designed Scleral Lenses
Both options provide individually prescribed scleral lenses. The main difference is how the shape of your eye is measured and how precisely the lens can be customised.
Standard Custom Scleral Lenses
- Fitted using diagnostic trial lenses and detailed clinical assessment
- Lens parameters are refined from the diagnostic fit
- Fit can be evaluated using anterior-segment OCT
- Suitable for selected patients with keratoconus, irregular corneas or high prescriptions
- Includes one pair of lenses, initial fitting appointments and a starter care kit
Advanced sMap3D Scleral Lenses
- Designed from a three-dimensional map of the cornea and sclera
- Free-form lens design follows the measured contour of each eye
- Particularly useful for asymmetric, post-surgical or previously unsuccessful fits
- Provides more extensive customisation of the lens landing and alignment
- Includes scanning, one pair of lenses, initial fitting appointments and a starter care kit
Is Discounted Pricing Available for Hospital-Referred Patients?
Westmead Eyes offers discounted basic scleral lens packages for eligible patients referred from Westmead Hospital Eye Clinic or another NSW public hospital, including Sydney Eye Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Eligible packages currently start from:
- $1,260 for one eye
- $1,860 for two eyes
Evidence of a relevant NSW public-hospital referral may be required.
Additional fees may apply if the eye requires a lens design beyond the basic scleral package.
This pricing is intended to improve access for patients requiring medically indicated contact lenses for conditions such as keratoconus, corneal grafts and significant corneal irregularity.
How Long Do Scleral Lenses Last?
A well-maintained scleral lens commonly lasts approximately two years, although the exact replacement interval varies.
Earlier replacement may be necessary when:
- Your prescription changes
- The shape or health of your eye changes
- The lens becomes scratched or damaged
- Deposits affect comfort or vision
- A lens coating deteriorates
- The lens is lost or broken
- A different design becomes clinically necessary
If a $2,250 pair lasts for two years, the initial package is equivalent to approximately $1,125 per year before ongoing lens-care products, routine reviews or unexpected replacement.
Regular reviews remain important even when the lenses continue to feel comfortable and provide clear vision.
Are Cleaning Solutions Included?
A starter lens-care kit is included with the initial package.
Ongoing cleaning, disinfecting and preservative-free filling solutions are continuing expenses.
Scleral lens wearers generally require:
- A recommended daily cleaning product
- An approved disinfection system
- Preservative-free saline for filling the lenses
- Replacement storage cases
- Insertion and removal plungers where required
- Periodic intensive cleaning products when clinically recommended
The exact care system will depend on your lenses, eye health and any sensitivity to preservatives.
Can Private Health Insurance Cover Scleral Lenses?
Patients with appropriate private health insurance extras may be able to claim part of the lens cost.
The rebate depends on:
- Your health fund
- Your level of extras cover
- Your remaining annual optical allowance
- Whether one or two lenses are supplied
- The relevant contact-lens item numbers accepted by your fund
Private health insurance will rarely cover the complete cost of a scleral lens package.
We recommend contacting your health fund before proceeding if the expected rebate will influence your decision. Our team can provide the relevant information for you to check with your insurer.
Is a Medicare Rebate Available?
Medicare does not generally cover the cost of custom-manufactured scleral lenses.
An eligible clinical consultation may attract a Medicare rebate depending on the service provided and the patient’s individual eligibility. Additional imaging, specialised testing and contact-lens fitting services may not be fully covered.
We will explain the relevant consultation fees before proceeding.
What If My Scleral Lenses Need Adjustment?
Scleral lens fitting frequently requires refinement.
Small changes may be required to improve:
- Central or limbal clearance
- Edge alignment
- Lens centration
- Comfort
- Visual clarity
- Astigmatism correction
- Resistance to midday fogging
Our initial lens packages include fitting-related consultations and required lens modifications during the applicable 90-day warranty period.
It is important to attend the recommended reviews within this period. Delaying a review may reduce the opportunity to make a warranted lens modification.
What If Scleral Lenses Do Not Work for Me?
Most appropriately selected patients can obtain useful vision, improved comfort or ocular-surface protection from scleral lenses. However, no medical device can be guaranteed to work for every person.
If scleral lens wear must be discontinued because it is ineffective during the three-month warranty period, Westmead Eyes may provide a credit equal to 50% of the applicable lens cost towards another optical appliance.
Consultation and lens-design fees are non-refundable.
Conditions and exclusions apply, particularly for complex corneal-graft cases. These will be explained before lenses are ordered.
Questions to Ask When Comparing Scleral Lens Prices
The cheapest quoted lens price may not represent the cheapest complete fitting process.
Before choosing a provider, ask:
- Does the quoted price include one eye or both eyes?
- Are the initial fitting and delivery appointments included?
- Are fitting reviews included?
- How long is the lens-remake or modification warranty?
- Is insertion and removal training included?
- Are corneal scans or OCT imaging charged separately?
- What happens if the first lens needs to be redesigned?
- Is accidental breakage covered?
- What will replacement lenses cost?
- What experience does the practitioner have with your particular eye condition?
- Is advanced corneoscleral profiling available if a standard fitting is unsuccessful?
- What ongoing review and lens-care expenses should you expect?
A transparent quote should explain the complete clinical package—not only the manufacturing cost of the lenses.
Scleral Lens Cost FAQs
Answers to common questions about scleral lens pricing, assessments, insurance, fitting and ongoing care.
How much does a pair of scleral lenses cost in Sydney?
At Westmead Eyes, a standard scleral lens package for two eyes starts from $2,250.
Advanced sMap3D-designed scleral lenses start from $3,650 for two eyes. Eligible patients referred from Westmead Hospital Eye Clinic or another NSW public hospital may access basic packages from $1,860 for two eyes.
These are starting prices. The complete fee depends on your eye shape, prescription and the lens design required.
How much is the initial scleral lens assessment?
The initial scleral lens assessment costs $195 and takes approximately 60 minutes.
It includes an examination of your eyes and prescription, a diagnostic scleral lens trial and an assessment of potential vision, comfort and general suitability.
We will explain the recommended lens design and complete package price before any lenses are ordered.
Can I trial scleral lenses before purchasing them?
Yes. Diagnostic scleral lenses can generally be placed on your eyes during the initial assessment to evaluate potential vision, comfort and general suitability.
A successful trial does not guarantee a particular final result or wearing time, but it provides valuable information before custom lenses are ordered.
Do I need a referral for scleral lenses?
No referral is normally required to book a scleral lens assessment at Westmead Eyes.
However, a relevant referral from Westmead Hospital Eye Clinic or another NSW public hospital is required to access our discounted public-hospital referral pricing.
Can private health insurance cover scleral lenses?
Patients with appropriate private health insurance extras may be able to claim part of the scleral lens cost.
Your rebate depends on your health fund, level of cover, remaining optical allowance and the relevant contact-lens item numbers accepted by your fund.
Private health insurance will rarely cover the complete package. We recommend checking with your fund before proceeding if the expected rebate will affect your decision.
Does Medicare cover scleral lenses?
Medicare does not generally cover the cost of custom-manufactured scleral lenses.
An eligible clinical consultation may attract a Medicare rebate depending on the service provided and your individual eligibility. Additional imaging, specialised testing and contact-lens fitting services may not be fully covered.
Can scleral lenses help people with keratoconus?
Scleral lenses can provide clearer and more stable vision for many patients with moderate or advanced keratoconus.
They vault over the irregular cornea and create a new optical surface rather than resting directly on the cornea.
Learn more about our keratoconus assessments and specialty contact lenses .
Can scleral lenses help severe dry eye?
Scleral lenses may help selected patients with severe aqueous-deficient dry eye or ocular-surface disease by maintaining a fluid reservoir over the cornea.
They are not necessarily the appropriate first treatment for common evaporative dry eye or meibomian gland dysfunction. A clinical assessment is required to determine whether a scleral lens is appropriate.
How often do scleral lenses need to be reviewed?
Several appointments may be required during the initial fitting period.
Once the fit is stable, regular contact-lens and eye-health reviews remain important. The recommended interval depends on your underlying eye condition, lens fit, ocular health and whether any symptoms or vision changes develop.
Are future replacement lenses included in the initial package?
No. The initial package covers the first pair of lenses and applicable fitting modifications during the 90-day warranty period.
Future replacement lenses, redesigns or changes required after the warranty period involve additional fees.
What happens if I lose or break a scleral lens?
Lost or damaged lenses generally require replacement at an additional cost unless specifically covered by an applicable warranty.
Contact the practice promptly if a lens is lost, cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged. Do not continue wearing a damaged lens.
Book a Scleral Lens Assessment in Sydney
Westmead Eyes provides standard and advanced scleral lens fitting for patients with:
- Keratoconus
- Corneal grafts
- Irregular corneas
- Corneal scarring
- Post-surgical corneas
- Severe ocular-surface disease
- High or unusual prescriptions
- Previous unsuccessful contact-lens fittings
We are located inside Westmead Hospital and receive referrals from optometrists, ophthalmologists and public-hospital eye clinics throughout Sydney and NSW.
A 60-minute initial assessment costs $195.
During this appointment, we can examine your eyes, trial scleral lenses and explain which design and price level is most appropriate before any lenses are ordered. on Facebook with members from all over the world who are wearing scleral lenses for a variety of complications.