Contact Lenses

Find the Right Contact Lenses for Your Eyes and Lifestyle

Expert Care From Your First Exam to Your Final Fit

Whether you’re new to contacts or looking for a better fit, Heffington’s offers expert contact lens fittings for a wide range of vision needs. Our optometrists are trained to fit even the most complex corneas, and all lens orders are fulfilled through our partnering laboratory in Kansas City, MO, ensuring precision and quality for every prescription.

A valid prescription is required for all contact lenses, and our team will guide you through every step of the process, from your initial exam to finding the lens type that works best for your eyes and lifestyle.

Types of Contact Lenses We Offer

At Heffington’s, we carry and fit multiple types of contact lenses to match your vision needs, comfort preferences, and daily habits. Your optometrist will recommend the best option based on a thorough evaluation.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft lenses are the most widely used type of contact lens and are available in several wear schedules.

Daily-wear lenses are inserted each morning and removed each night. Made from a flexible plastic polymer, they are comfortable for most first-time wearers and are available in various colors depending on the brand and prescription. Most daily-wear lenses are replaced on a monthly or yearly schedule.
Extended-wear lenses are designed for longer continuous use, including overnight wear. Made from soft silicone, they retain moisture and allow more oxygen to reach the eye. Depending on the prescription, they are removed and cleaned once a week (7-day lenses) or once a month (30-day lenses) to rest the eye and reduce the risk of infection.
Disposable lenses are worn for a set period — daily, weekly, or monthly — and then discarded. Because they are replaced frequently, they require less maintenance than standard soft lenses and can be a good choice for people prone to allergies or protein buildup on their lenses.

Gas-Permeable (Rigid) Contact Lenses

Gas-permeable lenses are rigid lenses that offer several advantages over soft contacts, including sharper visual acuity, correction of a broader range of vision problems, and greater durability with less risk of deposit buildup. Because they allow oxygen to pass through the lens, they can also be a comfortable option for people with dry eyes.

The adjustment period is longer than with soft lenses, and they are more likely to shift off-center during physical activity. They may not be the best fit for people who play contact sports. Your optometrist can help you weigh the trade-offs and even provide a trial pair before you commit.

Specialty Lenses: Toric, Multifocal, & Scleral

For patients with specific vision conditions, we offer specialty contact lenses:

Toric lenses, which are specially shaped to correct astigmatism — an irregularity in the curvature of the cornea or lens that affects both near and distant vision.
Multifocal lenses, which work similarly to bifocal glasses by providing clear vision at multiple distances. These are often recommended for patients experiencing age-related changes in reading vision.
Scleral lenses, which are larger-diameter rigid lenses that vault over the cornea entirely and rest on the white of the eye. They are often used for patients with irregular corneas or conditions that make other lens types uncomfortable.

Your Contact Lens Fitting at Heffington's

A contact lens fitting is more than just a prescription — it’s a tailored process. We offer trial lens sets for nearsightedness and farsightedness, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal trial lenses for patients who need improved reading vision. Trial lenses are available during your fitting appointment under your doctor’s guidance.

All lens orders — including soft, gas-permeable, scleral, and specialty contacts — are processed through our trusted laboratory partner in Kansas City, MO. Patients across Springfield and southwest Missouri trust Heffington’s for precise, personalized contact lens care.
Please note that contact lens prescriptions in Missouri are valid for one year from the date of your fitting, in accordance with federal law and Missouri practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate prescription for contact lenses?

Yes. A contact lens prescription is different from a glasses prescription and requires a contact lens fitting exam. Your doctor will assess the shape and health of your eye in addition to your vision correction needs.

How long is a contact lens prescription valid in Missouri?

Your contact lens prescription is valid for one year from the date your fitting is complete. That’s the standard in Missouri and meets federal requirements under the FTC’s Contact Lens Rule. Once it expires, you’ll need a new exam before ordering more lenses. In rare cases, your doctor may set a shorter timeframe if there’s a specific concern about your eye health.

Can I wear contacts if I have astigmatism?

Yes. Toric contact lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism. Your optometrist will determine whether soft toric or rigid gas-permeable lenses are the better fit for your eyes.

What's the difference between daily-wear and disposable lenses?

Daily-wear lenses are worn during the day and stored overnight, while disposable lenses are meant to be discarded after a set period — often after a single day of wear. Some contacts marketed as “disposable” are replaced weekly or monthly, so it’s always best to confirm the replacement schedule with your doctor.

How long does a contact lens fitting take?

A contact lens exam and fitting is typically completed in a single appointment. If trial lenses are ordered, you may need a follow-up visit to ensure the fit and prescription are working well for your eyes.

Are gas-permeable lenses better than soft lenses?

It depends on your vision needs and lifestyle. Gas-permeable lenses often provide sharper vision and are more durable, but they require a longer adjustment period. Soft lenses are more comfortable for most people right away. Your optometrist can help you decide.