Why is it important for a patient to have something specific for a contact lens follow-up appointment?

Having contacts in their eyes for a follow-up appointment is crucial because it allows the eye care professional to thoroughly evaluate how the lenses fit and how the patient's eyes respond to them in real-time. This assessment is important for identifying any issues related to comfort, lens positioning, or vision quality that may not be visible or appreciated without the lenses in place. Furthermore, it enables the practitioner to determine if any adjustments are needed, whether it be a change in the prescription, fit, or material of the lenses.

While other items such as prescription slips, a contact lens case, and eye drops can be relevant to the overall appointment procedure, they do not provide the same immediate and practical insights into the patient's experience with their contact lenses. Therefore, having the lenses in the patient's eyes is essential for effective management and care in contact lens follow-ups.