No, you do not need a prescription to buy plano (non-prescription) coloured contacts in Australia. These lenses change how your eyes look without correcting your vision, so you can buy them freely. You only need a prescription if you also want the lenses to fix your eyesight. Here is the difference, why the advice online seems to contradict itself, and which type you actually need.
What does "plano" actually mean?
Plano simply means zero power. A plano lens has no corrective prescription built into it, so it does not make your vision sharper or blurrier. It sits on your eye like any soft contact lens, but its only job is to change your eye colour or add an effect. Everything we sell is plano, which is exactly why you can buy it without a script.
Plano vs prescription coloured contacts
There are two kinds of coloured lens, and the difference is simple.
|
Plano (non-prescription) |
Prescription |
|
|---|---|---|
|
What it does |
Changes eye colour or effect only |
Changes colour AND corrects vision |
|
Vision correction |
None (zero power) |
Corrects short or long sight, astigmatism |
|
Prescription needed to buy |
No |
Yes, from an optometrist |
|
Who it suits |
Costume, cosplay, fashion, anyone with no vision needs |
People who already wear corrective lenses |
Everything we sell is plano. Our coloured contacts and Halloween lenses change your look only, with no corrective power.
So do you need a prescription for plano lenses in Australia?
For plano cosmetic lenses, no. Because they carry no corrective power, you can buy them in Australia without a script, which is how reputable Australian cosmetic lens stores sell them. They are still soft contact lenses sitting on your eye, so we always recommend an eye check before your first pair, especially if you have never worn lenses before or have any eye concerns. No prescription required does not mean care is optional.
Why the advice online seems to contradict itself
Search this question and you will get two different answers, which is confusing. Here is why. All contact lenses, including plano ones, are medical devices, and optometry providers understandably recommend a professional fitting for any lens. That is the cautious clinical view. At the same time, plano cosmetic lenses do not correct vision, so they are sold without a prescription across Australia. Both positions are really saying the same thing: the lens is safe when it is good quality and you look after your eyes. One leads with a fitting, the other leads with access. Neither is trying to mislead you.
What about your eye size and fit?
One reason a fitting is recommended is that eyes vary slightly in size and curvature. Most decorative lenses are made to a standard base curve and diameter that suits the large majority of adults, which is why they can be sold off the shelf. If a lens ever feels like it is sliding around, pinching, or sitting oddly, that is a sign the fit is not right for you, and an optometrist can measure your eyes and advise. For most people, a standard plano lens fits comfortably.
When you do need an optometrist
See an optometrist if any of these apply:
-
You need vision correction and want coloured lenses that also fix your sight. That is a prescription lens, and we do not sell those.
-
You have an existing eye condition.
-
It is your first time and you would like a professional fitting.
-
A lens ever causes pain, redness or discharge that does not settle the moment you take it out.
Buying plano lenses the safe way
If plano is what you want, the rules are short: buy quality lenses from a proper Australian seller rather than a market stall or unknown overseas site, handle them with clean hands, wear them for up to 8 hours a day, never sleep in them or share them, and store them in fresh solution. Do that and a non-prescription lens is a safe, easy way to change your look.
Prescription FAQ
Can I get coloured contacts that also correct my vision?
Yes, but those are prescription lenses fitted by an optometrist. We only sell plano (non-prescription) lenses, so you would need to see an eye care professional for corrective coloured lenses.
Do I need to be a certain age to buy plano lenses?
There is no prescription gate on plano lenses, but they are still medical devices and should be worn responsibly, with adult guidance for younger wearers and proper hygiene throughout.
Are plano lenses lower quality because they have no prescription?
No. Plano simply means no corrective power. The lens material, manufacturing standards and care requirements are the same as any other soft lens.
The bottom line
Want to change your eye colour or finish a costume, with no vision correction? You need plano lenses, and no prescription. Need your eyesight corrected too? That is a prescription lens from an optometrist. Browse our halloween contact lenses if plano is what you are after. We always recommend to see your health care professional before buying lenses.