I have a new contact lens prescription for RGP lenses (have been
wearing RGPs for 10 years) and I'm wondering what labs are known to
produce top-quality RGP lenses. I'm looking at online contact
retailers (e.g. Coastal Contacts) and they all just say "independent
RGP labs". Does anyone have any words of advice for ordering RGPs?

Also, although I love my RGPs, I do have some concerns. My main
complaint is night vision, due to my large pupils and the small size
of most RGPs. I currently have 10mm diameter lenses and just saw a
contact lens "specialist" to get a new prescription. Unfortunately, he
is the typical doctor who doesn't address patient concerns any more
than he has to and his only suggestion for reducing the halos and
flare I get at night was to increase the diameter slightly, to 10.5mm,
and also to switch from Boston ES to Boston XO due to the larger lens
size.

I have been reading some of old posts on from the sci.med.vision group
and read the following from an OD:

"Quite a few other parameters can be specified, including peripheral
curve radius and width, edge configuration, optic zone diameter,
center
thickness---not to mention material."

"Large pupils (no matter what you racial background) requires a large
optic zone---as much as 2mm larger than your largest pupil, to reduce
or
eliminate night time halos and flare. And the lens must stay centered
over the pupil.

Large OZs often require larger diameter lenses which might make
insertion and removal more difficult for people with narror apertures
(space between upper and lower lids). Custom designed RGP lenses can
be
made to produce a lens with appropriate central OZ and peripheral
curves
that work very well for almost anyone.

That takes a little more effort than simply ordering up a standard
design of a standard lens----but that's what you pay the practitioner
to
do."

I had no idea so many design parameters were available. Would that I
had an optician as knowledgeable about contacts and responsive to
patient concerns! I have searched for a true contact lens specialist
here and have been unable to find anyone who really seems to have the
knowledge or desire to work with RGP wearers to optimize fit and
vision.

Does anyone know of any true contact specialists in the Midwest who
would be willing to give me a prescription with the custom parameters
mentioned above? Or one who could look at my my medical records,
recent keratometer measurements, and my complaints and actually write
me a custom prescription?

My current prescription, for what it's worth:
OD    4175   -4.50   10.5 diameter
OS     4300   -5.25   10.5 diameter

I guess one final question that combines my two main questions: do any
RGP labs allow specification of custom parameters without a specific
prescription to that effect? In other words, can I give them my basic
prescription and then request a lens design with a larger optic zone?
I'm guessing not but I'm really desperate here....

Thanks in advance,

Tom