finger with contact lenses

Contact Lenses & Contact Lens Fitting in Washington

Experience the Comfort and Freedom of Contact Lenses

(202) 659-6555

Do your glasses get fogged up and splattered in the rain?

Are your eyeglasses getting in the way of playing sports?

Want to reinvent your look?

If you’ve been diagnosed with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or even astigmatism, contact lenses are a great choice to help you see clearly. Contacts offer a full field of focused vision wherever you look. Because they move with your eyes, they allow you track moving objects with sharp and clear and peripheral vision.

Metropolitan Optical – Pennsylvania Ave. will help you find the perfect contact lenses for your needs and lifestyle.

young woman wearing contacts


How Contacts Can Help You See & Look Your Best

  • They’re great for sports and the outdoors

    Contacts offer a clear, wide field of vision, so that you can keep your eye on the ball, no matter where it is.

  • They provide visual comfort like never before

    Today’s contact lenses are made from a wide range of comfortable, breathable materials, ensuring a great wearing experience.

  • You can choose from a range of options

    Whether you need monthly, weekly, or daily lenses for single vision, astigmatism, multifocal correction, or even colored and toric lenses, we've got you covered with contact options to fit every need and lifestyle!

  • They’re perfect for every situation

    Contact lenses won’t get wet in the rain or fog up when you wear a mask. Enjoy the freedom, comfort and convenience of contacts on a night out, when exercising, or just an ordinary day at the office.


What to Expect at Your Contact Lens Exam & Fitting in Washington

  • Eye doctor consultation

    During your contact lens exam, your eye doctor will ask you about your medical history and discuss any lifestyle or health considerations you may have. Do you have astigmatism or dry eye syndrome? Seeking colored contact lenses? Are you over 40 and struggling to read small print in books and menus? No matter the issue, we'll make sure you get the perfect contacts for your needs.

  • Get your contact lenses fitted

    Poorly fitted contacts can cause blurry vision, discomfort and may even damage the cornea. To ensure you have the most comfortable fit possible, your eye doctor will take measurements and run tests to find the right contact lens for you.

  • Receive your trial pair of contact lenses

    Once your eye doctor has determined the optimal lenses for your needs and eyes, they will often offer you a trial pair. Once you’re satisfied with the comfort and clarity of vision these contacts provide, you can buy as many contact lenses as you need for ultimate comfort and clear vision.

woman in exam


Buy One, Get One 50% Off Complete Eyeglasses

Refresh your look and your vision! Buy one complete pair of eyeglasses and get the second pair 50% off—perfect for a backup, sunglasses, or a new style.

*Must present offer at time of purchase. Must purchase a complete pair of prescription eyeglasses, including frame and lenses. Discount applied to complete pair of equal or lesser value. Does not include Alain Mikli, Barton Perreira, Burberry, Cartier, Cazal, Chanel, Cutler and Gross, Dita Lancier, Gucci, ic!Berlin, l.a. Eyeworks, Maui Jim, Mykita, Nifties, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, Ray-Ban, Salt, Salvatore Ferragamo, Skaga, Silhouette, Tom Ford, WOOW, YSL, sunglass frames, accessories, contact lenses, or medical procedures. Cannot be used with any other promotion, discount, or offer. Not redeemable for cash. Not valid on previous orders. Other restrictions may apply. Offer valid 9/28/2025-12/31/2025. 25AEG-1129700.

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Contact Lens FAQs

Can children wear contact lenses?

Yes. Contact lenses can be an excellent vision correction option for children. There’s no specific age recommendation for children to start wearing contacts. Rather, parents should assess when their child is mature enough to properly care for them. Proper storage, cleaning and hygiene when inserting and taking out contact lenses are all essential for successful contact lens wear.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?

Yes. Toric lenses are a specific type of contact lens specially designed to address issues connected to astigmatism. In most cases, those with astigmatism can wear their choice of soft contact lenses, including monthly and daily disposables.

Are contact lenses comfortable?

Yes. Original hard contact lenses used to be quite difficult to adapt to. However, thanks to technological advancement, today's contacts are more breathable and comfortable than ever before. In most cases, soft contact lenses are easy to adapt to, even from the very start.

Why might daily disposable lenses be right for me?

Daily disposable lenses are a good choice for those who enjoy the convenience of throwing out used contacts each night, and inserting a new pair in the morning. This saves money, since there is no need for contact lens solution or a case to keep the lenses in. It also ensures that no debris has accumulated on the lenses overtime, since you insert a new one every day.

Why might monthly-wear contact lenses be right for me?

Monthly-wear lenses are great for those responsible enough to take good care of their lenses according to their eye doctor’s instructions. They tend to be made of sturdier material than daily-wear lenses, meaning they don’t tear as easily. The material also lets in more oxygen to the eye, preventing serious complications that can harm your long-term eye health. They are also more eco-friendly (think one lens per month vs. thirty) and are less expensive up-front.

Patient Reviews
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201 Reviews
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- Oct. 25, 2025
I’ve seen Dr. Ayalew for over a decade and I highly recommend her and her medical assistants. They... have magical tricks for putting drops in my eyes when needed and for doing the tests. Someone wrote in a review when I was deciding where to go that Dr. Ayalew could tweak the prescription so that it was like seeing in HD and it’s very true! She is very understanding and has such a nice and calm manner. For picking out glasses I highly recommend Dee (at the Penn Ave location) and Emma (who is sometimes at the Penn Ave location and sometimes at the 18th St location). Both are so sweet and honest when helping you pick out appropriate frames and lenses. This time I got computer glasses for the first time, which are fantastic for being able to see multiple screens at work at a medium distance and my phone closer up. Dee patiently explained the choices in lenses and frames and expertly adjusted the frames to fit my small face. Thanks!
- Oct. 14, 2025
Incredibly nice people! They quickly helped me straight my glasses after I sat on them, free of char... ge. Thank you!
- Oct. 11, 2025
Amazing staff! Highly recommended
- Oct. 06, 2025
Everyone here is so kind and took the time to explain everything to me and talk through various opti... ons. Dee was so wonderful helping me pick out a stylish, affordable pair of frames!
- Aug. 01, 2025
Best service I recommend dr. Saba 👍👍
- Jun. 20, 2025
Wonderful experience and Great staff
- Jun. 05, 2025
I received a late bill for an exam and June was so gracious in making sure I did not have to incur t... he cost. She took care of the issue immediately and provided great customer service! Thanks June
- Jun. 03, 2025
Visiting from out of town and bent my frames. Dropped by to ask for help and they fixed me right up.... Thank you!
- May. 13, 2025
Everyone was friendly & professional.The office was clean and the equipment was sanitized before it ... was used for my visit.
- Apr. 15, 2025
The atmosphere is pleasant and the staff is very helpful.
- Mar. 28, 2025
I've been coming to Metropolitan Optical for many, many years and always received excellent service ... and advice. Dr. Ayalu is terrific!
- Mar. 24, 2025
Metropolitan Optical has been handling my eye care needs for almost 20 years. The best eye specialis... ts in the Washington, DC , Maryland and Virginia area. Please make appointment and you will understand why. Very prompt, courteous and knowledgeable staff.
- Mar. 08, 2025
Highly recommend Metropolitan Optical for anyone looking for an eye-doctor or new frames! It is evid... ent how Dr. Ayalew cares for her patients -- always making sure to squeeze us in because she prioritizes our health. She takes time to explain what's going on and makes sure to develop a care plan that is realistic. The rest of the team are just awesome -- from spending time to make sure that your frames fit and look perfect to making sure that you are scheduled for your next appoint
- Feb. 27, 2025
Have been coming here for over 3 years and it’s great! Wonderful and knowledgeable staff.
- Jan. 14, 2025
Dr Salsa Ayalew is great. She is very patient and clearly communicates what is going on during the ... exam and the appropriate next steps. Dee is also great with helping to select great frames and is responsive to style and pricing concerns.
- Jan. 03, 2025
High professionalism and courtesy.
- Oct. 20, 2024
Excellent care from Dr Saba and excellent customer service
- Oct. 18, 2024
Great place for my eye care! Very satisfied.
- Sep. 14, 2024
Top Tier service is always received at every level when I visit Metropolitan Optical!
- Sep. 13, 2024
Doctor and every staff are very friendly and good customers service, also they explain every step un... til you get discharge. Excellent

View All 201 Reviews

Contact Lenses in Washington

Our optometry practice in Washington

Photograph of Saba Ayalew
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Care First
  • Aetna
  • Davis Vision
  • VSP
  • EyeMed

woman inserting contact lenses

Experience Clearer, More Comfortable Vision

With Contact Lenses!

(202) 659-6555