finger with contact lenses

Contact Lenses & Contact Lens Fitting in Washington

Experience the Comfort and Freedom of Contact Lenses

(202) 467-5555

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 – 18th Street 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


End of Year Savings: Sept 30-Dec 31

Have you taken full advantage of your insurance benefits and flexible spending account (FSA) this year? We are offering Buy One, Get One 50% Off Complete Eyeglasses in addition to any unused benefits you may have. 

If you’re enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), remember that most plans expire on December 31st.

You can apply your benefits towards vision-related services, including:

  • Comprehensive Eye Exams
  • Eyeglasses (Frames + Lenses)
  • Specialized Computer Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Prescription Sunglasses

*Requires purchase of complete prescription pairs, including frame and lenses. Discount applied to complete pair of equal or lesser value. Does not include sunglass frames,Barton Perreira, Cartier, Cazal, Chanel, Cutler and Gross, Dior, Dita Lancier, Fendi, Gucci, ic!Berlin, l.a. Eyeworks, Maui Jim, Mykita, Nifties, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, Persol, Ray-Ban, Robert Marc, Salt, Salvatore Ferragamo, Skaga, Silhouette, Tom Ford, WOOW, accessories, contact lenses, or medical procedures. Cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions, or insurance plans. Not valid on previous orders. Other restrictions may apply. See practice for full details. Offer valid 9/30/2024-12/31/2024. 24AEG-836847.

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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
4.8
158 Reviews
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- Oct. 30, 2024
Had an excellent experience overall. The service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was welcoming and... friendly. Dr. Pavl is incredibly kind and compassionate, making the visit comfortable and pleasant. Highly recommend!
- Sep. 06, 2024
I would give more than five stars if I could - highly recommend to anyone looking for comprehensive ... eye care in the DMV area! The entire team is so friendly and knowledgeable. As a new patient, Lucinda immediately made me feel welcome throughout the intake process. When my previous eye doctor no longer accepted my insurance, I was worried it would be difficult to find comparable care, but Dr. Stupiansky is even better! She gave a great exam, taking the time to answer all of my questions and going above and beyond to recommend exercises to help alleviate my eye strain. HUGE shout out to Jesse and Corey, who were both so helpful and patient with me as I returned several times to adjust my new glasses to fit me just right. The service, warm environment, and glasses selection are all around stellar. Thank you to the whole team at Metropolitan Optical!
- Aug. 31, 2024
Corey is an amazing worker. I’d give the staff, the service and the place itself 5 stars all aroun... d the board. Keep being great.
- Aug. 29, 2024
Friendly staff, friendly knowledgeable doctors! Call me a windmill, ‘cause I’m a big fan.
- Jul. 19, 2024
Great care, great products and super service. Expensive as are most high quality optical stores but ... I have been a patient of Dr. Ayalew and Metropolitan for over 25 years!
- Jul. 12, 2024
I'v been to multiple optical shops lately looking for new glasses. Metropolitan was the most helpfu... l of any place I looked.
- Jun. 27, 2024
Great care. Cool doctor. Easy fast experience.
- Jun. 15, 2024
Best eye doctor I’ve ever been to. Dr. Stupiansky and Lucinda went out of their way to help me whe... n I had an issue — taking the extra time to figure out what exams I needed so I wasn’t over-paying and spending extra time with me to resolve my eye issue. When I needed an urgent follow-up with a specialist and was not able to secure an appointment myself, Dr. Stupiansky took the time to call the specialist to get me in that week itself. Cannot recommend Metropolitan Optical enough.
- May. 10, 2024
The staff here are so welcoming and knowledgeable. They made the entire experience, from the exam to... picking out new glasses, a total breeze. Will absolutely come back, can't recommend them more highly.
- May. 10, 2024
Review Title: Superior Care and Exceptional Service at Metropolitan Optical I have recently had the... pleasure of visiting Metropolitan Optical with my mother for her comprehensive eye examination, under the care of Dr. Saba Ayalew. I must say that the level of service and care we received was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped into her office, Dr. Ayalew was kind, approachable, and demonstrated an extensive knowledge of her field. She was incredibly patient, taking the time to explain every step of the examination process, ensuring that my mother felt comfortable and understood everything that was happening. What particularly amazed me about Dr. Ayalew was her attention to detail. She did not rush the examination, instead, she carefully evaluated my mother's vision and thoroughly discussed the results and potential treatment options. It was evident that she genuinely cared about her patients' well-being and prioritizes their eye health. Aside from Dr. Ayalew's expertise, the other staff at Metropolitan Optical were equally impressive. They were friendly, efficient, and very helpful. They assisted us with insurance matters and guided us through the selection of eyewear, making the whole experience seamless and pleasant. The cleanliness and organization of the office itself also deserve a mention. It is well-maintained, modern, and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. We found the overall environment both welcoming and professional. I am truly grateful for the personalized care and attention my mother received from Dr. Ayalew. Her professionalism, coupled with her warm and empathetic nature, made our visit a positive one. I would highly recommend Dr. Ayalew and Metropolitan Optical to anyone in search of top-notch eye care. In a world where the medical process can often feel rushed and impersonal, Dr. Ayalew stands out as a beacon of what patient-focused healthcare should be. Rest assured, your eyes are in the best hands with her!
- Apr. 26, 2024
I’ve been going here for more than 15 years. This place is great. Staff are friendly and profess... ional. The office is clean and there is a vast selection of eyeglass frames. Dr. Ayalew is amazing and really thorough. She asks questions related to any new health problems and explains how they could impact eye health. She’s really great.
- Apr. 23, 2024
Visited 4/19/2024. Friendly staff, knowledgeable and caring optometrist and a nice selection of fram... es to choose from. Looking forward to returning for all my eye care needs.
- Mar. 27, 2024
On Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, I had my first occasion to visit Metropolitan Optical at the 18th Stre... et location. From the moment I entered, I was greeted warmly. The technician, Ms.Lucinda, had such a pleasing, sunny personality as she prepared me for Dr. Ayalew. Dr. Ayalew continued this trend by offering exceptional eye care that addressed my concerns. But the STAR of the day was Mr. Corey Styles! I am a fashionable woman in my own way, and wanted my new glasses to reflect that. After perusing several styles but not really finding something that wowed me, Mr. Corey, who was assisting me, informed me he would be right back. When he returned several minutes later, he offered me a selection of frames from Metropolitan Optical’s Pennsylvania Avenue location. OMG!!! The selection was out of this world fantabulous and I found the perfect pair that checked all the boxes and then some! What awesome, exceptional Customer Service!! First time in my mature life had I experienced that level of going the extra mile to please a most discriminating customer. I’m not one to write a lot on social media but I just had to share the extraordinary care and service I received from everyone at Metropolitan Optional, especially my dear Mr. Corey Styles. I am a fan4life! Mary H. Beckett, D.C.
- Mar. 08, 2024
Thank you to Paul the miracle worker. I had accidentally stomped on my glasses and it was a near Hum... ty Dumpty situation. Fortunately Paul bent everything back into place.
- Mar. 01, 2024
Amazing experience at Metropolitan Optical. So happy with my new prescription!
- Jan. 22, 2024
I cannot say enough good things about this Metropolitan Optical location! Dr. Stupiansky and the sta... ff here provided me with the best, most informative eye exam I’ve ever had. My glasses pickup was also very easy and I can’t see myself ordering glasses online anymore. I highly recommend coming here for an eye exam.
- Jan. 18, 2024
Highly recommend to get your eye exam and glasses here! They explained what my insurance covers to t... he dollar and optometrist was very knowledgeable who took her time with me. My new place to go in DC
- Dec. 24, 2023
I have had a great time working with Dr. Kristin Stupiansky and her staff, they are very knowledgeab... le and personable. I have been a patient with the 18th St. office for 2 years now, and have never had any issues. I love their website, it's very clear and easy to use. They have a great glasses selection and a nice office to boot! I originally came for my yearly diabetic eye exam and everyone in the office was very informed and kept me abreast of anything they were doing!
- Dec. 21, 2023
Trust your eyes to this artist and her dream team of talented people. Not only does she use 21st cen... tury technology to gauge the health and well being of your eyes; she also has a subtle artistic understanding of your visual progress and your stage of life. These two together allow her to track the vision of her long term patients; and, to offer them solutions that fit both their life stage and their life style. Dr. Saba was able me to effortlessly and gradually usher me into the world of progressive lenses — a life stage that I had only heard horror stories about. Her prescription artistry and her pragmatic advice has made me a convert to using progressive lenses. Most importantly like any successful person, she surrounds herself with a caring compassionate team that remembers you and is absolutely at your service. I can’t recommend Metropolitan Optical any more highly than this. USE THEIR SERVICES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Dec. 16, 2023
Great office with professional doctors.

View All 158 Reviews

Contact Lenses in Washington

Our optometry practice in Washington

Photograph of Saba  Ayalew
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Care First
  • Aetna
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • VSP

woman inserting contact lenses

Experience Clearer, More Comfortable Vision

With Contact Lenses!

(202) 467-5555