What's the real deal with opticians and their contact lens prescriptions? Do br!

What's the real deal with opticians and their contact lens prescriptions? Do brands matter?

I have a prescription for a cerain brand of contacts - the expensive ones. I want to buy some less expensive Acuvue. A friend of mine bought some online - and says that he could get any brand that he wants - it's just the size specs that only matters. Are the people working at the opticians centers trying to just make me buy the more expensive ones, by making reasons/excuses about the prescription? One girl who worked there, said that if I wanted to change brands - I'd have to be examined again and pay for another exam!! What does the law say? Who is the authority on the power of contact lens prescriptions and the brands of the products - to choose by the consumer?

Speaking as an optician with dual Board Certifications, there are set Federal as well as State laws that we are to abide by. We are required to have a copy of your current (not expired) contact lens prescription, with the stated measurements, prescription, and contact lens brand. We are not permitted to make substitutions for what your optometrist prescribes. We CAN work with you to contact your doctor to inquire if they can switch you to a different brand of your choice, however most brands do have different base curves, diameters, water and oxygen content~~they will all fit different on each patient and work differently with each patient due to their eye's reaction. Trust me, not all opticians are out just for your dollar. I'm sure there are some out there that are, but most of us are just doing our jobs and following the rules we have to abide by to keep our certifications.