Unless you opt for laser eye surgery, vision correction is part of your annual spending. According to contact lens manufacturer Acuvue, the yearly cost of contact lenses can range from $120 to $1,200, depending on your insurance and the type of contacts you need.
As with saving money on eyeglasses, if you want to save money on contacts, shopping for deals from the right retailers is crucial.
Thankfully, numerous retailers can help contact lens wearers save money. If you’re tired of overpaying for this necessary expense, you need to know where to buy affordable contact lenses.
Various in-store and online retailers offer affordable prices on a range of contact lens brands, especially if you buy in bulk.
Just remember: You must have a valid prescription to buy contact lenses if you live in the U.S., so have physical and electronic copies of your contact lens prescription ready.
1. GlassesUSA
Limited Time Offer: Save 25% off contact lenses plus free shipping with coupon code CONTACTS25.
Pros: 25% off first-time purchases; free shipping
Cons: Savings fall off after your first order
Verdict: Shop GlassesUSA to use the first-time discount, but explore other retailers for buying annual supplies
GlassesUSA offers affordable eyewear that starts at just $29. But it’s also an affordable way to order contacts online.
For starters, GlassesUSA often runs promo codes that grant 25% off all contacts. You can view its coupons and promotions page to find other ongoing deals as well.
Plus, GlassesUSA now sells its own private-label daily contact lenses called Vista plus. They may be inexpensive, but they’re not cheap. They’re made with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and combat dryness, helping them stay comfortable all day. They also provide critical protection from harmful UV-A and UV-B rays, a must in both sunny and snowy climates. Vista plus lenses are FDA-approved and endorsed by health experts.
If the $1 free trial on the in-house brand isn’t enough to make you switch, you can also shop lenses from brands like:
Acuvue
Biofinity
Biomedics
Dailies
FreshLook
Miru
Proclear
SofLens
Lens categories include daily, weekly, and monthly disposables. Lens types include single-vision, multifocals, toric lenses for astigmatism, and color lenses.
The 25% discount helps cut costs for more expensive contacts. For example, GlassesUSA sells a 90-pack of Acuvue Oasys 1-Day for $97.17 per box. But with the discount, the price drops to $72.88 per box. At Walmart, these lenses cost over $75 per box unless you shop in bulk.
Shipping is free, and GlassesUSA works with over a dozen vision insurance providers.
If you can make use of the one-time 25% discount or other promo codes like a pair of free eyeglasses, GlassesUSA is one of the most affordable choices.
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2. Warby Parker
Pros: Free shipping; 15% off your first contacts order; $50 credit when you buy an annual supply; wide vision insurance network
Cons: Not always the cheapest contacts option
Verdict: Warby Parker is a trusted name that offers an excellent selection of contacts at reasonable prices and has many vision insurance partners
Warby Parker isn’t just an online contact lens retailer — it has a growing network of retail locations Across North America as well. And while it’s not always the cheapest option, it stocks the most trusted contact brands available, so you can rest assured you’re getting the quality you expect from your contact lens provider:
Acuvue
DAILIES
Biofinity
Biotrue
Clariti
AirOptix
Warby Parker also has its own house brand of daily contact lenses, called Scout by Warby Parker. If you’re looking for truly exceptional value from a trusted name, look no further.
When you shop contact lenses at Warby Parker, you’ll get 15% off your first order. Make an annual purchase and you’ll get a separate $50 eyewear credit that’s good for discounts on frames, lenses, and other qualifying eyewear purchases on the Warby Parker site.
That’s not all. Warby Parker has some other selling points that many competitors can’t match:
Free shipping on eligible orders
No hidden fees
Renew your prescription at home for just $5 (limited-time offer)
Schedule an eye exam at any Warby Parker store
Walk-in appointments available at many Warby Parker stores
Innovative flat-pack design for Scout lenses — uses 80% less material and is much easier to carry in a bag or purse
Try Scout lenses for free — get a 6-day supply with no obligation (by request)
Partners with several major vision insurance providers, increasing the chances that your purchase is eligible for insurance coverage or reimbursement
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3. DiscountContacts.com
Pros: Brand variety; 20% off on new orders and subscriptions; free online vision test
Cons: Doesn’t have the lowest possible prices
Verdict: Shop at Discount Contact Lenses if you want more brand variety or if you want to subscribe for 20% off reorders
As the name suggests, DiscountContacts.com sells contacts at a discount. The company says you can save up to 70% on contacts, and it also offers free shipping on orders over $99.
DiscountContacts.com also carries more brands than many other online options. You can find over 30 popular and niche brands, including:
Acuvue
Air Optix
Bausch + Lomb
Biofinity
Clariti
Dailies
Johnson & Johnson
MyDay
Polycon
Lens categories include conventional vial lenses and daily, weekly, and monthly disposables. Single-vision, multifocals, toric lenses for astigmatism, and colored lenses are available lens types.
DiscountContacts.com also sells rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses. These lenses are harder than soft contact lenses and allow more oxygen to pass through the lens material. RGP lenses last longer than soft lenses and provide sharper vision. However, it takes time for regular contact lens wearers to become comfortable with the lens type. RGP lenses start at $35 per lens, but they can last for years with proper care.
Overall, prices are competitive. For example, a 90-count box of Acuvue Oasys 1-Day costs $94.99 on DiscountContacts.com. However, there’s a 20% discount for new customers and reorders on subscriptions. Students and military members also qualify for a 20% discount on all orders. That reduces the price to $75.99. At Walmart, the same box is about $80 unless you order six or 12 months’ worth of lenses.
Unlike many online providers, DiscountContacts.com offers limited eye care via an online test and a remote eye doctor. The free online vision test is available to people between the ages of 18 and 55. You use your computer and smartphone to complete the vision test. Your computer displays letter charts like at the optometrist, and you complete vision test questions on your smartphone.
It takes one day for the optometrist to review the 15-minute test before you get a new contact lens prescription. If you feel your current contact lenses aren’t working, it’s a useful feature. However, it’s no substitute for in-person optometrist appointments since online tests can’t check eye health or for conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma.
DiscountContacts.com is an out-of-network provider for most vision insurance plans, including Davis Vision, EyeMed, UnitedHealthcare, and VSP.
If you want to save even more money on contact lenses, you can also shop through Rakuten to earn cash-back rewards at DiscountContacts.com and other online retailers. It’s a simple way to get paid for shopping, and Rakuten pays your cash back quarterly through PayPal or check.
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4. AC Lens
Pros: 20% off subscriptions and first-time purchases; free online vision test; free shipping
Cons: AC Lens becomes less affordable than bulk shopping options after your first order if you don’t subscribe
Verdict: AC Lens is a solid option if you subscribe for contact lens delivery, but it’s not the most affordable choice for one-time purchases
If you’re a fan of subscription services, AC Lens is one of your best options for buying contacts online. If you subscribe for lens delivery, you receive 20% off future deliveries. You also get free shipping on all orders.
If you don’t like subscriptions, you can still shop directly for contacts. Additionally, new customers usually get 20% off their first order.
There are numerous brands, including:
Acuvue
Biofinity
Clariti
Dailies
Extreme H20
Novawet
Proclear
SofLens
Lens categories include daily, weekly, and monthly disposables. AC Lens carries single-vision, bifocal and multifocal lenses, toric lenses to correct astigmatism, and color lenses. You can also find conventional vial and RGP contacts.
Like some online contact lens suppliers, AC Lens offers a free online vision test if you’re between 18 and 55. It’s a 15-minute test, and you receive your new contact lens prescription within one business day.
To take the test, you read letters from a distance using your computer’s screen and record your answers on a smartphone. Online eye exams don’t examine eye health or work well for powerful prescriptions. If you have a strong prescription, it’s better to go to an optometrist than use an online vision test.
Standard U.S. shipping is free and takes five to seven business days. You can get faster shipping for $9.99 and overnight shipping for $19.99. AC Lens is an out-of-network provider for most vision insurance plans, including:
Davis Vision
EyeMed
UnitedHealthcare
VSP
AC Lens is worth it if you subscribe for the 20% discount and use free shipping. But without discounts, it’s priced too high for smaller one-time orders.
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5. ContactsDirect
Pros: Savings on annual supplies; multiple discounts and rebates; price matching; free shipping or pick up in store
Cons: $29.99 fee for online vision test
Verdict: ContactsDirect is one of the most affordable options for buying an annual supply of contacts, especially if you leverage discounts and cash-back options
If you want to buy an annual supply of contact lenses, ContactsDirect has some of the lowest prices on the market.
According to ContactsDirect, you can save up to $100 when you buy an annual According to ContactsDirect, you can save up to $125 when you buy an annual supply of lenses from certain brands. The website displays a product savings badge that shows how much you save purchasing a yearly supply, so it’s easy to spot deals.
ContactsDirect carries over a dozen brands, including:
Acuvue
Avaira
Biotrue
Biomedics
Dailies
Focus
MyDay
Optima
Ultra
Lens categories include daily disposables, two-week lenses, and monthly lenses. For lens types, ContactsDirect offers single-vision, bifocals and multifocals, toric lenses to correct astigmatism, and color lenses.
ContactsDirect doesn’t always have the best prices on bulk orders at first glance. For example, an annual supply of Dailies AquaComfort Plus 90-packs, which is eight boxes, drops the price per box from $65.99 to about $57 per box. But the same bulk shopping choice at Walmart brings the price per box to around $51.
Still, ContactsDirect separates itself from the competition with discounts and promo codes. For starters, it often runs a 15% off promo code. New customers can get 20% off when they sign up for the site’s newsletter. Additionally, ContactsDirect has a 15% discount for students, military service members, teachers, first responders, and U.S. government employees.
You can’t stack regular promo codes and unique student or employment discounts, but 20% off is nothing to scoff at. Better still, the site has a price match policy. If you find a better price at Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, 1-800 Contacts, or Coastal, call 1-844-5-LENSES and ContactsDirect will beat that price.
If that weren’t enough, ContactsDirect is a Rakuten partner, so you can earn cash-back rewards for your purchases.
Standard shipping is free, and you also have the option to pick up your order in person at a LensCrafters store. ContactsDirect accepts most major vision insurance plans. However, it is not an in-network provider for VSP.
ContactsDirect also offers a vision test to renew your prescription. You can take it with either a smartphone or a computer rather than needing to use both. But it costs $29.99, whereas some online sellers offer free vision tests.
It’s worth noting that online vision tests don’t check for eye health or conditions like glaucoma. Additionally, you need an existing prescription to take the test, so you can’t be a first-time contact lens wearer. If it’s been a year or two since you’ve taken a regular eye exam, go to an optometrist instead.
If you want to save money buying an annual supply of contact lenses, ContactsDirect is possibly the best online option. Just use promo codes, compare bulk prices between other retailers, and take advantage of price matching if necessary.
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6. Lens.com
Pros: Brand variety; online vision test; excellent limited-time deals
Cons: No free shipping
Verdict: Shop at Lens.com if you’re willing to bargain-hunt for limited-time deals for massive savings
You don’t have to settle for cheap contact lenses and low-quality brands to find savings on Lens.com. Popular brands include Acuvue, Biofinity, Biomedics, Dailies, and SofLens. You can also find over a dozen other brands such as:
Boston
Clariti
Expressions
FreshLook
Optima
Vertex
For lens categories, options include daily, weekly, and monthly disposables. Single-vision, toric lenses for astigmatism, bifocals, RGP, silicone hydrogel, and color lens types are available. Lens.com also carries novelty lenses for changing the appearance of your eyes.
Lens.com runs limited-time deals that often beat the competition. For example, one recent deal featured a 90-pack of Dailies AquaComfort Plus for $53.44 per box, with a $135 rebate for buying four boxes. In comparison, Walmart was selling the same box for $65.86 per box, with a $120 discount for buying eight boxes. At Costco, the price was $81.98 per box, with a $50 mail-in rebate for buying eight boxes.
Plus, you can renew your prescription by taking a 10-minute online eye exam. You have to be 18 to 55 years old to take the exam, and it requires both a smartphone and a computer. The cost is $9.99.
The primary downside of Lens.com is that U.S. shipping costs a minimum of $9.95.
In terms of vision coverage, Lens.com is an out-of-network provider for most vision care providers, so if you have vision care insurance, reimbursement shouldn’t be an issue.
Because of the potential savings from deals, it’s always worth comparing Lens.com prices to wherever you typically shop, especially if you’re not in the market for bulk contact lenses.
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7. Costco Optical
Pros: Discounts for buying in bulk; free shipping on most orders
Cons: Requires a Costco membership
Verdict: If you already shop at Costco, you can purchase an annual supply of contact lenses to save
If you’re a Costco member, you can already take advantage of numerous Costco shopping tricks to save money on groceries and household products.
But Costco Optical also has low prices on eyewear and contact lenses. Costco also carries over a dozen brands, including:
Acuvue
Air Optix
Biofinity
Biotrue
Dailies
MyDay
Proclear
PureVision
Costco carries single-vision, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocals, and color lenses. Lens categories include daily disposable lenses, two-week lenses, and monthly lenses.
Costco also has its own Kirkland Signature pack of 90 lenses for $58.99. But in true Costco fashion, there are usually offers for buying multiple boxes at once or purchasing larger packs that help you save money. For example, buying four boxes of Kirkland Signature contact lenses saves $35, and buying eight boxes saves $95.
Non-Costco brands can also offer mail-in rebates. For example, one offer is to buy eight (90-count) boxes of Dailies Total 1 multifocals to receive a $70 mail-in rebate. Each box is $109.87, so it’s a significant upfront expense. But in exchange for bulk shopping, you save $70 with the rebate.
You still need a Costco membership to buy contact lenses. It’s worth noting that Costco shipping is free for most orders, including optical purchases. Additionally, Costco accepts most vision insurance plans.
You should factor in Costco’s $60 annual membership fee to what you save on contact lenses and anything else you would shop for. But if you shop at Costco regularly, you can likely offset the membership fee with your savings.
Plus, you can also shop with the Costco Anywhere Visa card to earn cash back for shopping at Costco and travel, dining, and everyday spending.
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8. Walmart Contacts
Pros: Discounts for buying in bulk; free shipping
Cons: No discounts for using the subscription service
Verdict: Shop at Walmart if you want to buy at least six to 12 months’ worth of contacts and don’t have a Costco membership
Shopping at Walmart can help you save money on household items and everyday essentials.
Walmart Contacts is also a convenient way to save money when buying contacts. Aside from free shipping, Walmart carries popular contact lens brands like:
Acuvue
Air Optix
Clariti
Dailies
Eureka
FreshLook
SofLens
Ultra
Acuvue
Air Optix
Clariti
Dailies
Eureka
FreshLook
SofLens
Ultra
Walmart has daily, one- to two-week, and one- to three-month disposables. Lens types include single-vision, toric lenses for astigmatism, color and tinted, conventional (vial) lenses, and bifocal and multifocal lenses.
Prices can be slightly more expensive than Costco for larger orders. For example, Walmart’s 90-count box of Dailies Total 1 multifocals is $135 (or $127.50 apiece if you buy four boxes). Costco sells it for $109.87 per box with a $70 rebate for buying eight boxes that reduces the cost to $101.12 per box.
However, there are still numerous affordable options.Many packs of daily disposable lenses cost less than $1 per day. Two-week lens users can purchase Walmart’s own Equate brand for just $14 per box, or $0.33 per day.Additionally, buying contact lenses for six- and 12-month periods often drops the price per box significantly. For example, a three-month supply of 1-Day Acuvue Moist lenses costs about $82 per box. But if you buy 12 months’ worth of boxes, the price drops to about $69 per box.
Plus, you can set up a no-hassle contact lens subscription to receive regular deliveries. Unfortunately, you don’t receive a discount for subscribing, but subscribing ensures you’re always stocked up.
As for vision insurance, Walmart Contacts is an out-of-network provider for:
Cole Managed Vision
Davis Vision
EyeMed
Spectera
VSP
Walmart has an impressive brand and inventory selection. If you want to buy in bulk or try the subscription service, Walmart is a worthy alternative to Costco.
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9. ContactLensKing.com
Pros: Savings on bulk purchases; $10 referral bonus
Cons: No free shipping; doesn’t work with all insurers
Verdict: ContactLensKing.com is another affordable option for buying a year’s supply of contact lenses, especially if you don’t have a Costco membership
Another bulk-shopping option to save money on contact lenses is ContactLensKing.com.
ContactLensKing.com encourages you to buy your lenses in bulk. Almost every product on the website has an “as low as” price next to regular pricing that shows the potential discount you can score for buying a certain number of boxes.
ContactLensKing.com carries over a dozen brands, including:
Acuvue
Air Optix
Biomedics
Biofinity
Biotrue
Dailies
Proclear
PureVision
Lens categories are also standard, and you can buy daily, weekly, and monthly disposables. Other options include toric lenses to correct astigmatism, color, and bifocal and multifocal lenses.
If you’re only buying one or two boxes of contact lenses, it’s tough to score discounts on ContactLensKing.com. Additionally, shipping is at least $7.95 in the U.S. The focus on bulk shopping and lack of free shipping ultimately means Contact Lens King is best for buying at least six to 12 months’ worth of contact lenses.
ContactLensKing.com says vision insurance reimbursement varies depending on your provider and doesn’t include a list of insurance partners. So if you want to use vision insurance at ContactLensKing.com, call your provider first to see if your purchase is eligible for reimbursement.
On the bright side, ContactLensKing.com has a $10 referral program. Each time one of your referrals places their first order, you receive credit in your account. But it’s still best to use ContactLensKing.com for bulk shopping and other retailers for smaller orders.
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10. 1-800 Contacts
Pros: 20% first-time order bonus; free shipping
Cons: A 5% subscription discount isn’t the best subscription deal
Verdict: 1-800 Contacts is worth it to leverage the 25% welcome discount for a first-time order, but it’s more hassle to get deals for the long term
For a limited time, new customers can receive a 25% discount at 1-800 Contacts (at other times, the discount is 20%). You can also subscribe for regular deliveries to save 5% off future orders. You can also subscribe for regular deliveries to save 5% off future orders.
For brands, 1-800 Contacts carries popular choices like:
Acuvue
Air Optix
Clariti
Dailies
FreshLook
Proclear
SofLens
Lens categories include vial lenses and daily, one- to two-week, and monthly disposables. You can find single-vision, bifocal and multifocal lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, and color lenses.
The 25% discount helps 1-800 Contacts remain competitive for first-time orders. For example, a 30-pack of Dailies AquaComfort Plus costs about $20 with the discount. Discount Contact Lenses sells the same box for $23.99. If you spend more on a 90-pack, 1-800 Contacts’ price per box is under $75, whereas Discount Contact Lenses’ price per box is over $85.
If you need to renew your contact lens prescription, you can take an online vision test on your smartphone in 10 minutes. The site charges $20 for this service.
Online vision tests help you renew your prescription but don’t examine eye health. If it’s been a year or two since you went for an in-person eye exam, renew your prescription through an optometrist instead.
U.S. shipping is free, and 1-800 Contacts is an in-network provider for:
Davis Vision
Superior Vision
Spectera
Blue View Vision
Anthem BCBS
You can use it as an out-of-network provider with other vision insurance plans.
The site also has a best-price guarantee, promising to beat any publicly available deal from a U.S. competitor. However, you can’t combine this price match with insurance. Instead, the site compares your final price for both and gives you whichever one is lower. And to maximize your discount, the site also works with Rakuten.
The first-time discount makes 1-800 Contacts worth considering if you’re spending a lot of money on your first order. And the price matching makes it a decent value for recurring purchases, though it takes a little more work to use.
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11. LensCrafters
Pros: Up to $200 in annual contact lens savings; AAA and AARP member benefits; free shipping
Cons: Not the cheapest option if you aren’t shopping for annual supplies
Verdict: If you’re an AAA or AARP member and want to buy a yearly supply of contact lenses, LensCrafters is for you
While LensCrafters specializes in eyewear and carries many premium brands, it’s also an effective way to save money on contact lenses. LensCrafters even says you can save up to $200 on your annual supply of contacts by shopping online or in-store.
The website displays how much you save for buying an annual supply of certain contact lens boxes. Most boxes grant $30 or $100 in savings for bulk purchases.
As for brands, LensCrafters carries options like:
Acuvue
Biotrue
Biofinity
Dailies
PureVision
SofLens
Ultra
LensCrafters also has its own contact lens brand, but these are not the most affordable option. For lens types, it carries single-vision, toric lenses to correct astigmatism, multifocals, and color lenses. Daily, biweekly, monthly, and semiannual lenses are available.
For annual savings, LensCrafters is worth looking into. For example, a yearly supply (eight boxes) of Biotrue ONEday for presbyopia (age-related far-sightedness) costs $657.92. At Costco, the cost is $511.84, but you need a membership to shop at Costco.
Furthermore, AARP and AAA members can receive 10% off eligible contacts at LensCrafters, and this discount stacks with manufacturer rebates. Which means if you’re an AARP or AAA member and can stack your savings with a rebate, LensCrafters is surprisingly affordable.
LensCrafters’ shipping is free. And LensCrafters has an extensive network of vision insurance partners and accepts most plans for payment, in store and online.
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12. WebEyeCare
Pros: Save up to 70% on contact lenses, even without a subscription
Cons: Expensive vision test; shipping is only free on orders over $89
Verdict: Great alternative to in-person buying without the pressure to commit
WebEyeCare offers deeply discounted eyewear and contacts from recognizable brands and budget-friendly alternatives alike. Top-selling names include:
Acuvue
Dailies
Biofinity
Clariti
Air Optix
Precision1
WebEyeCare also carries specialty goods at surprisingly affordable prices. For example, you can save over 5% off list price on a six-pack of Air Optix Colors and an extra $20 off if you buy an annual supply.
With up to 70% off name-brand contacts, it’s hard to find fault with WebEyeCare’s value. The only downside is the shipping cost, which is only free on orders over $89. Also, WebEyeCare charges $34.99 for its vision test, a service some sites provide for free.
Final Word
Vision care is expensive. But when it comes to buying contact lenses, you rarely have to pay full price considering how much competition there is in the market.
Try shopping online with shopping browser extensions and daily discount websites to take your savings even further. Websites like Rakuten and Capital One Shopping help you earn cash back and find coupon codes and are free to use.
And if you can use websites that offer free shipping instead of paying extra every time you buy contact lenses online, that’s another simple way to save.
Additionally, take advantage of other ways to save money on vision care. For example, most contact lenses and lens solutions are eligible purchases under your health savings account and flexible spending account, which help you save money when filing your taxes.
As long as you spend time looking for deals and use the discounts and tools at your disposal, you can put a dent in your annual vision care expenses without sacrificing quality.
FAQs
What is the cheapest contact lenses brand? ›
| Rank | Brand | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proclear® 1 Day | CooperVision |
| 2 | DAILIES® AQUACOMFORT PLUS® | Alcon |
| 3 | SofLens® Daily Disposable | Bausch & Lomb |
| 4 | Biotrue® ONEday | Bausch & Lomb |
Costco doesn't offer the cheapest contacts online for small orders. A month's supply of some lenses is more expensive than others. If you are looking for the cheapest and best place to order contacts for a month's supply, go with other options, like Discount Contact Lenses.
Is it safe to buy cheap contact lens? ›While cheap contacts are available, they aren't always the best choice for your eyes. A low-quality pair may be more likely to tear, and this could lead to a scratch on your cornea or other damage to the eye.
How much are contact lenses without insurance? ›Generally, they cost between $20 and $30 a box. Most people with average prescriptions should be able to get a year's worth of contact lenses for $200 to $500.
Which contact lenses last the longest? ›In terms of extreme long-wear, rigid gas permeable contacts are the best choice. These contacts can last for up to a full year or longer, but it will depend on whether or not your eye doctor recommends them.
Is 1800 contacts the cheapest? ›1-800 Contacts price matches with the lowest price you can find online for the same product. Ordering from them will likely cost about the same, or a little bit less, than ordering from your optometrist's office.
Can you walk in and buy contacts at Costco? ›Yes, you need to be a member to purchase glasses or contacts at Costco Optical centers. However, you do not need to be a member to make an appointment with our in-house optometrist. For more information, visit our dedicated optical site here. Or, locate your local optical center at a Costco warehouse location near you.
Do you need a Costco membership to buy contacts online? ›Yes, Costco Optical now offers a variety of contact lenses online exclusively for Costco members! To order contact lenses online, simply visit contacts.costco.com.
How much does Costco charge for contact lens fitting? ›A routine eye exam is $90. A contact lens exam is $120 or $140 depending on the complexity of your fit, and we charge $40 to train new contact lens wearers.
Can I buy contact lens without consulting the doctor? ›A person must have a contact lens prescription from an eye doctor (an optometrist or an ophthalmologist) to buy contact lenses. This is true for all kinds of contacts. Federal and state law allow a contact lens seller to contact the eye doctor to obtain a copy of the prescription.
Can you buy contacts without going to the doctor? ›
Just like regular contact lenses you should never buy contact lenses from a street vendor, a beauty supply store, flea market, novelty store or Halloween store and you should always have a prescription. Wearing decorative contact lenses can be risky, just like the contact lenses that correct your vision.
Can you buy contacts without going to the eye doctor? ›You cannot order contacts without a prescription, at least in the United States. You will need to have a prescription written by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist to buy contact lenses. The seller will also verify your prescription to make sure it's valid.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive contact lenses? ›The Contrast and Clarity of an image is what most people will notice right away when comparing a cheap lens to a higher-end lens. Typically the expensive lenses have better coatings both internally and externally.
Does it matter what brand contact lenses I buy? ›Different brands of contact lenses are made from different materials, and just because another brand has a similar base curve and diameter does not mean it will fit the same. Wearing the exact brand that you have been prescribed will help prevent medical problems and allergic reactions to the different materials used.
Why are lenses cheaper online? ›Online retailers that sell cheap eyeglasses and sunglasses often say they can offer low prices because they don't have the same expenses associated with a “brick-and-mortar” store, such as the high rent paid in retail shopping areas.
What is the strongest contact lens? ›Some lenses can go over -30 Dioptres. For regular soft contact lenses, the highest level of corrective power is about -12 Dioptres. Some monthly soft contact lenses can correct astigmatism up to +/-20 Dioptres Sphere with up to -5.75 Cylinder.
Who Cannot wear contact lenses? ›Although, not everyone can wear them comfortably. Eye conditions, such as dry eye disease or blepharitis, may make wearing contacts uncomfortable and risky. A severe refractive error, allergies, or contact lens intolerance can also make wearing contact lenses difficult.
How much does 1 pair of contacts cost? ›Contact lenses cost about $185 to $1,000 annually for both eyes. If you wear contacts regularly, you should expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $85 per month. This wide range is partly due to the many types of contact lenses available. Contacts vary in price based on design and the vision problems they treat.
Does 1-800 Contacts ship to your house? ›We'll have your contacts shipped in no time. P.S. with your prescription info on file, we can do same-day/next-day shipping, no problem.
How fast can I get contacts from 1-800 Contacts? ›Ordering: Speedy
You can also upload a copy of your prescription or simply provide your doctor's information. Regardless, 1-800 Contacts will contact your doctor to verify everything is correct. Because of this, orders can take up to 48 hours to process.
Can you walk into Walmart and buy contacts? ›
Walmart Vision Center requires a special exam if you wear contacts, which cost around $105. This cost does go up around $20 if you have an astigmatism. But, you don't have to get an eye exam at Walmart Vision Center in order to purchase contacts through WalmartContacts.com.
Can you walk in and buy contact lenses? ›You can't simply walk into a department store and try on a few pair and decide what works best for you. Contact lenses are medical devices, which require wearers to follow a prescribed process to get them.
Is Costco or LensCrafters cheaper? ›Generally, Costco Optical will offer you a better price than LensCrafters when you buy glasses or contact lenses. However, depending on what your vision insurance plan covers, you may be less satisfied overall with the quality of the product.
Can I just order contacts online? ›Is it illegal to buy contact lenses online? No. But be sure to use your prescription when purchasing contact lenses online to ensure you're getting the right fit for your eyes.
How long is a contact prescription good for? ›Generally, contact lens prescriptions are valid from 1 to 2 years following the date of your last eye exam and contact lens fitting. Once your prescription expires, it's time for your contacts prescription renewal.
How to buy contact lenses for the first time online? ›- Get an eye exam. ...
- Check your contact lens prescription. ...
- Be aware contacts and glasses prescriptions are different. ...
- Stick to the prescribed brand. ...
- Shop around. ...
- Ensure you always have contacts and lens care supplies. ...
- Check out the seller's reputation. ...
- Beware of online eye exams.
Kirkland Signature Premium Daily Disposable (Same as MyDay Daily Disposable) are Store Brands contact lenses. They are made of Silicone Hydrogel and are manufactured by CooperVision.
Can I use insurance to buy contacts at Costco? ›At Costco, you can have your eyes examined in addition to perusing a wide selection of glasses and contacts. Costco Optical accepts most vision insurance plans and you can schedule an exam with its independent Doctor of Optometry.
Where does Costco get their contact lenses? ›We only sell the MyDay label. Kirkland Signature Daily Disposable contact lenses are identical to MyDay contact lenses. Costco's Kirkland "Premium Dailies Disposable" or just "Daily Disposable" contact lenses are manufactured by CooperVision.
Does 1800 contacts verify prescription? ›After you submit your order, we'll verify your prescription with your eye care provider to make super-sure you get the correct contacts. This may take up to one business day.
Why is a prescription required to order contacts? ›
Contact lenses cannot be legally obtained without a prescription because they are classified as medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), whether they correct vision or are simply used for cosmetic purposes.
What happens if you don't wear your monthly contacts every day? ›Corneal complications and eye infections can occur if you don't replace your contacts as recommended.
What does toric mean in contact lenses? ›A toric lens is a contact lens that's shaped in a particular way. Standard contact lenses have a spherical surface: think of a slice of the side of a beach ball. A torus, in contrast, is a geometric shape that looks like a donut. A toric lens is shaped like a slice of the side of this donut.
Are next day contacts legit? ›NextdayLenses.com are a trusted online reseller of contact lenses, solutions and accessories in the UK. We offer top quality products, the exact same lenses that your Optician has prescribed to you, for lower prices than you will find on the High Street.
Can I use my eyeglass prescription to buy over the counter contact lenses? ›Can You Use Your Glasses Prescription for Contact Lenses? Unfortunately, you can't use your current glasses prescription for contact lenses. While both can correct your vision, your prescription for glasses differs from a contact lens prescription in many ways.
What states allow online eye exams? ›Online vision testing services for prescription renewal are allowed in AK, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, IA, IL, KS, KY, MA, ME, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI and WY.
Are all contacts the same price? ›The Cost Factors of Contacts
The price of contacts can depend on several different factors including the brand you choose, how often you need to replace them (every day, every week, or every month), and where you buy them. If you have a complex vision problem, your contacts could cost you more.
If you don't have a vision change and you take good care of your lenses, you may be able to keep one pair of hard contact lenses for 2 to 3 years. Less expensive. Because they last longer than soft lenses, hard contact lenses tend to be less expensive in the long run. Better option for astigmatism.
Are monthly or daily contacts better? ›While daily contacts may be more suitable for some people, they're not “better” than monthly contacts. Sometimes they're seen as a safer choice because there's no day-to-day build-up of natural deposits, but again, that doesn't necessarily make them better.
Are daily contacts more expensive? ›They Are More Expensive Upfront
Daily contacts are more expensive upfront. In fact, they cost more than most other types of lenses. But you need to also consider that you will need fewer lens care items. You won't have to invest in lens solution or contact cases.
Why are contacts so much cheaper online? ›
Contact lenses bought online will be cheaper because the process is much simpler and there are less business expenses. There's no real estate, no staff to accommodate you, and no paying a medical professional for a considerable chunk of their valuable time.
Is it okay to order contacts online? ›Myth: Contact lenses bought online cause infections
Response: Buying contact lenses online is perfectly safe as reputable retailers do not stock any products that would harm your eyes.
Monthly disposable lenses have 6 lenses in one box so you need 2 boxes for each eye in one year. Daily disposable lenses have 30 lenses in one box so you need 12 boxes for each eye in one year. Fifteen days disposable have 6 lenses in one box so you need 4 boxes for each eye in one year.
What is the downside of hard contacts? ›One notable downside of RGP contacts is that their smaller size and inability to conform to the eye the way soft lenses do makes them more susceptible to particles, such as sand, getting under them and causing irritation. You can mitigate this risk by wearing wraparound sunglasses when near beaches or on windy days.
Are plastic or glass lenses better? ›Plastic lenses are clearer to see out of and less prone to glares because they are less reflective than glass lenses. Plastic lenses are offered in more colors and larger sizes than glass lenses, which make them more versatile. Essentially you can get any type of frame in prescription with plastic lenses.
Which brand is best for contact lenses? ›- Bausch & Lomb Soflens 59 Contact Lenses.
- Freshlook One-Day Color Pure Hazel Powerless.
- Soft Eye Diamond Eye 3 Pair.
- Bausch & Lomb Optima38 Contact Lens.
- Clear Contact Lens Monthly Power.
- Acuvue 1 Day Moist Daily Contact Lens.
- How Often Will You Wear Contacts? ...
- How Picky Are You About The Sharpness Of Your Vision? ...
- Are You Willing To Care For Your Contacts Properly? ...
- Is Overnight Wear Important To You? ...
- Do You Want To Change Your Eye Color? ...
- Do You Wear Bifocals? ...
- What About Contact Lens Costs?
You can wear them and dispose of them without worrying about storing them safely in a case. While both monthly and yearly disposable contact lenses are suitable for daily use, they require more care and regular cleaning.
How much should a year supply of daily contacts cost? ›How Much Do Daily Contacts Cost? Daily disposable contacts for both eyes cost approximately $50 to $75 per month, $600 to $900 per year, or $0.85 to $1.25 per day. These estimates apply to daily single-vision contacts that correct only nearsightedness or farsightedness, not astigmatism or presbyopia.
How long do daily contacts actually last? ›As the name explains, daily disposable contacts are only good for one day. Because the instructions advise for the lenses to be thrown out every day, they give the option to buy lenses in 30-count (one-month) or 90-count (three-month) packs.
Are daily or monthly contacts better for astigmatism? ›
For people with astigmatism or who need multifocal lenses, a monthly may be the only way for you to get the level of vision correction you need. If your eyes are sensitive, you might prefer daily contacts.