The Best Places to Buy Contacts Online in 2024
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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Can’t make it to the eye doctor to grab your contacts? You can send contacts to your home and make it easier on yourself. Check out our top picks for places to buy contacts online.
Share on Pinterest A quick look at where to buy contacts online
If you’re among the 45 million people in the United States who wear contact lenses, you know the hassle of keeping them in stock at home. To ensure you always have a pair handy and keep costs down, many people choose to buy their lenses online instead of directly from healthcare professionals or in stores.
There are many online retailers of contact lenses with features that vary. Some retailers make their own brand of lenses, others offer special bundles or offers, and some even have subscription services so you don’t have to think about reordering.
In order to help you determine which features may work best for you, we’ve reviewed the best places to buy contact lenses online.
Healthline’s picks for the best stores to order contacts online
Best overall
1-800 Contacts
Healthline's review
It may be hard to believe, but contact lenses online were once hard to find. 1-800 Contacts was an early entry into the online contact lens market. It’s still one of the largest sellers, offering an extensive selection of brands and contact lens types.
1-800 Contacts offers a best price guarantee for any of its U.S.-based competitors. If you see a better price elsewhere, you can start an online chat on the website. 1-800 Contacts will verify the lower price and price match, so you can get the cheapest contacts online that are available anywhere.
Once your order is on file, your contacts will ship on the day you order them. Standard shipping is free and takes 5 to 7 business days after your prescription is verified (which takes one business day). If you need them sooner, rush shipping is available.
It accepts vision insurance and its in-network insurance partners include:
If you have an expired prescription, you can update it by taking an online vision exam for $20.
1-800 Contacts offers 24/7 online support, plus free returns and exchanges.
The 1-800 Contacts app for iOS, which features an express prescription renewal exam, gets a 4.9 out of 5 star rating, on average, from users.
What our tester says
Healthline editor Megan Severs tested this service during COVID-19 lockdowns. She found it to be user-friendly and was impressed by the company’s ability to work with her doctor to get prescription information.
“I was able to get new contacts without needing to wait for my eye doctor to reopen. I really appreciated that they found a solution for this,” she said. However, it’s worth noting that this vision exam doesn’t take the place of an annual comprehensive exam.
Healthline editor Megan Severs tested this service during COVID-19 lockdowns. She found it to be user-friendly and was impressed by the company’s ability to work with her doctor to get prescription information.
“I was able to get new contacts without needing to wait for my eye doctor to reopen. I really appreciated that they found a solution for this,” she said. However, it’s worth noting that this vision exam doesn’t take the place of an annual comprehensive exam.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best for saving on top brands
Warby Parker for Contacts
Healthline's review
Warby Parker is best known for selling stylish eyeglasses and sunglasses online and in retail stores at very cost-effective prices.
It also carries a selection of the best contact lenses online, including its own brand of low cost daily lenses: Scout by Warby Parker. Scout costs $44 for a box of 90 daily lenses, but you can also request a free trial. A comparably sized box of Acuvue Oasys 1-Day goes for $92 here.
If you’re interested in Scout, you must go to Warby Parker in person for your eye to ensure that the prescription is done correctly for the brand.
Warby Parker sells daily, biweekly, and monthly lenses from brands, such as:
Contact lenses ship free.
If cost is an issue, you can set up interest-free monthly payments for your lenses by selecting Affirm at checkout.
You can also use the highly rated Warby Parker app for iOS to shop for contacts and eyeglasses.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best for specialized lenses
ContactsDirect
Healthline's review
ContactsDirect gets high marks from consumers for running sales on a regular basis. It also sends out coupons regularly to existing customers and offer discounts on contacts purchased as an annual supply.
A 90-day 1-pack of Acuvue Moist reduces from $80.61 for a 90-day supply. If you opt into the annual supply option, you’ll save $100 a year on this brand.
It accepts most major vision insurance plans, including:
ContactsDirect carries specialized lenses, including:
It makes it super easy for you to shop by brand or by lens type.
Once your order is verified, your contacts will ship out free via standard delivery, to arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Rush deliveries range from 3 to 5 days for $11.99, or 1 to 2 days for $19.99.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best full line of eyewear
Glasses USA
4.5 (51.6k+) from GlassesUSAHealthline's review
GlassesUSA.com carries a full line of eyewear, including contact lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and blue-light-blocking glasses.
It offers a price-match guarantee, 100% money-back guarantee, plus free shipping and returns. If cost is an issue, you can pay for your contacts in three interest-free installments.
GlassesUSA.com works with a limited number of in-network vision insurance companies, including UnitedHealthcare.
Standard shipping is free and takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your contacts yesterday, expedited shipping will get them to you in 3 to 5 business days for $12.95.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best for quality customer service
Lens.com
4.8 (5.5k+) from Lens.com
Healthline's review
Lens.com was established in 1995 and is currently known for having an extensive selection of contact lens brands at wholesale or near wholesale prices.
To get the best price on contacts, you’ll have to log into the Lens.com rebate center to print out and mail in a rebate form. Visa rebate cards are mailed back.
It sells multiple brands, including some Bausch + Lomb brands like:
You can purchase daily disposables, monthly packages, or biweekly lenses in single packs or in bulk. Lens.com prices are structured so that the more you buy, the lower the cost.
The company tends to get high marks for customer service, an easy return process, and delivery speed. However, shipping isn’t free. You’ll pay $9.95 for standard shipping of up to 5 to 7 business days, and $24.95 for FedEx Next Day (1 business day). International shipping is available for $24.95 to $39.95.
There have been complaints, but mostly about the gift card rebate program and higher than expected service charge fees.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best for reusable contact lenses
LensCrafters
Healthline's review
LensCrafters carries several brands of disposable lenses, including Acuvue, Air Optix, Ray-Ban, and Biofinity. It also carries its own brand of contact lenses.
When you purchase an annual supply, you can get $200 off most lenses.
It carries a broad range of specialty lenses, including:
You can buy eyeglasses and sunglasses here as well.
LensCrafters offers discounts for students, AAA members, and AARP members. It also accepts out-of-network insurance plans, and vision insurance from many major plans, including:
One thing that sets LensCrafters apart is its 1,000-plus brick-and-mortar stores. If you live near a LensCrafters store, you can shop online and pick up your lenses as soon as your prescription is verified. You can also go to a LensCrafters store for free eyewear fittings or adjustments.
LensCrafters offers a free Responsible (green) shipping option. Green shipping is designed around eco-friendly technologies and policies geared toward reducing the environmental impact of global trade. Green shipping takes 7 days.
LensCrafters also offer free ground shipping, which takes 3 to 5 business days, and 1-day shipping for $9.99. All shipping types require an additional 1 to 2 days of processing for contact lenses. So, 1-day shipping could take 3 days to arrive.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best for worldwide shipping
ContactLensKing.com
Healthline's review
ContactLensKing.com carries popular brands of contact lenses from manufacturers, such as:
Popular brands of daily disposable lenses start as low as $17.95, though prices can fluctuate.
It gets superior marks from users for customer service, its 100% money-back guarantee, and everyday discounted pricing.
It carries specialty lenses, including multifocals for astigmatism and daily, biweekly, or monthly disposables.
ContactLensKing.com will ship to foreign and domestic addressees. However, shipping isn’t free, and it doesn’t provide a ballpark shipping time for orders on its website. If you fax ContactLensKing.com your prescription, the company will be able to speed up your order.
A prescription for contact lenses involves more than simply knowing the optical power that corrects for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Knowing the right contact lens material and size for your eyes can help prevent eye discomfort and other eye concerns.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best for a large selection
Walmart Contacts
Healthline's review
Walmart carries a fairly full range of contact lens brands, including:
Contact lenses are comparably priced to most other large online retailers. A 90-day supply of 1-day Acuvue Moist retails for $73.86.
Standard shipping is free and takes 5 to 7 days, based on the prescription verification process. Expedited 3- to 4-day shipping is available for $11.95.
A subscription service is available with the interval and shipping schedule of your choice.
Pros & cons
Product details
Best for insurance coverage
Eyeconic
30-day free returns or exchanges
GET STARTED WITH EYECONICHealthline's review
This online retailer of contacts, eyeglasses, and sunglasses was founded in 2011 by VSP, a not-for-profit vision benefits and services company. Eyeconic accepts VSP, MetLife, and Cigna Vision insurance.
You can also use your flexible spending account and health savings account funds on contacts through Eyeconic. In addition to being our top pick for insurance coverage, it also offers a wide selection of contact brands, with over 20 to choose from, including Acuvue, Air Optix, and Biotrue.
Like others on this list, it offers free shipping and free returns. However, contact lenses and vials removed from their original packaging can’t be returned.
Pros & cons
Product details
Reminder about online eye exams
Though some online contact platforms can do an eye exam virtually, it’s important to note that this isn’t a substitute for a full exam. Eye care professionals recommend yearly in-person eye exams for people who wear contacts.
Comparing the best online contacts
Online retailerPriceInsurance acceptedTrial periodHome RXrenewalShipping1-800 Contacts$51.99 for 30-day pack of Acuvue Moistyesbest price guaranteeyesfreeWarby Parker$42.32 for 30-day pack of Acuvue Moistyes6-pack free trialyesfreeContactsDirect$47.99 for 30-day pack of Acuvue Moistyesprice match guaranteenofreeGlassesUSA.com$52.69 for 30-day pack of Acuvue Moistyes30-day trial pack for $1yesfreeLens.com$36.74 for 30-day pack of Acuvue Moistnobest price guaranteeyes$9.95LensCrafters$50.99 for 30-day Acuvue Moistyes30-day happiness guaranteenofreeContactLensKing.com$32.95 for 30-day Acuvue Moistnosatisfaction guaranteeno$9.95Walmart Contacts$46.86 for 30-day Acuvue Moistno60-day satisfaction guaranteenofreeEyeconic$58.99 for 30-day pack of Acuvue Moistyes1-year warrantynofreeHow we chose online stores for contact lenses
Here’s what we looked for to find the best places to buy contacts online:
Are contact lenses medical devices?
Yes, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers contact lenses as medical devices and regulates them for safety and effectiveness for vision correction. Contact lenses should only be purchased from reputable sources and manufacturers, such as those listed in this article.
Keep in mind that some eye doctors and people who wear contact lenses advise against using online retailers to buy contacts, citing experiences with incorrect contacts and low quality products.
What to look for when evaluating online contact lens retailers
Check the seller’s reputation
Even the best business is bound to have some poor reviews. However, if reviews are consistently negative, particularly about a specific issue, it can be a red flag. Also, try to look for the most recent reviews for a better picture of what to expect from the company now.
Check out each retailer’s website and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for user-submitted reviews.
Consider quality and cost
Price comparison shopping is a good idea, but some deeply discounted contact lens retailers also have bad reputations. Less expensive products can sometimes wind up costing you more in the long run, such as in contact lenses that come ripped, in unsealed boxes, or made of lower quality.
To avoid this, always choose to buy from a retailer that offers a money-back guarantee or a price-match guarantee.
Words to the wiseIt’s important to keep in mind that contact lens prescriptions are brand specific and can’t be substituted. Your eye doctor will include which brand they prescribe on your prescription.
Tips for buying contacts online
Buying in batches or subscriptions
On most sites, the best way to get a good deal is to buy in bulk. Using a monthly prescription service can be a viable way to save money on your current prescription. Choose a service that lets you opt out at any time without penalty.
Checking in with an eye doctor
Some online sites offer prescription checks. These are fine to use if you wish to extend the time between your doctor’s visits. However, it’s very important to get your eyes checked regularly. An online prescription check doesn’t include overall eye health and won’t identify conditions, such as macular degeneration or glaucoma.
Even sites with great chat features won’t offer much support when it comes to deciding what’s best for your eye health.
Buying online isn’t for everyone. If it’s not for you, consider purchasing directly through your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Some offices partner with suppliers to have your prescriptions mailed to you.
The American Optometric Society recommends an annual comprehensive eye exam for all contact lens wearers, so be sure to get checked out if you haven’t done so recently.
These exams should be in person, as the prescription checks offered by online services are not able to check the fit of the contacts or see if there are any side effects from your contacts.
Aim to see your eye health professional in person every year.
Buying where your vision insurance is accepted
Not every site accepts vision insurance. If you do have coverage, you can buy from a retailer that accepts it. This can wind up saving you hundreds of dollars annually.
Frequently asked questions about buying contacts online
Do you need a prescription for colored contact lenses?
Even without vision correction, a contact lens exam and prescription from an eye doctor are necessary for colored contact lenses.
That’s because the doctor needs to be sure that the lenses will fit correctly on the eye and that your general eye health supports the use of colored lenses.
Even without vision correction, a contact lens exam and prescription from an eye doctor are necessary for colored contact lenses.
That’s because the doctor needs to be sure that the lenses will fit correctly on the eye and that your general eye health supports the use of colored lenses.
How often should you replace your contacts?
If you aren’t wearing disposable contacts, you can use fresh contact solution every night and replace your contacts as stated on your prescription. Each type of contacts has its own guidelines, so be sure to follow them.
Contact lens cases should be changed every 3 months.
If you aren’t wearing disposable contacts, you can use fresh contact solution every night and replace your contacts as stated on your prescription. Each type of contacts has its own guidelines, so be sure to follow them.
Contact lens cases should be changed every 3 months.
Is it illegal to buy contact lenses online?
No. But be sure to use your prescription when purchasing contact lenses online to make sure you’re getting the right fit for your eyes.
No. But be sure to use your prescription when purchasing contact lenses online to make sure you’re getting the right fit for your eyes.
Is it bad to wear contacts every day?
No. But it’s important to take proper care of your contact lenses and your eyes.
You can learn some best practices for contact lens care.
No. But it’s important to take proper care of your contact lenses and your eyes.
You can learn some best practices for contact lens care.
What is the best website to order contacts from?
There are many great websites to order contacts from, including 1-800 Contacts and ContactsDirect.
When choosing the best online retailer for you, consider features like acceptance of vision insurance, selection, cost, and free shipping.
There are many great websites to order contacts from, including 1-800 Contacts and ContactsDirect.
When choosing the best online retailer for you, consider features like acceptance of vision insurance, selection, cost, and free shipping.
Can I order contacts online without a doctor?
The short answer is no. You do need a verified prescription to purchase contact lenses. When you get your eye exam, the prescriber is required to give you a copy of your contact lens prescription when the fitting is complete.
You can get a prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist if you choose. Opticians are customer service specialists who work in vision care centers and can read prescriptions given by other eye care professionals. Some online retailers supply their own eye care professionals.
It’s very important that you only use this prescription to order contacts, otherwise you can hurt your eyes.
The short answer is no. You do need a verified prescription to purchase contact lenses. When you get your eye exam, the prescriber is required to give you a copy of your contact lens prescription when the fitting is complete.
You can get a prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist if you choose. Opticians are customer service specialists who work in vision care centers and can read prescriptions given by other eye care professionals. Some online retailers supply their own eye care professionals.
It’s very important that you only use this prescription to order contacts, otherwise you can hurt your eyes.
Why are contacts cheaper online than in person?
By selling contacts online, manufacturers can cut out intermediaries and distributors and the overhead costs of their brick-and-mortar stores.
Being able to shop around and look for the best offer is what keeps the prices competitive and makes it more affordable for you. However, there are companies who do charge more than the going price.
Make sure to make use of the offers and bundles some of these websites have to make sure you get the best value.
By selling contacts online, manufacturers can cut out intermediaries and distributors and the overhead costs of their brick-and-mortar stores.
Being able to shop around and look for the best offer is what keeps the prices competitive and makes it more affordable for you. However, there are companies who do charge more than the going price.
Make sure to make use of the offers and bundles some of these websites have to make sure you get the best value.
Takeaway
There are many online contact lens retailers, but many come up short when it comes to customer service and product guarantees.
The sites on this list have a consistent record of customer satisfaction. Many take vision insurance or offer monthly payment plans. Many also provide price-match guarantees and free shipping on returns.
Posted : 2024-08-29 10:49
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