If you’ve ever relied on contact lenses to see clearly, you know they’re incredibly expensive. And with few ways to buy contacts outside your optometrist’s office, saving money isn’t really an option.
Today, however, the way you buy contacts is changing. There’s a more affordable and convenient way: buying contact lenses online. And buying contact lenses online is as simple as a few clicks of your mouse. Here’s why buying contact lenses online is a smart idea.
You’ll Save Money
A one-year supply of contacts costs between $220 and $260 according to All About Vision¹. And that total doesn’t include the amount you’ll pay for contact solution and storage.
Ordering online offers you the chance to save in two way: each box will be cheaper and you can order in bulk. Online contact lens retailers offer incentives like coupon codes, bulk order discounts, free shipping, dollars off automatic refills, and even special seasonal sales to help you cut costs. And those savings can be significant, adding up every time you reorder.
Free Trial Options
Another benefit to buying contact lenses online is you can try them out for free. Many brands offer a free trial to ensure their lenses are the perfect fit for you before you pay for a bulk order – and you’ll also save money with a few pairs of free lenses to try.
You can get a free trial for almost any contact lens brand either from your optometrist or online in just a few seconds. No matter which brand you typically wear or want to try, there’s a good chance you can score a pair or two of free lenses. The biggest names in contact lenses offer these free trials, including Acuvue, CooperVision, Dailies, Bausch + Lomb, and AIR OPTIX.
Before you place an order for contacts, search online to see what free trials are offered. These free trials don’t have an end date, so you’ll be able to try out as many brands and as many lenses as you’d like before settling on the best or most affordable option.
Skip the Doctor’s Visit: Contacts Are Delivered to Your Door
Don’t want to make another trip to your doctor’s office to pick up your next contact lens supply? Ordering contact lenses online eliminates this errand entirely.
Online contact lens companies will deliver your contacts wherever you’re located – and they’ll do it fast. Most companies will get you your contacts in less than one week, ensuring you never have to go without your lenses. And you even have the option to set up automatic refills so you no longer need to worry about when your lenses will run out.
In order to buy contact lenses online, you’ll need the same information you need when buying from an optometrist: a prescription specifically for contact lenses and the size or dimension of lenses you need. However, you don’t need to head to your doctor’s office and sit through a long wait before you’re seen. You can get a prescription online in minutes.
Many contact lens companies offer online eye exams, meaning you can meet with an optometrist via video chat and take the necessary exams in minutes. Then, the optometrist will immediately add your prescription to your profile, letting you order the contacts you need. And these exams can even be covered by insurance just like a regular optometrist visit.
The Best Online Contact Lens Companies
There are plenty of benefits to buying your contact lenses online – but you don’t want to settle for any website that promises cheap contacts. The best places to shop for contacts online are those offering a big selection, easy ordering, and significant savings. Check out the following top online contact lens retailers:
Coastal
Coastal is a leading online source for prescription contact lenses. With a selection of 33 brands to choose from, lenses for every vision need, and bulk ordering options, Coastal offers today’s most popular brands at affordable prices. Coastal will automatically refill your prescription and ship you your lenses before you run out. Even better, Coastal offers a price-match guarantee – so if you find your contact lenses for less elsewhere, they’ll lower their price.
1-800 Contacts
One of the biggest online contact lens retailers, 1800Contacts.com is one of the best places to shop for any contact brand or type. With more than 40 brands, this site has one of the biggest selections found anywhere. And 1-800 Contacts makes it easy to fill your vision needs, offering online eye exams, prescriptions, and automatic refills. You’ll save with 1-800 Contacts discounts on every order thanks to regular coupon codes and a price-match guarantee.
LensDirect.com
LensDirect.com is one of the oldest retailers in the online contact lens industry. LensDirect offers around 18 different brands of contact lenses and a website loaded with features like online eye exams and live chat support. Ordering from LensDirect is easy, and orders typically ship within five days. In addition to lower bulk prices, you’ll also get additional discounts for automatic refills.
Save on Contact Lenses by Shopping Online
It’s time to skip your doctor’s office when you’re in need of a new supply of contact lenses – you need to start ordering your contacts online. You can find a better price or a deeply discounted deal online, and you won’t even have to leave home. From saving you money to saving you time, ordering contacts online is the easiest and most affordable way to buy the lenses you need.
But, before you buy your contacts online, make sure you do your research. Not all online contact lens retailers are the same. Some offer better, lower prices while others price match and offer free prescriptions or exams. That’s why it pays to research and shop around, comparing prices and available discounts so you get the quality contact lenses you need at a price you can afford.
Like anything, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest research. We recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a final decision. Doing a search online is typically the quickest, most thorough way to discover all the pros and cons you need to keep in mind.