Purchasing contact Lenses

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I've been trying to enjoy the luxury of contact lenses over eyeglasses - when the left lense isn't irritating my eye. Whether due to defect or an allergy, we're not sure so a new trial lense has been ordered. My right lense isn't causing a problem. (I have different prescriptions). If the new lense is still problematic I'm going to request a different brand.

So, I was pricing contact lenses online. The prices advertised on http://www.1-save-on-lens.com are 1/2 what the optometrist quoted me. Does anyone on the DIS order their lenses online? Does it matter where I buy them?

 

[minniecarousel]

My son found his cheaper at Costco - so I'd shop around - once you find the style that works for you! (Your eye doc is supposed to give you your Rx so that you can purchase lenses anywhere.)

 

[kadaten]

I never buy from the optometrist. They're always WAY over priced....mine was usually charging $30/box for what I could get for $19/box. I've bought mine at Wal-Mart optical or Sam's optical for years...best prices around! I recently started ordering (once so far) from 1800contacts....they're phone order or online order....because I'm trying to reduce the number of errands I'm always running. Their prices were within a buck of WalMart and I got free shipping and they were here within a week! SO convenient!! You read them your prescription (if you do it by phone) and give them the doc's name and number and they verify the script before sending you the lenses. Then, they keep everything on file, so you can just reorder by your customer number!! Plus, 1800contacts does Upromise, so I get a small percentage back to go towards my kids' college accounts!!

 

[joshsmom]

I also use 1800Contacts but I order mine online. I order a year's worth and I got free shipping and a $30 rebate, plus I got them in less than a week!!! TOO cool!!!

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Those are the responses I was hoping to get. Thanks.

I was quoted about $30/box for extended wear lenses. And I'll need to buy 2 at a time since my eyes are different, UGH! $60 every few months would kill me if I was to wear them regularly. The site I mentioned in the OP offers extended wear for less than $20/box. Plus I'd like to buy new frames and lenses - of which I have found a pair, and currently the frames, with single vision lenses, are 50% off. I wish we had vision insurance

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I took a couple of certificates for other brands/free tirals and I was told I couldn't wear them, but she'd gladly get me a trial pair if ever I need them.

My second trail pair is in and now I have my prescription. I went back to site site I mentioned in the first post and these babies are $34 a box! (I need toric lenses and was given B&L SofLenss66). So much for getting them cheaper . Time to shop around and see if I can find any better deals.

 

[siac]

I purchased my contact lens at http://clecontactlenses.com acuve 2 6 pack $16.50

 

[Microcell]

Remember that your eye doctor is not liable for problems you have due to contacts you do not buy from them. They can reserve the right to charge you every time you come in for a CL related problem. I would be sure what works before using these warehouse contact lens companies.

Also- I know an Optometrist is cheaper, but they only have the equivalent of a Bachelors- Ophthomologists have 12 years of schooling and are MD's. If you have cataracts, glaucoma or Diabetes your medical insurance should cover a yearly comprihensive exam looking at over all eye health including issuing of a contact and glasses prescription- under Medical with an eye MD. Some insurances pay for chronic alergies and dry eye syndrome as well.

Some people do not know this- if they have a OD (Doctor of Optometry or Optometrist) they call themselves doctor but are NOT!!! They have the four years of schooling total. They do not in any way have a doctorate. I am just trying to inform here. I have heard so many horror stories about Optometrists and that people who come into the office I work in that don't know the difference, and it can be big if you have a family history of Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration or Diabetes.

 

[kadaten]

Originally posted by iNTeNSeBLue98
I took a couple of certificates for other brands/free tirals and I was told I couldn't wear them, but she'd gladly get me a trial pair if ever I need them.

My second trail pair is in and now I have my prescription. I went back to site site I mentioned in the first post and these babies are $34 a box! (I need toric lenses and was given B&L SofLenss66). So much for getting them cheaper . Time to shop around and see if I can find any better deals.

I wear the Acuvue Torics, and they're $69.95/double box (12 lenses rather than 6...the only way they come) from 1800contacts....so even a different brand doesn't look to save you money....

 

[CyranoJones]

I know an Optometrist is cheaper, but they only have the equivalent of a Bachelors

That's not really true.



http://www.visionchannel.net/optometrist.shtml

http://www.cao.org/your_optometrist/

http://careerplanning.about.com/library/weekly/aa020603c.htm

 

[Otto's Doll]

I also wear Bausch and Lomb soflens66 Toric Lens. I buy them at Wal-Mart and since I have two different prescriptions I buy two boxes at a time. They come to $59.90 ($29.95 each) every 3 months (I don't wear them longer than the recommended 2 weeks, as they tend to irritate my eyes if I do.)

 

[Auggietina]

I only buy my contacts online. I use:

www.aclens.com

Never had a problem with them

 

[HoneyPooh]

My eye doctor will match prices. I look on-line for the cheapest and print it out and he matches it for me. That way I get them from him but pay less. He will match anything that does not go below his costs. Ask your doctor if their office does this, they won't bring it up if you don't.