AC Lens Review Pros Cons and Purchasing Details
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cdc.gov/contactlenses/fast-facts.htmlOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Oct 19, 2022 By Lacey Muinos Edited By DeVonne Goode Copy Edited By Jen Anderson May 7, 2021 Edited By Candice Abellon Copy Edited By Jen Anderson Share this articleBy Lacey Muinos — Updated on October 18, 2022
AC Lens Review 2022
By Lacey Muinos — Updated on October 18, 2022Share on PinterestGetty Images/SolStockWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. It’s become increasingly popular to shop for eye care needs, like getting glasses, online. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 45 million Americans wear contacts. Along with prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses are considered a medical device, which means they’re regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Seeing clearly is vital for daily life. Read on to find out if the eye care brand AC Lens is the right option for your eyes.What is AC Lens
AC Lens has been selling eye care online since the wee days of the internet, way back in 1996. Their original focus was contact lenses, and AC Lens was one of the first online contact lens providers. Today, they sell a variety of eyewear products beyond contacts, including eyeglasses, sunglasses, readers, and eye care accessories.Pros
Budget-friendly. AC Lens offers a range of options at widely varying price points;. There’s something for every budget.Data privacy. They use SSL encryption and DigiCert Secure Site privacy standards on their website.Longevity. AC Lens has been around for 26 years.One-stop shop. In addition to contact lenses, you can buy cleaning solution and other eye care products.Cons
No testing available. There isn’t a virtual try-on option for eyeglasses.Shipping cost. You have to spend at least $99 to get free shipping.Mixed reviews on customer service. A few reviewers say it’s difficult to get good service.What does AC Lens carry
AC Lens specializes in contacts. They offer many contact lens brands in varying types, including: daily, weekly, and monthly disposablescolored contactslenses for astigmatism They also offer a large selection of eye care products, likecontact lens solutioncomputer vision aidesdry-eye and red-eye treatmentsswimming goggles. AC Lens sells eyeglasses and sunglasses for women, men, and children. They also sell reading glasses and computer glasses. All frames come in a variety of shapes, colors, and styles.How much does it cost to buy eyewear from AC Lens
Prices vary depending on what you’re buying. Mosey over to the sale section to score even cheaper lenses or frames. Check the banner at the top of the site for a promotional code aimed at new customers, for 20 percent off.Contacts
The prices for contacts vary wildly depending on brand, type, and whether you need special lenses (for example, toric lenses for astigmatism). Each box of contact lenses is priced from about $23.99 to $154.99.Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses also have a wide range of costs, depending on:Lenses and prescription. Single vision, plastic lenses are included for most, but not all, frames that AC Lens sells. You can find lenses for as little as $39.95, as well as some sunglasses that cost over $200. Frames and brand. Popular, trendy frames tend to cost about $59.95.Additional coatings and features. You can add enhancements, like blue light blocking for $19, transitions for $79, or sun tint for $5. So a pair of basic eyeglasses can be as low as $39.95, or $400+ with fancier frames and add-ons.Reading glasses
Reading glasses are simpler and more affordable. The options at AC Lens cost between $10.99 and $54.95.Other eye care products
The cost of eye care products, like contact lens solution, seems comparable to drugstore prices. Check out their site to see if you can get a deal on your favorite brands.Does AC Lens accept insurance
AC Lens is an out-of-network provider for several vision insurance plans, including EyeMed and VSP. After making your purchase, fill out an out-of-network reimbursement form, attach your itemized receipt, and submit it to your insurance. Check out this page for more details about AC Lens and vision insurance.How it works
AC Lens is an online-only company. The website is easy to navigate, with drop-down menus where you can select from a list of eyewear types and eye care brands. Because they offer so many products, product reviews are scattered throughout the site. If you see yellow stars under an item description, click on them to read customer reviews.How do I order from AC Lens
Ordering from the site is fairly straightforward and comparable to other online eyewear sites. For prescription lenses and glasses, you’ll need a current prescription from your eye doctor. Or, you can renew your prescription for free, from home with the AC Lens Online Vision Test. For eyeglasses, you’ll need to know your pupillary distance (PD), which is the distance between your pupils. If you don’t know your PD, use this AC Lens guide to measure it. Steps to order on AC Lens:Choose your contacts or frames. Enter your prescription. Add any enhancements, if applicable.Add to cart.Place your order.AC Lens delivery
AC lens offers free standard shipping for all eyewear and all other orders over $99. Otherwise, you’ll pay $5.99 for shipping on orders under $99. Here’s what you can expect:You’ll receive your order in 5 to 7 business days for contacts, sunglasses, accessories, and frames only. Or, you’ll receive prescription eyewear in 9 to 14 business days.Expedited delivery is available for $9.99. You’ll receive your order in 3 to 4 business days for contacts, sunglasses, accessories, and frames only. Or you’ll receive prescription eyewear in 7 to 11 business days.AC Lens return policy
AC Lens boasts free return shipping. Contact customer service for a free return shipping label. Within 365 days of receiving your return, AC Lens will inspect the product and then let you pick between a refund to your original payment method or a replacement shipped free.AC Lens reputation
AC Lens has an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and they’ve been BBB-accredited since 2001. Consumer ratings on Trustpilot average 2.2 out of 5 stars based on 12 reviews. Some of these reviews rave about the quality of customer service, while others state the service is awful. In general, there aren’t too many reviews. There’s one review from July 2022 stating the customer service experience was abysmal. However, there are also recent positive reviews. AC Lens was involved in a 2020 class-action lawsuit alleging that the company, and other eyewear retailers, “illegally entered into anti-competitive agreements.” The lawsuit was settled for $40 million, with $7 million of that coming from AC Lens.Alternatives to AC Lens
AC Lens is a go-to online contacts lens company, but it’s not the only one. There are companies offering similar services. If you’re wondering whether AC Lens is right for you, here’s how it stacks up against its competitors.CompanyAC Lens1-800 ContactsLens.comGlassesUSAWarby ParkerShippingFree over $99, $6.99 under $99Free standard shippingBetween $9.95 and $39.95Free shipping on all ordersShipping is always freeOffer for new customers20% off your first order20% off your first orderNone65% off your first frame15% off your first contacts orderTakes insuranceIs an out-of-network provider for some insurance providersYes, for select in-network providersIs an out-of-network provider for most major insurance providersYes, for select providersYes, for select providersAllows unopened box exchanges or returns with a new subscriptionYes, up to 365 days after purchaseYesYesYes, within 30 days of receiving themYes, within 30 days of receiptOffers online vision examYesYesYesNoNoFrequently asked questions
Is AC Lens reputable
While some online reviews are mixed, AC Lens is a legit company. AC Lens has an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. The company takes user privacy seriously and guarantees customer satisfaction.What does AC Lens stand for
AC Lens stands for Arlington Contact Lens Service Inc.Does AC Lens price match
Yes, AC Lens has a great price match policy. The company will not only match competitor pricing, they will beat it with an additional five percent discount. However, the policy has some restrictions.Does AC Lens have an online vision test
Yes, AC Lens offers an online vision test, so you can renew your vision prescription quickly, at home, and at no cost. You will need both a computer and a smartphone and 10 feet of space. The test only takes 15 minutes to complete. However, there are some limitations as you must be between 18 and 55 years old.Does AC Lens accept HSA and FSA
Yes, FSA and HSA cards are accepted at AC Lens. You may need to check with your plan administrator to make sure contact lenses qualify.Is it worth it
AC Lens is a solid retailer for all your contact lens needs. With the company’s online vision test, you don’t even need to leave your home to renew your vision prescription, which usually expires after a year or two anyway. The site has regular incentives for new customers but tries to keep existing customers happy, too, with its price match and customer satisfaction policies. Plus, returns are easy. However, some online reviews aren’t too thrilled with their quality control, shipping speeds, and customer service. While AC Lens doesn’t offer free shipping on all orders, shipping is free on orders more than $99. If you stock up on contact lenses so you don’t run out, this minimum is pretty easy to meet if contacts are your eyewear of choice. It’s easy to see why some contacts users would choose AC Lens over its many competitors.How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Fast facts, contact lenses. (2018).cdc.gov/contactlenses/fast-facts.htmlOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Oct 19, 2022 By Lacey Muinos Edited By DeVonne Goode Copy Edited By Jen Anderson May 7, 2021 Edited By Candice Abellon Copy Edited By Jen Anderson Share this articleBy Lacey Muinos — Updated on October 18, 2022