8 Best Places to Buy Contacts Online 2022
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aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-careContact lens prescription. (2020).
fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/contact-lens-prescriptionContact lens rule. (n.d.).
ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/contact-lens-ruleHealthy contact lens wear and care: Fast facts. (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 Corey Whelan Edited By DeVonne Goode Medically Reviewed By Jenna Stoddard, OD Copy Edited By Copy Editors Jul 28, 2022 By Corey Whelan Edited By Samantha Kostaras Medically Reviewed By Jenna Stoddard, OD Copy Edited By Anne Arntson VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Jenna Stoddard, OD — By Corey Whelan — Updated on October 18, 2022
8 Best Places to Get Contacts Online in 2022
Medically reviewed by Jenna Stoddard, OD — By Corey Whelan — Updated on October 18, 2022Share on PinterestGetty Images/FOTOGRAFIA INC.We 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. Around 45 million people in the United States wear contact lenses to improve their vision. In 2018, approximately 22 to 30 percent of adults in the United States bought lenses online instead of directly from healthcare professionals or in stores. The reasons for this vary but include:affordabilityconveniencefast deliverywide selectionA quick look at our top picks
Best for accepting insurance: 1-800 ContactsBest for specialized lenses: ContactsDirectBest full line of eyewear: GlassesUSA comBest for quality customer service: Lens comBest for reusable contact lenses: LensCraftersBest for stylish glasses and sunglasses: Warby ParkerBest for discounted pricing: ContactLensKing comBest for a large selection: Walmart ContactsAre contact lenses medical devices
Yes, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers contact lenses medical devices and regulates them for safety and effectiveness for vision correction. They should only be purchased from reputable sources and manufacturers. In this article, we’ll provide information on the top choices for online contact lens retailers. 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.How we chose online stores for contact lenses
Here’s what we looked for to find the best places to buy contacts online:Solid reputations. We omitted retailers who have an extensive history of complaints across multiple areas, including customer service and product quality. We omitted those with low ratings or a history of fraudulent practices. We checked out consumer reports on sites such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Quality and selection. We chose sites that offer a wide variety of contact lens brands from trusted manufacturers using modern lens materials.Ease of mind. We looked for those that offer money-back guarantees and price-match guarantees.Healthline s picks for the best stores to order contacts online
Best for accepting insurance
1-800 Contacts
Insurance accepted? yesFree shipping and returns? yes 1-800 Contacts was an early entry into the online contact lens market. They’re still one of the largest sellers, offering an extensive selection of brands and contact lens types, including dailies and trifocals. 1-800 Contacts offers a best price guarantee for any of their U.S.-based competitors. If you see a better price elsewhere, initiate an online chat on their website. They’ll verify the lower price, and reduce their cost accordingly. 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. If you need them sooner, rush shipping is available. They accept vision insurance. Their in-network insurance partners include:AnthemUnited Healthcare VisionDavis VisionSpectera If you have an expired prescription, you can update it by taking an online vision exam for $20. Note that this vision exam doesn’t take the place of an annual comprehensive exam, however. 1-800 Contacts also offers 24/7 online support, plus free returns and exchanges. The 1-800 Contacts app for iOS, which features an express prescription renewal exam, consistently gets 5-star ratings from users.Pros
best price guaranteelow cost online vision exam is available24/7 online supportfree returns and exchangesaccepts vision insuranceCons
many negative reviews on BBB and Trustpilotnegative reviews often mention unprofessional customer service Shop now at 1-800 ContactsBest for specialized lenses
ContactsDirect
Insurance accepted?yesFree shipping and returns?yesContactsDirect gets high marks from consumers for running sales on a regular basis. They also send out coupons regularly to existing customers, and offer discounts on contacts purchased as an annual supply. A 90-day 1-pack of Acuvue Moist drops from $76.99 to $67.61 with the annual supply option. They accept most major vision insurance plans, including:AetnaBlue View VisionEyeMedHumanaSuperior Vision ContactsDirect carries specialized lenses, including:toric lenses for astigmatismmonovision contact lensesmultifocals and bifocalscolored contacts They make 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 3to 5 days for $11.99, or 1 to 2 days for $19.99.Pros
offers a wide range of specialized lensesstandard shipping is freetakes most major vision insurance plansCons
doesn’t ship internationallyhave to buy in bulk to get the best price Shop now at ContactsDirectBest full line of eyewear
GlassesUSA com
Insurance accepted?yesFree shipping and returns?yesGlassesUSA com carries a full line of eyewear, including contact lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and blue-light-blocking glasses. Their contact lens category includes your choice of:dailiesweekliesmonthliesbifocalsmultifocalssingle vision lenses They offer a price-match guarantee, 100 percent 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 United Healthcare. Standard shipping is free and takes 5 to 10 business days. If you need your contacts yesterday, express shipping will get them to you in 1 business day for $12.95.Pros
large selection of glasses and major contact lens brandsoffers a price-match guaranteehas a money-back guaranteefree shipping is availablehas lots of positive reviews for customer service and affordabilityCons
doesn’t carry every major brand of contact lenseshas a limited number of in-network insurers Shop now at GlassesUSA comBest for quality customer service
Lens com
Insurance accepted?noFree shipping and returns?yesLens 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 here, 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. Some brands they sell include:AcuvueBausch + LombBiofinitySofLensVertex You can purchase weekly disposables or monthly disposables 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. International shipping is available for $24.95 to $39.95 There have been complaints, but mostly about their gift card rebate program and higher than expected service charge fees.Pros
carries a large selection of contact lensesonline vision test is availablediscounts available for bulk purchasesships internationallyCons
customer complaints note hidden fees, shipping and processing costs, and the Visa card rebate program Shop now at Lens comBest for reusable contact lenses
LensCrafters
Insurance accepted?yesFree shipping and returns?yesLensCrafters carries disposable lenses and is one of the only online retailers with conventional contact lenses, which are contacts designed for reuse for several months. Keep in mind that LensCrafters offers only one conventional lens: Optima 38/SP by Bausch & Lomb. You can buy eyeglasses and sunglasses here as well. They carry a broad range of products from the leading brands of contact lenses, including specialty lenses. These include:MyDay ToricSofLens Daily for Astigmatism 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal They offer discounts for AAA members and for AARP members. They also accept vision insurance from most major plans, including:HumanaAetnaEyeMed One thing that sets LensCrafters apart is their 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 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 7 business days, and 1-day shipping for $9.99. All shipping types require an additional 1 to 2 days of processing for contact lenses.Pros
carries conventional and specialty lensesoffers an eco-friendly shipping optioncombines in-person experience with online shopping for maximum convenienceCons
only sells one style of conventional contact lenses Shop now at LensCraftersBest for stylish glasses and sunglasses
Warby Parker
Insurance accepted?yesFree shipping and returns?yesWarby Parker is best known for selling stylish eyeglasses and sunglasses online and in retail stores at very cost-effective price points. They also carry a nice selection of contact lenses online, including their own brand of low cost daily lenses: Scout by Warby Parker. Scout costs $46.95 for a box of 90 daily lenses. A comparably sized box of Acuvue Oasys 1-Day goes for $82.45 here. If you’re interested in Scout, it’s best to get your eye exam done at Warby Parker to ensure that the prescription is done correctly for the brand. Warby Parker sells daily, biweekly, and monthly lenses from brands such as:AcuvueBausch + LombAir Optix 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. With Warby Parker, shipping is free.Pros
offers trendy, low cost eyewear free shippinginterest-free monthly payment plan is availableCons
doesn’t carry a full range of contact lens brands 15% off your first purchase.Shop now at Warby ParkerBest for discounted pricing
ContactLensKing com
Insurance accepted?noFree shipping and returns?yes ContactLensKing com carries popular brands of contact lenses from manufacturers, such as:AlconBausch + LombCooperVision Popular brands of daily disposable lenses start as low as $32.95 They get superior marks from users for customer service, their 100 percent money-back guarantee, and everyday discounted pricing. They carry specialty lenses, including multifocals for astigmatism, plus daily, weekly, or monthly disposables. ContactLensKing com will ship to foreign and domestic addressees. However, shipping isn’t free, and they don’t provide a ballpark shipping time for orders on their website. If you fax them your prescription, they’ll 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
ships worldwideoffers discounted pricinghas a 100 percent money-back guaranteegets high marks for customer serviceCons
doesn’t provide clarity around estimated shipping timessome customers complain about high shipping and processing fees Shop now at ContactLensKing comBest for a large selection
Walmart Contacts
Insurance accepted? noFree shipping and returns? yesWalmart carries a fairly full range of contact lens brands, including:AcuvueBiofinityUltraFlex Contact lenses are comparably priced to most other large online retailers. A 90-day supply of 1-day Acuvue Moist retails for $64.86. 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
carries a large selection of brand-name contactsincludes free shippingCons
doesn’t accept vision insurance Shop now at WalmartOur top picks compared
Online retailerFree standard shippingDiscounted pricing/low cost options availableAccepts vision insurance1-800 ContactsyesyesyesContactsDirectyesyesyesGlassesUSA comyesyesyesLens comnoyesnoLensCraftersyesyesyesWarby ParkeryesyesyesContactLensKing comnoyesnoWalmart ContactsyesyesnoHow to choose online contact lenses
Check the seller s reputation
Even the best business is bound to have some bad 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 sites like Trustpilot and 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. It’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.Buying where your vision insurance is accepted
Not every site accepts vision insurance. If you do have coverage, buy from a retailer that accepts it. This can wind up saving you hundreds of dollars annually.Frequently asked questions
Do you need a prescription to order contacts
Yes. 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. It’s very important that you only use this prescription to order contacts, otherwise you can hurt your eyes.How often should you replace your contacts
If you aren’t wearing dailies, use fresh contact solution every night and replace your contacts every 3 months. Each type of contacts have their own guidelines, so be sure to follow them.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.Is it bad to wear contacts every day
No. But it’s important to take proper care of your contact lenses and your eyes. 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.Can I order contacts online without a doctor
A verified prescription is necessary to purchase contact lenses. You can get a prescription from an optometrist, rather than an ophthalmologist if you choose. Optometrists are vision professionals, but they’re not medical doctors. Some online retailers also supply their own opticians.Is it safe to buy contacts online
Yes. However, it’s important to choose a reputable retailer. You may also want to look for one that offers warranties and free returns to ensure it’s the right fit for you.The 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. Last medically reviewed on October 19, 2022How 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.Boyd K. (2021). How to take care of contact lenses.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-careContact lens prescription. (2020).
fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/contact-lens-prescriptionContact lens rule. (n.d.).
ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/contact-lens-ruleHealthy contact lens wear and care: Fast facts. (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 Corey Whelan Edited By DeVonne Goode Medically Reviewed By Jenna Stoddard, OD Copy Edited By Copy Editors Jul 28, 2022 By Corey Whelan Edited By Samantha Kostaras Medically Reviewed By Jenna Stoddard, OD Copy Edited By Anne Arntson VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Jenna Stoddard, OD — By Corey Whelan — Updated on October 18, 2022