12 Best Places to Buy Cheap Contact Lenses Online amp In Store
12 Best Places to Buy Cheap Contact Lenses (Online & In-Store) Skip to content
Motley Fool Stock Advisor recommendations have an average return of 397%. For $79 (or just $1.52 per week), join more than 1 million members and don't miss their upcoming stock picks. 30 day money-back guarantee. Sign Up Now Just remember: You must have a valid prescription to buy contact lenses if you live in the U.S., so have physical and electronic copies of your contact lens prescription ready.
Overall, prices are competitive. For example, a 90-count box of Acuvue Oasys 1-Day costs $94.99 on DiscountContacts.com. However, there’s a 20% discount for new customers and reorders on subscriptions. Students and military members also qualify for a 20% discount on all orders. That reduces the price to $75.99. At Walmart, the same box is about $80 unless you order six or 12 months’ worth of lenses. Unlike many online providers, DiscountContacts.com offers limited eye care via an online test and a remote eye doctor. The free online vision test is available to people between the ages of 18 and 55. You use your computer and smartphone to complete the vision test. Your computer displays letter charts like at the optometrist, and you complete vision test questions on your smartphone. It takes one day for the optometrist to review the 15-minute test before you get a new contact lens prescription. If you feel your current contact lenses aren’t working, it’s a useful feature. However, it’s no substitute for in-person optometrist appointments since online tests can’t check eye health or for conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma. DiscountContacts.com is an out-of-network provider for most vision insurance plans, including Davis Vision, EyeMed, UnitedHealthcare, and VSP. If you want to save even more money on contact lenses, you can also shop through Rakuten to earn cash-back rewards at DiscountContacts.com and other online retailers. It’s a simple way to get paid for shopping, and Rakuten pays your cash back quarterly through PayPal or check. Shop Now
Additionally, buying contact lenses for six- and 12-month periods often drops the price per box significantly. For example, a three-month supply of 1-Day Acuvue Moist lenses costs about $82 per box. But if you buy 12 months’ worth of boxes, the price drops to about $69 per box. Plus, you can set up a no-hassle contact lens subscription to receive regular deliveries. Unfortunately, you don’t receive a discount for subscribing, but subscribing ensures you’re always stocked up. As for vision insurance, Walmart Contacts is an out-of-network provider for: Cole Managed VisionDavis VisionEyeMedSpecteraVSP Walmart has an impressive brand and inventory selection. If you want to buy in bulk or try the subscription service, Walmart is a worthy alternative to Costco. Shop Now
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By Tom Blake Date August 23, 2022FEATURED PROMOTION
Unless you opt for laser eye surgery, vision correction is part of your annual spending. According to contact lens manufacturer Acuvue, the yearly cost of contact lenses can range from $120 to $1,200, depending on your insurance and the type of contacts you need. As with saving money on eyeglasses, if you want to save money on contacts, shopping for deals from the right retailers is crucial. Thankfully, numerous retailers can help contact lens wearers save money. If you’re tired of overpaying for this necessary expense, you need to know where to buy affordable contact lenses.Where to Buy Affordable Contact Lenses
Various in-store and online retailers offer affordable prices on a range of contact lens brands, especially if you buy in bulk.Motley Fool Stock Advisor recommendations have an average return of 397%. For $79 (or just $1.52 per week), join more than 1 million members and don't miss their upcoming stock picks. 30 day money-back guarantee. Sign Up Now Just remember: You must have a valid prescription to buy contact lenses if you live in the U.S., so have physical and electronic copies of your contact lens prescription ready.
1 GlassesUSA com
Limited Time Offer: Save 25% off contact lenses plus free shipping with coupon code CONTACTS25. Pros: 25% off first-time purchases; free shippingCons: Savings fall off after your first orderVerdict: Shop GlassesUSA.com to use the first-time discount, but explore other retailers for buying annual supplies GlassesUSA.com offers affordable eyewear that starts at just $29. But it’s also an affordable way to order contacts online. For starters, GlassesUSA.com often runs promo codes that grant 25% off all contacts. You can view its coupons and promotions page to find other ongoing deals as well. Plus, GlassesUSA.com now sells its own private-label daily contact lenses called Vista plus. They may be inexpensive, but they’re not cheap. They’re made with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and combat dryness, helping them stay comfortable all day. They also provide critical protection from harmful UV-A and UV-B rays, a must in both sunny and snowy climates. Vista plus lenses are FDA-approved and endorsed by health experts. If the $1 free trial on the in-house brand isn’t enough to make you switch, you can also shop lenses from brands like: AcuvueBiofinityBiomedicsDailiesFreshLookMiruProclearSofLens Lens categories include daily, weekly, and monthly disposables. Lens types include single-vision, multifocals, toric lenses for astigmatism, and color lenses. The 25% discount helps cut costs for more expensive contacts. For example, GlassesUSA.com sells a 90-pack of Acuvue Oasys 1-Day for $97.17 per box. But with the discount, the price drops to $72.88 per box. At Walmart, these lenses cost over $75 per box unless you shop in bulk. Shipping is free, and GlassesUSA.com works with over a dozen vision insurance providers. If you can make use of the one-time 25% discount or other promo codes like a pair of free eyeglasses, GlassesUSA.com is one of the most affordable choices. Shop Now2 DiscountContacts com
Pros: Brand variety; 20% off on new orders and subscriptions; free online vision testCons: Doesn’t have the lowest possible pricesVerdict: Shop at Discount Contact Lenses if you want more brand variety or if you want to subscribe for 20% off reorders As the name suggests, DiscountContacts.com sells contacts at a discount. The company says you can save up to 70% on contacts, and it also offers free shipping on orders over $99. DiscountContacts.com also carries more brands than many other online options. You can find over 30 popular and niche brands, including: AcuvueAir OptixBausch + LombBiofinityClaritiDailiesJohnson & JohnsonMyDayPolycon Lens categories include conventional vial lenses and daily, weekly, and monthly disposables. Single-vision, multifocals, toric lenses for astigmatism, and colored lenses are available lens types. DiscountContacts.com also sells rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses. These lenses are harder than soft contact lenses and allow more oxygen to pass through the lens material. RGP lenses last longer than soft lenses and provide sharper vision. However, it takes time for regular contact lens wearers to become comfortable with the lens type. RGP lenses start at $35 per lens, but they can last for years with proper care.Overall, prices are competitive. For example, a 90-count box of Acuvue Oasys 1-Day costs $94.99 on DiscountContacts.com. However, there’s a 20% discount for new customers and reorders on subscriptions. Students and military members also qualify for a 20% discount on all orders. That reduces the price to $75.99. At Walmart, the same box is about $80 unless you order six or 12 months’ worth of lenses. Unlike many online providers, DiscountContacts.com offers limited eye care via an online test and a remote eye doctor. The free online vision test is available to people between the ages of 18 and 55. You use your computer and smartphone to complete the vision test. Your computer displays letter charts like at the optometrist, and you complete vision test questions on your smartphone. It takes one day for the optometrist to review the 15-minute test before you get a new contact lens prescription. If you feel your current contact lenses aren’t working, it’s a useful feature. However, it’s no substitute for in-person optometrist appointments since online tests can’t check eye health or for conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma. DiscountContacts.com is an out-of-network provider for most vision insurance plans, including Davis Vision, EyeMed, UnitedHealthcare, and VSP. If you want to save even more money on contact lenses, you can also shop through Rakuten to earn cash-back rewards at DiscountContacts.com and other online retailers. It’s a simple way to get paid for shopping, and Rakuten pays your cash back quarterly through PayPal or check. Shop Now
3 AC Lens
Pros: 20% off subscriptions and first-time purchases; free online vision test; free shippingCons: AC Lens becomes less affordable than bulk shopping options after your first order if you don’t subscribeVerdict: AC Lens is a solid option if you subscribe for contact lens delivery, but it’s not the most affordable choice for one-time purchases If you’re a fan of subscription services, AC Lens is one of your best options for buying contacts online. If you subscribe for lens delivery, you receive 20% off future deliveries. You also get free shipping on all orders. If you don’t like subscriptions, you can still shop directly for contacts. Additionally, new customers usually get 20% off their first order. There are numerous brands, including: AcuvueBiofinityClaritiDailiesExtreme H20NovawetProclearSofLens Lens categories include daily, weekly, and monthly disposables. AC Lens carries single-vision, bifocal and multifocal lenses, toric lenses to correct astigmatism, and color lenses. You can also find conventional vial and RGP contacts. Like some online contact lens suppliers, AC Lens offers a free online vision test if you’re between 18 and 55. It’s a 15-minute test, and you receive your new contact lens prescription within one business day. To take the test, you read letters from a distance using your computer’s screen and record your answers on a smartphone. Online eye exams don’t examine eye health or work well for powerful prescriptions. If you have a strong prescription, it’s better to go to an optometrist than use an online vision test. Standard U.S. shipping is free and takes five to seven business days. You can get faster shipping for $9.99 and overnight shipping for $19.99. AC Lens is an out-of-network provider for most vision insurance plans, including: Davis VisionEyeMedUnitedHealthcareVSP AC Lens is worth it if you subscribe for the 20% discount and use free shipping. But without discounts, it’s priced too high for smaller one-time orders. Shop Now4 ContactsDirect
Pros: Savings on annual supplies; multiple discounts and rebates; price matching; free shipping or pick up in storeCons: $29.99 fee for online vision testVerdict: ContactsDirect is one of the most affordable options for buying an annual supply of contacts, especially if you leverage discounts and cash-back options If you want to buy an annual supply of contact lenses, ContactsDirect has some of the lowest prices on the market. According to ContactsDirect, you can save up to $100 when you buy an annual According to ContactsDirect, you can save up to $125 when you buy an annual supply of lenses from certain brands. The website displays a product savings badge that shows how much you save purchasing a yearly supply, so it’s easy to spot deals. ContactsDirect carries over a dozen brands, including: AcuvueAvairaBiotrueBiomedicsDailiesFocusMyDayOptimaUltra Lens categories include daily disposables, two-week lenses, and monthly lenses. For lens types, ContactsDirect offers single-vision, bifocals and multifocals, toric lenses to correct astigmatism, and color lenses. ContactsDirect doesn’t always have the best prices on bulk orders at first glance. For example, an annual supply of Dailies AquaComfort Plus 90-packs, which is eight boxes, drops the price per box from $65.99 to about $57 per box. But the same bulk shopping choice at Walmart brings the price per box to around $51. Still, ContactsDirect separates itself from the competition with discounts and promo codes. For starters, it often runs a 15% off promo code. New customers can get 20% off when they sign up for the site’s newsletter. Additionally, ContactsDirect has a 15% discount for students, military service members, teachers, first responders, and U.S. government employees. You can’t stack regular promo codes and unique student or employment discounts, but 20% off is nothing to scoff at. Better still, the site has a price match policy. If you find a better price at Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, 1-800 Contacts, or Coastal, call 1-844-5-LENSES and ContactsDirect will beat that price. If that weren’t enough, ContactsDirect is a Rakuten partner, so you can earn cash-back rewards for your purchases. Standard shipping is free, and you also have the option to pick up your order in person at a LensCrafters store. ContactsDirect accepts most major vision insurance plans. However, it is not an in-network provider for VSP. ContactsDirect also offers a vision test to renew your prescription. You can take it with either a smartphone or a computer rather than needing to use both. But it costs $29.99, whereas some online sellers offer free vision tests. It’s worth noting that online vision tests don’t check for eye health or conditions like glaucoma. Additionally, you need an existing prescription to take the test, so you can’t be a first-time contact lens wearer. If it’s been a year or two since you’ve taken a regular eye exam, go to an optometrist instead. If you want to save money buying an annual supply of contact lenses, ContactsDirect is possibly the best online option. Just use promo codes, compare bulk prices between other retailers, and take advantage of price matching if necessary. Shop Now5 Lens com
Pros: Brand variety; online vision test; excellent limited-time dealsCons: No free shippingVerdict: Shop at Lens.com if you’re willing to bargain-hunt for limited-time deals for massive savings You don’t have to settle for cheap contact lenses and low-quality brands to find savings on Lens.com. Popular brands include Acuvue, Biofinity, Biomedics, Dailies, and SofLens. You can also find over a dozen other brands such as: BostonClaritiExpressionsFreshLookOptimaVertex For lens categories, options include daily, weekly, and monthly disposables. Single-vision, toric lenses for astigmatism, bifocals, RGP, silicone hydrogel, and color lens types are available. Lens.com also carries novelty lenses for changing the appearance of your eyes. Lens.com runs limited-time deals that often beat the competition. For example, one recent deal featured a 90-pack of Dailies AquaComfort Plus for $53.44 per box, with a $135 rebate for buying four boxes. In comparison, Walmart was selling the same box for $65.86 per box, with a $120 discount for buying eight boxes. At Costco, the price was $81.98 per box, with a $50 mail-in rebate for buying eight boxes. Plus, you can renew your prescription by taking a 10-minute online eye exam. You have to be 18 to 55 years old to take the exam, and it requires both a smartphone and a computer. The cost is $9.99. The primary downside of Lens.com is that U.S. shipping costs a minimum of $9.95. In terms of vision coverage, Lens.com is an out-of-network provider for most vision care providers, so if you have vision care insurance, reimbursement shouldn’t be an issue. Because of the potential savings from deals, it’s always worth comparing Lens.com prices to wherever you typically shop, especially if you’re not in the market for bulk contact lenses. Shop Now6 Costco
Pros: Discounts for buying in bulk; free shipping on most ordersCons: Requires a Costco membershipVerdict: If you already shop at Costco, you can purchase an annual supply of contact lenses to save If you’re a Costco member, you can already take advantage of numerous Costco shopping tricks to save money on groceries and household products. But Costco Optical also has low prices on eyewear and contact lenses. Costco also carries over a dozen brands, including: AcuvueAir OptixBiofinityBiotrueDailiesMyDayProclearPureVision Costco carries single-vision, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocals, and color lenses. Lens categories include daily disposable lenses, two-week lenses, and monthly lenses. Costco also has its own Kirkland Signature pack of 90 lenses for $58.99. But in true Costco fashion, there are usually offers for buying multiple boxes at once or purchasing larger packs that help you save money. For example, buying four boxes of Kirkland Signature contact lenses saves $35, and buying eight boxes saves $95. Non-Costco brands can also offer mail-in rebates. For example, one offer is to buy eight (90-count) boxes of Dailies Total 1 multifocals to receive a $70 mail-in rebate. Each box is $109.87, so it’s a significant upfront expense. But in exchange for bulk shopping, you save $70 with the rebate. You still need a Costco membership to buy contact lenses. It’s worth noting that Costco shipping is free for most orders, including optical purchases. Additionally, Costco accepts most vision insurance plans. You should factor in Costco’s $60 annual membership fee to what you save on contact lenses and anything else you would shop for. But if you shop at Costco regularly, you can likely offset the membership fee with your savings. Plus, you can also shop with the Costco Anywhere Visa card to earn cash back for shopping at Costco and travel, dining, and everyday spending. Shop Now7 Walmart
Pros: Discounts for buying in bulk; free shippingCons: No discounts for using the subscription serviceVerdict: Shop at Walmart if you want to buy at least six to 12 months’ worth of contacts and don’t have a Costco membership Shopping at Walmart can help you save money on household items and everyday essentials. Walmart Contacts is also a convenient way to save money when buying contacts. Aside from free shipping, Walmart carries popular contact lens brands like: AcuvueAir OptixClaritiDailiesEurekaFreshLookSofLensUltraAcuvueAir OptixClaritiDailiesEurekaFreshLookSofLensUltra Walmart has daily, one- to two-week, and one- to three-month disposables. Lens types include single-vision, toric lenses for astigmatism, color and tinted, conventional (vial) lenses, and bifocal and multifocal lenses. Prices can be slightly more expensive than Costco for larger orders. For example, Walmart’s 90-count box of Dailies Total 1 multifocals is $135 (or $127.50 apiece if you buy four boxes). Costco sells it for $109.87 per box with a $70 rebate for buying eight boxes that reduces the cost to $101.12 per box. However, there are still numerous affordable options.Many packs of daily disposable lenses cost less than $1 per day. Two-week lens users can purchase Walmart’s own Equate brand for just $14 per box, or $0.33 per day.Additionally, buying contact lenses for six- and 12-month periods often drops the price per box significantly. For example, a three-month supply of 1-Day Acuvue Moist lenses costs about $82 per box. But if you buy 12 months’ worth of boxes, the price drops to about $69 per box. Plus, you can set up a no-hassle contact lens subscription to receive regular deliveries. Unfortunately, you don’t receive a discount for subscribing, but subscribing ensures you’re always stocked up. As for vision insurance, Walmart Contacts is an out-of-network provider for: Cole Managed VisionDavis VisionEyeMedSpecteraVSP Walmart has an impressive brand and inventory selection. If you want to buy in bulk or try the subscription service, Walmart is a worthy alternative to Costco. Shop Now