How to Compare Prices on Contact Lenses

Throughout the United States, contact lenses are sold at various doctor's offices, online retailers, optical chains like LensCrafters and department stores like Sears. With so much variety to choose from, finding the best value may seem like a daunting task. But with careful research and comparison, you can purchase the lenses that best fit your lifestyle and pocketbook.

Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment to receive an eye exam. Before you can compare the price of contact lenses, you need to find out which lenses will suit your vision and lifestyle (i.e., bifocal, daily disposable, gas permeable). An eye-care practitioner will determine your vision prescription and recommend what type of lenses you should wear. Eye exams are available at doctor's offices, optical chains, and certain department stores.

• 2

  Consider a package deal. Some eye-care practitioners offer package deals that cover the cost of an eye exam, contact lenses and lens-care products. These deals can help you save money but they may restrict you to certain brands of lenses and products.

• 3

  Find out if your health insurance provides a discount on contact lenses. Some insurance plans offer reduced prices for contact lenses if you buy them through an approved retailer. If your health plan gives you a discount, check how much your lenses will cost if you purchase them through an approved store.

• 4

  Check prices at your eye-doctor's office. Ask an employee at your doctor's office about the price of the contact lenses you need. Be sure to inquire about any special discounts.

• 5

  Check prices at optical chains. Call or visit local optical chains, like Pearl Vision or LensCrafters, and ask how much they charge for the contacts you need. Make sure to call different branches of the same chain since prices can vary from store to store.

• 6

  Check prices at department stores and warehouses. Call or visit places like Target, Sears, Costco and Sam's Club to find out how much your contact lenses cost at these locations. (You will need a membership to Costco and Sam's Club to purchase lenses through them.)

• 7

  Check prices at online retailers. Visit ContactLensesPrice.com to compare the price of your lenses at different online stores. Type in the brand of lenses you need into the search box; the site will then show you a price chart of various retailers who sell the lenses you want. Remember to factor in the price of shipping and handling.

• 8

  Compare the costs of lenses from each retailer you researched. Determine which retailer offers the best value and make your purchase.