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Getting dangerously low on contacts? No, you can’t turn them inside out to get another day of wear out of them like when you’re rewearing underwear on vacation. Luckily, it’s easy to order more contacts online.
1-800 Contacts is a popular online retailer of contact lenses. They sell loads of different contact brands, and you can even take a free vision exam on their website.
1-800 Contacts is the OG of online contact sales. They were the first American company to sell contact lenses online back in 1995. They also advocate for telehealth laws so more people can have access to eye care.
They sell prescription contacts, offer free online vision exams, and provide 24/7 customer support. You can also opt to subscribe and get new contacts sent to you automatically when you run out.
Pros
- subscription service available
- free online vision test
- 24/7 customer service
- price match and money-back guarantee
Cons
- glasses sold through a partner company
- free shipping available only for standard delivery
Wondering exactly what’s in stock? Let’s dive in to more details about what you can find at 1-800 Contacts.
Contact lenses
At 1-800 Contacts you can find tons of popular contact brands, including:
- Acuvue
- Air Optix
- Biofinity
- Biotrue
- Dailies
- FreshLook
- Proclear
They also sell multifocal lenses, hydrating lenses, and lenses for astigmatism.
Eye exams
Need a new prescription? No prob! You can get your eye exam through 1-800 Contacts online. A board certified ophthalmologist will review your test results to get you your new prescription.
To take the online eye exam, you’ll need:
- a smartphone or computer
- your driver’s license or credit card
- your current prescription
FYI: This online option can test only how well you can see, not your eye health. While this can help you get a prescription in a pinch, it’s still important to get a comprehensive eye exam every year.
What about specs?
You can’t buy glasses on the 1-800 Contacts site itself. Instead, they partner with Lingo Eyewear, a company that sells prescription and blue light glasses. Lingo also offers a virtual try-on feature to help you pick out the perfect pair.
Ready to get your new lenses? Here’s the lowdown on how to order from 1-800 Contacts.
Before you order
Before placing your order, make sure you know your current prescription and the brand you usually wear.
If you don’t have a current prescription, you can complete an eye exam on the 1-800 Contacts site for free. If you do have an updated script but you can’t find it, 1-800 Contacts can contact your eye doctor for you.
How to order
1-800 Contacts offers a fuss-free ordering process. All it takes is three steps to get your fab new pair of contacts:
- Find your brand. You can search on the website for your fave brand or simply scan the side of your current lens box.
- Enter your prescription. You have the option to upload a pic of your prescription or enter the info manually.
- Place your order. Once you’ve filled out your payment and shipping details, 1-800 Contacts will verify your order and ship your contacts your way. Shipping usually takes about 48 hours.
What if I don’t have a prescription?
You can’t order prescription contact lenses without a current prescription. (Scripts typically last at least 1 year.)
The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises against buying nonprescription costume contacts, as they can lead to serious eye injuries.
Looking for an eye doctor? Check out the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s tool to find one near you.
The cost of contacts can vary a lot depending on the lens type, the brand, and your insurance coverage. They typically range from $55 to more than $100 per box. At first glance, 1-800 Contacts may seem a bit pricier than other online retailers.
1-800 Contacts is up-front about all their fees, though, so it’s important to compare your total bill on different sites before making your final decision. Actually finding a better deal somewhere else? Keep in mind that 1-800 Contacts also has a price match policy.
Does 1-800 Contacts take insurance?
You can use your vision insurance coverage when ordering through 1-800 Contacts. They’re in-network with Blue View Vision (Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield). They also operate as an out-of-network provider for other insurance companies like VSP, Davis Vision, Superior Vision, and more.
You just have to enter your insurance info on the 1-800 Contacts site to check your benefits.
Need to return your order? It’s time to read the fine print.
1-800 Contacts offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Here’s what that means:
- They’ll exchange any unopened contacts for free (including shipping).
- They’ll replace your damaged lenses for free.
Bottom line: As long as the original packaging is intact and sealed, 1-800 Contacts can accept your return.
Check the table below to learn how 1-800 Contacts compares with other online contacts retailers.
| 1-800 Contacts | Contacts Direct | Warby Parker | Lens Direct | |
| Free shipping? | yes | yes | yes | on orders $49+ |
| Takes insurance? | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Glasses? | no | no | yes | yes |
1-800 Contacts makes the process of renewing your contact lens prescription pretty easy. They offer a huge selection of contacts online, as well as a subscription feature. Other cool perks include free online eye exams and a hassle-free money-back guarantee.
