Whether you’re a decades-long contacts wearer or just started wearing lenses for the first time, buying your contact lenses online ensures that you’ll never be left without a fresh pair. You can stock up on an annual supply, find affordable prices and even save on shipping. We found the best online stores to get your preferred contact lenses delivered directly to your door.
If you’re after a price match guarantee, useful coupons, specialized lenses or great customer service, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks for the best places to purchase contacts online.
What’s the best place to buy contact lenses online?
Topping our list is Warby Parker, which we think is the best place to order contacts online. As one of the most popular eyewear brands, Warby Parker offers a seamless and hassle-free buying experience for filling your prescription. Additionally, the company carries most major contact brands, so you can shop around for a lower price. If you choose to buy your contact lenses at Warby Parker, you can buy in bulk, like getting an annual supply, to save money.
How we choose the best places
To narrow down our list of best places to buy contact lenses, we considered factors like:
Customer satisfaction: We researched customer reviews from reputable third-party platforms like the Better Business Bureau to gauge overall client satisfaction.
Variety: We assessed product range, choosing retailers that offer a wide array of products that cater to different prescriptions and needs.
Accessibility: We prioritized online retailers that offered a smooth ordering process and had user-friendly sites and customer support.
Price transparency: We favored retailers that provide competitive pricing and a clear breakdown of costs. Additionally, we chose those that accept some type of vision insurance or discounts.
Shipping policies: We also considered shipping and delivery times to ensure our readers are offered a prompt and reliable service.
How to order contacts online
Buying contact lenses online is just as safe as buying them from your eye doctor, as you get the same lenses you’d find at the optical shop. The process requires a little extra effort than getting them from your eye doctor, but you’ll be rewarded with savings.
To get started, you just need to follow a few easy steps.
Have your contact lens prescription.
Search for the brand and model of contacts from your prescription at any of the stores above to find your specific lenses. Disposable contacts are sold in boxes, and most online shops give you a deal if you buy a six- or 12-month supply, rather than one box at a time.
During the checkout process, you’ll enter your prescription information to select the correct lenses and then submit verification of your prescription. Most stores allow you to upload an image or PDF of your prescription or you can opt for the company to contact your doctor to verify it. This process can take as little as a few minutes or up to a few days if the store contacts your doctor.
Once that process is complete, your order will be finalized and cleared to ship directly to you.
How to save money on contact lenses
Pro tip: Right after your contact lens exam, it’s almost always worth it to get a year’s supply of your current prescription. Regardless of whether you’re buying daily disposable contacts, monthly lenses or even multifocal contacts, buying in bulk will help you save money.
If your prescription changes sometime during that year, many of the retailers above will allow you to exchange unopened boxes with a new prescription. You don’t have much to lose by buying a full-year supply. Although it can be a higher up-front cost, you’ll save money compared to buying one box at a time.
Tips to buy contacts online
If you are considering buying contacts online, keep these things in mind to ensure you make a safe purchase.
Be sure to have a valid prescription from your eye doctor. Whether you buy in a store or online, a prescription is required to ensure you get the correct prescription strength.
Shop around at different online contact retailers to find the best deals and look at customer reviews.
Double- and triple-check the details on your order before placing.
Make sure you have (or also purchase) all of the care supplies you need to ensure the safety and longevity of your contacts.