Cheapest place to get an eye exam and contacts?

[Biscuits & Gravy]

We do not have vision coverage at this time through DH's job. I am desperately in need of new contacts, and an exam in order to get them. Any suggestions for places to get them cheaply?

[AFWife]

The eye doctors at Walmart are fairly cheap. I think I paid $90something for the exam? As far as the contacts I'd buy in bulk.

[Stayseeliz]

Try www.twopair.com It's America's Best Eyecare. You can get an eye exam and two pair of glasses for $69. I think a contact exam is $30 more? I go there then I order my contacts from www.contactlensking.com That might not be the cheapest place for your contacts though. It depends on which brand you wear!

[Norasmomma]

Costco, if you are a member.

[texmati]

sams? I don't think you have to be a member.

[zebra15]

DO you need contacts or can you do frames?

[sunsetdancer]

I usually get my eyes examined at either Walmart or Costco. I usually order my contacts from Costco. They were a couple dollars cheaper per box than Walmart but it would also depend on your prescription and brand.

[sunflower.mama]

No advice on exam because we have insurance, but I buy in bulk from BJS. They usually have a rebate in addition to being cheaper per box.

[cschick]

Sam's Club? Last time I did a contact exam there, it was $65 and that was both the exam and "fitting" fee (aka, they didn't charge a fitting fee). For that, I actually got three appointments: the first where they gave me a pair of contacts that simply did not work right; the second where we tried a different type; and the third where I said the different type worked, the doc gave me a quick eye inspection and gave me the final prescription information. (I also ordered a years supple of soft toric lenses through them, I think that was $150.)

This was a few years ago, so their exam fee is probably more expensive. But it was far and away cheaper than any other place I looked at. It was cheaper than doing it THROUGH the vision insurance I did have (since the insurance didn't cover the fitting fee every other place wanted to charge me).

[Biscuits & Gravy]

Originally Posted by zebra15

DO you need contacts or can you do frames?

I have frames, but I prefer contacts.

I need to renew my BJs membership, I forgot about that option. I'll check out their prices.

[texmati]

Originally Posted by cschick

This was a few years ago, so their exam fee is probably more expensive. But it was far and away cheaper than any other place I looked at. It was cheaper than doing it THROUGH the vision insurance I did have (since the insurance didn't cover the fitting fee every other place wanted to charge me).

I just wanted to say-- I ran the numbers, and found that the vision insurance we had was really not worth it. between the premiums and copays, I would have been better off oging to sams with less paper work.

[SeekingJoy]

I second www.contactlensking.com They had my prescription and brand the cheapest online.

Also, MJ just ordered from ZenniOptical for her new frames. One pair turned out perfect. The other not so much.

I have done the WalMart and strip-mall route, but haven't been thrilled. That said, I have a difficult prescription to get right with astigmatism and severe myopia. If your situation is more typical, you should be fine.

[bcblondie]

Ok. This may or may not be helpful but I'm gonna say it anyways. Lasik is SO cheap these days. I got my vision back for a grand total of $2000 (780 per eye plus drops and insurance). I know it still seems like a lot but add up how much you pay for a few pairs of contacts and glasses, and solution. My eyes are insured for 5 years. But will probably be good for life. And I love being able to see again... so much....

This is what prompted me to get it. I was on the market for new glasses. Wanted some nice designer frames. I was sick to death of my ugly pair. Probably would have spent at least 400...

They have payment plans too, if that helps...

[HeatherAtHome]

Originally Posted by Norasmomma

Costco, if you are a member.

I've been going to costco for eye exams/glasses for years without being a member. I'm in Canada, not sure if that makes a difference.

[sunnysandiegan]

We are members of Costco, but you don't have to be to get an eye exam there. Glasses exam is $49 here. Contacts exams run higher and depend on what type of lens are needed.

Call around in your area.

[Norasmomma]

I didn't know you could be non-member and use Costco's vision services, but I'm a member-so I don't pay attention to that stuff. I'm sure to get their best deals though(like the 2 for 1 coupons) you'd need to be though.

I just know DH got an exam and 2 pairs of glasses(reg and sun) for $200 bucks.

[mama_y_sol]

Costco is the cheapest place for the contacts I order. I usually get a rebate when I order 6 month or a year supply. I also purchase my frames from them.

As far as I know at my Costco, you do have to be a member to purchase contacts or frames. You do not have to be a member to get an eye exam.

[sunsetdancer]

Originally Posted by texmati

I just wanted to say-- I ran the numbers, and found that the vision insurance we had was really not worth it. between the premiums and copays, I would have been better off oging to sams with less paper work.

I agree that sometimes vision insurance isn't worth it. Of course, it all depends on your needs, costs, etc. By the time I pay the premium, I can pay less without insurance.

A bit OT, but a neighbor of mine said that at one point, it wasn't worth it for her having dental insurance. Apparently, her DH's company provided such a crappy plan, it was better to pay out of pocket, even for large costs like crowns, etc. Something like the plan didn't cover anything but cleanings the first year, and then phased in after that so big stuff wasn't covered until like year three or something crazy like that. I've never had a plan like that, but I have heard other people mention them besides her.