Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

I just got my prescription for contact lenses and it's identical to my previous one so I call around for prices and discover that Walmart is the cheapest option, then I'm told that to order the lenses I need to make an appointment with their optician to have my eyes measured, prescription checked, etc. Seriously, isn't that what they did when I went to get my original prescription!!!!
I queried the need and was told that's the process here in NB. I just wondered if it was a requirement anywhere else?

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

Why not just get them online? I haven't bought contacts from an optician in years. The ones I wear (Biofinity extended wear multifocals) are $150 for 6 months from the site I frequent here in Australia or $400 from the optician.

Contact Lenses, Designer Eyeglasses, Sunglasses & More | ClearlyContacts.caâ„¢

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

Unless they're getting their pricing wrong Walmart are cheaper than the online options I've found both in Canada and the US.
Clearly Contacts prices are much higher, even with their rebate offer (and rebates are so unreliable).

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

Does your prescription have the base curve and diameter numbers on it ?

If sounds like they are having a laugh.

You could take the prescription anywhere. At least that's how it works in Ontario.

And I agree about clearly contacts. My local independent optometrist is cheaper for my lenses

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

Yes - prescription has all of the information that's needed. They say that they need to take all the measurements for their own records. Initially they said they needed to check that I could put them in, and the fit, but under a lot of circumstances that wouldn't even be possible!!
They kind of hesitated when I asked if they charged, then said no, but it's just a total pain to have to get an appointment (very limited times) and go through a process which adds no value.

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

Sounds odd. Guess it depends if the price difference is worth the hassle.
Do you have another optometrist you could take prescription to?

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

Walmart price is 50% of my optometrist and 40% less than Clearly Contacts, so it's probably worth the hassle, but will call some other places just to be sure it's a provincial thing and check their prices.

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

You could always pull the " new immigrant " card and sweetly ask them to point you in the direction of the provincial law they are quoting

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

Good idea, I got my contacts from Walmart here in a Ontario. I just showed them my recent prescription and I got the lenses. So if it's a law it's definitely Provincial, so I agree with Zoe, get them to show it to you.

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

Probably just trying to get money from the insurance company for conducting a test.

A bit like Dentists when they encourage patients to have something done for no other reason that they've not used up their annual coverage.

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

My prescription hadn't changed but was a year old and they refused to sell me more before I got my eyes checked again, they did give me some free lenses though, this was a local opticians. I've not tried Walmart.

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

Try another Wal-Mart and see if they say the same thing?

Are the vision centers in Wal-Mart owned by them or 3rd party running them?

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

I don't care if someone finds me on linkedin. I don't use it for jobs or job contacts and have changed everything to things completely unrelated to me. Only thing that is real is my name.

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

Maybe you could use some lenses to find the correct thread !! :)

( before anyone accuses me of being rude.... I'm only kidding. Thought it was funny that's all)

Re: Process for buying contact lenses - really?
 

Mine are now covered through insurance but in the first couple of years I was here it was cheaper to buy them in the UK and have my dad post them to me.