catlover3

In the UK, I get my eye test and contact lens fitting at Boots, or somewhere similar, and then order the lenses via a monthly subscription online from a different company (without prescription) to save ££.

Is there somewhere similar I can do this in the States?

Thanks :-)

kodokan

It's doable, but you need a current prescription - you have to send it to them as part of the ordering process.

Last time I priced it up, I found lenses from my local non-chain optician were around the same price anyway, with their discount and using a manufacturer's rebate coupon they gave me to get $100 back.

Nutmegger

I get the prescription from my eye doctor, then order the lenses online from Vision Direct. Your can't order without a prescription, which is good for a year, and they will contact the doctor directly to ensure it is correct. I find their prices very competitive, and there are frequent percentages off and free delivery offers if you sign up.

Englishmum

I usually get my prescription when I have my eyes tested at Costco, but I have a strong prescription and they don't usually have my contacts in stock to take away on the same day.

I just go online and buy them from http://www.1800contacts.com (free shipping)

Britexmom

My son gets his contacts through the vision center at Target, our eye doctor is located there also and they take our insurance plan.
We have been happy with the service there and in fact my dh and my other kids all get their eye exams and glasses there also.

catlover3

Thanks to all. I think I may buy a year's worth and take them with me (I leave in two months). I just looked up the cost of an eye test at Costco - 90 bucks! Gah!

Nutmegger

$90? I don't know what you usually pay, but that's a good deal.

scrubbedexpat099

Costco are not a set charge, varies between store.

I remember when in Sams the lady suggested the local WalMart. CO has a requirement that for glasses a prescription needs to be less that 2 years old, after forgetting time and time again to to take my hard copy with me, I ordered glasses on line, doubt I will ever go to an optician again to buy glasses.

catlover3

30 quid! I know it is, for the States. I'll just have to get used to it.

kodokan

My health insurance (separate vision policy) includes an annual eye check for free, and then some money towards glasses or lenses, about $150 I think.

Marc_ely

It's time consuming to shop around for the best prices too. The prices you see quoted on Google shopping etc are not the prices you pay. They are the base price and all of the online retailers then add-on a service fee.

The prices in costco are more transparent.

Other goods that fall into the same sort of bullshit advertising to look out for are Flowers and concert tickets.

littledorrit

When I moved to the States last summer I brought 6 months of contact lenses with me. Glad I did, as it was one less thing to sort in the first few months of moving. Tests are way more pricey here, but lenses cost about the same. I buy mine online - v fast and easy, but did need a prescription. (Same as the U.K.).

tom169

I pay $0.45 biweekly for vision and in that I get yearly exam and lenses with frames every 2 years. Can't complain at that price.

Was about £25 for the check in UK (though my employer reimbursed) and I think I paid about £130 for the cheapest frame and lenses.

Guindalf

It's possible to buy single-vision glasses for as little as $6.95 here if you buy online. We've bought several pairs from zenni.com and apart from one pair where I entered the information wrong, they've all been perfect.

In fact, my last job had vision insurance so we both got our eyes tested and went to Sears Optical and picked out new glasses. Both were progressive Transitions lenses with every treatment and they cost close to $300 a pair AFTER the insurance discounts.

Quite honestly, they didn't come close the the $80 pairs we got from Zenni WITHOUT any insurance discounts!

malch

Since it may not be obvious to the original poster...

Many employers provide Vision Insurance as part of their employee benefits package.

This typically brings down the cost of the annual eye exam to something like $20. And they will pay for part of new contacts or eye glasses.

If your vision issues are relatively simple and straightforward the vision departments at big stores like Walmart, Target et al will most likely suffice and represent decent value.

More complicated vision problems like cataracts may require the attention of an ophthalmologist (medical doctor specializing in eyes). They can get seriously expensive but may be covered under your medical insurance, if any.