Nutmegger

I go to an MD eye specialist for my annual eye test ($160) and then take my prescription to Costco for specs, where I pay $99 for frames and lenses (I go bottom of the line because I only wear them when I get up and last thing, but they have all price ranges). I get contacts online at VisionDirect, which is less than $40 per eye for a six month supply.

Bob

It doesn't tend to be that good value though, a pair every couple of years if lucky and a slice of the cost for any eye surgery.

Mummy in the foothills

Ours is good value, we don't have to pay for it It's part of Dh's work insurance, medical, dental and optical. We get and eye exam annually and new glasses every two years (or sooner if the prescription changes much) My out of pocket cost was under $50 for each of us to get new glasses.
Using a local private eye doctor and not a chain store we have had the best service and glasses since we moved here. We used Lens crafters, Costco, and Kaiser over the years and this local guy is by far the best. He's monitoring an eye problem than can lead to blindness in me, due to an old eye injury from when I was a kid.

SpoogleDrummer

My wife used http://www.coastalcontacts.com for her last ones and they were free, just paid shipping. They always have deals of some kind and had a pair free for first time customers on their Facebook page.

penguinbar

I use vision direct for my contacts as well.

RayM

Costs seem about the same. I varifocals with the thinnest glass possible. Cost around £600 the UK and a $950 here although a chunk of that is paid by the healthcare company.

mamasue

Husband and I have both used Goggles 4u....all you need to do is scan a copy of your prescription, and they'll keep it on file.
We both wear varifocals (no-line bifocals) and 2 pairs cost us under $100.
But.... it's much cheaper to get an eye test in the UK, and bring the prescription with you.

docholywood

This is all brilliant info thanks folks - turns out when I went to look I asked them to tighten up one if the screws whilst I was there. Technician comes out apologising profusely as he's broken the nut and screw and it can't be replaced. They offered up a completely free pair and lenses up to £400! Result!
Will go back and get my prescription for going to the US though as fancy contacts at $40/6 months that's pretty good - I was quoted £30 for 30 dailys.

MarylandNed

Yes - it's very common to have benefits such as health, dental and vision insurance through your employer in the US. Whether it's cheaper in the US or not really depends on the insurance plan you have. As a general rule of thumb, I would never be coming to the US hoping that any type of healthcare is cheaper here because the fees without insurance are generally on the outrageous side.

MarylandNed

You might have trouble using a UK prescription in the US - you'd probably have to go through another eye test here to get a prescription. I know people who tried to use UK prescriptions for medication here and failed. There are legal and liability issues that will cause US healthcare providers to demand a US prescription. A foreign prescription is meaningless to them because the person issuing it has no standing in the US and is therefore not accountable in the US. I can't see why it would be any different for vision care.

lisa67

My Mum has brought her UK eye prescription over to the US and they have filled it for her no problems.

My eye exam, with insurance costs me $25 co pay and about $30 for a pair of glasses, although my prescription is pretty straight forward.

MarylandNed

Ok so apparently it can work with vision even though I know people that couldn't get it to work for medications. I guess meds are a different issue from a pair of glasses which probably makes sense.

I also have vision insurance through my employer. It costs me a $20 co-pay for an eye test once a year. The plan pays the first $125 towards a pair of glasses. This usually covers most of the cost of a very basic pair unless someone wants fancier lenses or frames.

lisa67

I'm sure it depends on your optician and whether he's prepared to fulfill a script from another country/optician

Nutmegger

The online contact lens companies usually contact your doctor to confirm the prescription -- so that might be a snag if they see that it is a UK prescription. But you never know unless you try. I just got six months for $27 from VisionDirect as they had a special offer!

penguinbar

Another good thing about Vision direct is that they give you credit towards your next order. there are always coupon codes and special offers as well