At a Glance
- 93% of US adults worry about vision costs, driving online lens shopping
- Warby Parker tops the list for seamless service and brand variety
- Lens.com offers lowest prices via rebates, starting at $9.95 shipping
- Why it matters: Online orders cut yearly lens costs by up to $160 while keeping the same FDA-approved brands
Online ordering now dominates contact-lens sales, with News Of Losangeles editors testing every major retailer for price, speed and insurance ease. The result: nine services that beat in-office pricing without sacrificing safety.
Best Overall: Warby Parker
Warby Parker carries Acuvue, Biofinity, DAILIES and its own Scout daily line. Shoppers upload a prescription or renew it through the $15 app-based vision test.
“I just uploaded my new prescription, placed the order and sent the receipt to my insurance for partial reimbursement,” said Anna Gragert, wellness editor and 17-year lens wearer.
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Accepts most vision plans plus FSA/HSA
- Free standard shipping and 30-day returns
Cons
- Out-of-network status may delay reimbursement
Cheapest: Lens.com
Lens.com lists the lowest sticker prices after manufacturer rebates. A $9.95 shipping fee applies, and the $29.99 online vision test returns prescriptions within 24 hours.
Nick Hide, managing editor, said: “I found the online eye test easy and the correct lenses arrived quickly. I’d definitely use it again.”
Pros
- Rebates drop prices below competitors
- 30-day returns on unopened boxes
Cons
- Site design feels dated
- Rebates require mail-in forms
Best Support: 1-800 Contacts
1-800 Contacts runs a Best Price Guarantee: find a lower price elsewhere and 24-7 live chat will match it. The ExpressExam renewal costs $20 and takes 10 minutes.
Trisha Jandoc, broadband writer, paid $90 for two six-packs of Acuvue in 2018. “I saved over $160 versus my eye doctor. Shipping is reliably fast.”
Pros
- Any-time free returns and exchanges
- 24-7 customer service
Cons
- Base prices higher than discounters
- Select insurance plans only
Insurance-Friendly Picks
Eyeconic (VSP/MetLife)
Owned by VSP, Eyeconic logs in to your benefits and applies the discount automatically. Returns are allowed even on opened boxes for 60 days.
ContactsDirect
Major plans such as VSP and EyeMed integrate at checkout-no reimbursement forms. A $29 virtual exam is available and six-month returns cover prescription changes.
Josh Goldman, managing editor, said: “Prices are competitive, my insurance is accepted and shipping is free.”
Warehouse Value: Costco Optical
A Costco membership unlocks bulk pricing on Acuvue, Air Optix, Biofinity and the Kirkland private label. Shipping can reach two weeks, so plan ahead.
Katie Collins, editorial director, buys Acuvue Oasys Hydraluxe for dry eyes. “Costco is the cheapest out-of-pocket source when insurance won’t cover dailies.”
Pros
- 90-day returns on unopened boxes
- Free shipping on most brands
Cons
- No virtual exam online
- Membership required for savings
Retail Convenience: Target Optical
Target Optical accepts most vision plans and gives RedCard holders an extra 5% off. No online prescription renewal exists, yet in-store pickup is available.
Colored Lenses: Moodylenses
Moody sells FDA- and CE-certified cosmetic lenses with or without prescription. Free shipping starts at $30 and 14-day returns apply to unopened boxes.
How Prices Stack Up
| Retailer | 12-Pack Acuvue Oasys | Shipping | Return Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lens.com | $66 after rebate | $9.95 | 30 days |
| Costco | $72 | Free | 90 days |
| Warby Parker | $78 | Free | 30 days |
| 1-800 Contacts | $85 | Free | Anytime |
Yearly supply totals assume four boxes; online orders save $160-$180 versus full retail at LensCrafters ($103 per box).
Ordering Steps
- Have a valid contact-lens prescription (expired within the last 1-2 years depending on state).
- Search the exact brand, base curve and power on the retailer site.
- Upload a photo or PDF of the prescription or let the store call your doctor.
- Choose a six- or 12-month supply for the deepest per-box discount.
- Submit FSA/HSA or insurance details at checkout.
Tip: Many retailers exchange unopened boxes if your prescription changes within the year.
Key Takeaways
- 93% of adults fear vision expenses-online orders slash costs while keeping the same FDA-approved lenses doctors sell.
- Warby Parker balances price, insurance and a $15 virtual exam for the easiest overall experience.
- Lens.com delivers the lowest final cost if you file rebates and pay the $9.95 shipping.
- Shoppers with VSP or MetLife should start at Eyeconic for automatic in-cart discounts.
