How to save on glasses and contact lenses

The quickest win? Get the full price for your glasses or contacts from more than one seller. Include lenses, shipping and any other charges before you decide.

You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Start with the purchase you need next, then use the same checklist for the rest of your family.

Compare the full price of glasses online and in stores

Online glasses may cost less than glasses bought in a store, but the frame price alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Ask each seller for a total based on the same prescription and lens choices.

For each quote, check what’s included in the frame and lens price. Then add any charges for shipping, adjustments or lens features you choose. Ask whether the seller accepts your vision benefits, too.

If you’re unsure which lens options fit your needs, talk with an eye care professional. You can also ask the seller to explain which items are included and which are optional before you place an order.

Shop around for your prescribed contact lenses

Compare the same prescribed lenses and box quantities across sellers. Include shipping and any other fees in the total. Contact lens prices can vary by retailer, so a quick comparison is worth adding to your list.

Ask about the cost of a larger supply and whether a rebate is available. A rebate is money you claim back after a purchase. Check its requirements and deadline before counting it as a saving.

Stick to the details on your contact lens prescription when you compare. If you want to discuss a different type of lens or a different wearing routine, ask your eye care professional first.

Check vision benefits and eligible health accounts

Your vision plan may help pay for an eye exam, glasses or contacts. Before you shop, check what the plan covers, which sellers accept it and when each family member can use their benefit.

Look for your frame or contact lens allowance: the amount your plan offers toward that purchase. Ask what you would owe after the benefit is applied, including any fees.

A flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) can let you use pretax money for eligible eyewear expenses. Check your account’s rules and save your receipts. If you have questions about your situation, consult a qualified tax professional or your plan administrator.

Explore repairs and new lenses for existing frames

Before replacing a whole pair, ask an optical shop whether your frames can be repaired or fitted with new lenses. Reusing frames is an option worth pricing alongside a new pair.

Bring the glasses in for an assessment. Ask for a written estimate and find out whether the work comes with a guarantee. Then compare that total with a complete replacement. Let the shop explain whether the frames are suitable for the work.

Plan eyewear purchases for the whole family

Make a simple list of who needs an exam, glasses or contacts. Add any known benefit dates and estimate what you may need to pay. That gives you a starting point for your household budget.

If you’re considering a seller that charges a membership fee, include that fee in your comparison. Ask which family members can use the membership and whether you can use vision benefits there.

For children’s glasses, ask about fit, adjustments and the shop’s policy if a pair needs repair. You can compare those services along with the price.

Check prescription details and return policies before buying

Have your current prescription handy and check the details before you submit an order. For glasses, ask your eye care professional about any measurements the seller requests, including pupillary distance—the distance between the centers of your pupils.

Read the return and exchange policy before paying. Check the deadline, whether return shipping costs extra and what happens if the glasses don’t fit or an order arrives with a problem. Keep your order confirmation and receipt until you’re satisfied.

Quick wins

• Compare complete prices for the same glasses or prescribed contacts.
• Check your vision benefits and eligible health account before paying.
• Get a repair or new-lens estimate for frames you already own.
• Review prescription details, measurements and return terms before ordering.
• Keep receipts and note any rebate deadlines.