Contact Lenses Question

[Anonymous]

I always shop around 2-3 places for my contacts. Check Costco against 1800 Contacts. You can use Costco even if you're not a member there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always shop around 2-3 places for my contacts. Check Costco against 1800 Contacts. You can use Costco even if you're not a member there.

I shop around as well. Just google the contact lens you were prescribed and compare prices. I wear the Air Optix multi focal lenses and the prices on the Internet vary a lot. You can also get better prices by ordering multiple boxes and can often get free shipping that way.

[Anonymous]

I'm an ophthalmic technician. It is amazing how much people don't understand about contact lenses (or just assume), and how people take for granted the health of their eyes.

Contacts are completely different than glasses and take significantly more time and resources to fit. That is why there is an extra charge. It is not a scam. Wouldn't you want something sitting on your eye all day to fit properly? There can be serious problems if there is an incorrect fit.

Everyone's eyes are different... Contacts have a specific base curve and diameter that is measured just for you. If you have astigmastism, there is even more that goes into making a toric contact fit properly. Additionally, your own eyes can change over time, so your own 'fit' may change.

There are also different types of materials to make contacts lenses, different oxygen permeability, etc.

I hope this helps clear up some confusion!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have worn contacts for 20+ years and honestly the fitting fee gets old for me...seems as if at some point they'd know what "fits" me.

your vision changes
my eye doctor changed my prescription and fitting a few years ago
made all the difference in the world

[Anonymous]

if you paid for the contact lens fitting, you should demand a copy of your prescription. The fee is normal - it's not the same as getting glasses.

Contacts are not the same price everywhere. Shop around. Last year, Costco had the best price for me, the previous year it was Coastal Contacts on line. This year, I ordered from Price Smart Contacts. You just have to put some effort in and look for good deals - also check ebates and sites like that to see what %age you can get back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm an ophthalmic technician. It is amazing how much people don't understand about contact lenses (or just assume), and how people take for granted the health of their eyes.

Contacts are completely different than glasses and take significantly more time and resources to fit. That is why there is an extra charge. It is not a scam. Wouldn't you want something sitting on your eye all day to fit properly? There can be serious problems if there is an incorrect fit.

Everyone's eyes are different... Contacts have a specific base curve and diameter that is measured just for you. If you have astigmastism, there is even more that goes into making a toric contact fit properly. Additionally, your own eyes can change over time, so your own 'fit' may change.

There are also different types of materials to make contacts lenses, different oxygen permeability, etc.

I hope this helps clear up some confusion!

But what about when we just get the same brand we always get?

[Anonymous]

It's a rip off fee. My eye doctor didn't even look at my eye wit the lenses in the eyes. No samples. I have the same prescription I came in with. And he was an MD opthamologist. I will switch doctors next year. I have good vision insurance in addition to my regular health insurance that covers the cost of the fitting, so I never paid attention to it before.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm an ophthalmic technician. It is amazing how much people don't understand about contact lenses (or just assume), and how people take for granted the health of their eyes.

Contacts are completely different than glasses and take significantly more time and resources to fit. That is why there is an extra charge. It is not a scam. Wouldn't you want something sitting on your eye all day to fit properly? There can be serious problems if there is an incorrect fit.

Everyone's eyes are different... Contacts have a specific base curve and diameter that is measured just for you. If you have astigmastism, there is even more that goes into making a toric contact fit properly. Additionally, your own eyes can change over time, so your own 'fit' may change.

There are also different types of materials to make contacts lenses, different oxygen permeability, etc.

I hope this helps clear up some confusion!

But what about when we just get the same brand we always get?

Tech here again... The fit should be checked every time you see your doctor for your regular checkup. It's not as extensive as the 'initial fit', but the doctor still needs to ensure the contacts are on your eyes properly, even if they keep giving you the same brand year after year. So technically when the doctor or tech looks at your eyes under the slit lamp while you're still wearing your lenses, they are looking for very specific things to make sure the fit is still proper. Because of this, some places (not all) will continue to charge you a fitting fee. Most people are fine with keeping the same brand year after year, but your eyes do change (and there are a ton of random things that can also affect it...medications you take not related to the eye, systemic issues like autoimmune disorders/diabetes/menopause, environmental factors), and that is why they need to continue checking the fit.

[Anonymous]

Vision Direct is another online provider. Also, do a search for promp codes or online coupons for the various providers.