Buy Contact Online
Buying contacts online can be an easy, convenient way to refill your prescription, especially when you lose a lens or suddenly discover you used your last box of lenses — and oh, by the way, you’re going on a business trip in two days. But just as you wouldn’t buy a computer or even a set of tires without doing some research, you also need to do some research before buying contacts online to make sure you’re getting the lenses your eye doctor prescribed at a reasonable price in a timely manner. Here are a few questions to consider before buying contacts online.
1. Is your prescription up to date? Any reputable online seller will verify your contact lens prescription with your eye doctor. It’s the law. If your prescription has expired, you’ll need to go in for a checkup, which is always a good idea anyway to make sure your eyes are healthy and your vision hasn’t changed.
2. Does the online seller have the exact lenses your eye doctor prescribed? Many people don’t know this, but the FDA classifies contact lenses as medical devices, so using the exact lenses your eye doctor prescribes is just as important as using the exact antibiotic or blood pressure medicine your family doctor prescribes. Unauthorized substitutions aren’t healthy.
3. Does the seller offer good customer service? Be sure to check out the seller’s policies about returns. Will they accept unopened boxes if your prescription changes? And find out how they handle damaged shipments. Check out the online reviews. Customer service may be what separates a bargain basement merchant from top-of-the-line.
4. What is the real bottom line? If you’re buying contacts online because you’re looking for the best price, be sure to comparison shop. You may be surprised at the wide range of prices for the same contact lenses. And don’t forget to factor in shipping and handling charges.
Before you click “complete order,” there’s one more question to consider: Does your eye doctor offer a service for buying contacts online? Many eye doctors do, and their prices are often competitive with other online outlets. Plus, there’s the added benefit of the personal relationship you already have with your doctor and his or her staff. Wherever you decide to buy your contact lenses, remember that being an informed consumer is even more important when the product affects your vision and the health of your eyes.