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1-800 Contacts is an online retailer of contact lenses. It stocks several different contact lens brands and offers an online vision exam for people who need new prescriptions.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
1-800 Contacts began operating in 1995, aiming to provide better vision care throughout the U.S. It claims to have impacted the eye care industry by:
- becoming the first company to sell contact lenses online
- helping pass a federal law to ensure everyone has a right to know their prescription
- launching the first mobile app to promote vision care
- advocating for telehealth laws to make eye care more accessible
1-800 Contact’s customer support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The company provides free returns or exchanges and a “best price” guarantee.
Customers can opt to pay for expedited shipping. People can purchase one time or via a subscription service, which automatically sends out contact lenses at regular intervals.
1-800 Contacts offers contact lenses and an online vision exam.
Contact lenses
1-800 Contacts states it has 45 million contact lenses in stock, including lenses from popular brands such as:
These brands offer several different lens types, making the company a good option for a majority of people that need vision correction.
1-800 Contacts offers bifocal, multifocal, and hydrating lenses, as well as lenses for astigmatism. People who prefer to change up their style may purchase color and color-enhancing contacts.
Learn more about different contact lenses and their cost here.
The company sells daily, weekly, and monthly disposable contact lenses.
People can also purchase eye care and contact lens solution directly from the website.
Online vision exam
1-800 Contacts offer a four-step online vision exam through its website. The exam takes approximately 10 minutes and costs $20.
The steps involve:
- checking a person’s eligibility to ensure telehealth is available in their state
- an eye redness check, which notes any eye irritation
- a vision test
- updating a person’s current prescription
A board-certified ophthalmologist will review the test results and issue a new prescription, sometimes within 24 hours.
To take the online vision exam, a person will need access to:
- a smartphone or a computer
- a driver’s license or credit card to calibrate the device screen for the exam
- their current prescription
A person will also need to conduct the eye test in a location that allows for 10 feet of space between their device and themselves.
1-800 Contacts state that its online vision exam is not a replacement for the standard comprehensive eye exam that individuals should receive on a regular basis.
1-800 Contacts have a three-step ordering process:
- Step 1: Search the website for a contact lens brand or scan the side of an existing contact lens box.
- Step 2: Enter the prescription.
- Step 3: Place the order.
If an individual cannot find their prescription, 1-800 Contacts will contact their eye care provider for a copy.
Individuals need to order the brand listed on their prescriptions. If they believe the brand is unsuitable for their needs, they may wish to consult with their eye doctor to discuss a different manufacturer.
1-800 Contacts will also consult with a person’s eye doctor to approve their order before shipping.
Insurance
1-800 Contacts are an in-network provider for several insurance companies, including:
- Davis Vision
- Superior Vision
- Spectera
- Blue View Vision
- Anthem BCBS
Most insurance companies also accept 1-800 Contacts in their list of out-of-network providers.
Returns and exchanges
1-800 Contacts offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all orders and will replace damaged lenses. If a person’s prescription changes, they will accept returns for old lenses if the original packaging is sealed and intact.
1-800 Contacts has held accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 1995, achieving an A+ grade. Customers, however, give the company an average of 1.86 out of 5 stars on this website.
On Trustpilot, reviewers give the company an average of 3 stars out of 5, from over 350 reviews.
People who left positive reviews on these websites state that the company has helpful, friendly, and compassionate customer service representatives. Customers also appreciate the fast shipping times and free lens replacements.
However, others experienced representatives failing to effectively communicate delays and other order problems, long delays for refunds, and found that the company did not honor the price match guarantee or rebates.
There are several other reputable companies that offer contact lenses. The following table compares 1-800 Contacts with other options a person may choose.
| Companies | Brands | Accepts insurance | Vision exam | BBB grade | Trustpilot score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-800 Contacts | 11 brands including Acuvue, DAILIES, and Ultra | in-network provider | online, costs $20 | A+ | 3 out of 5 stars |
| Discount Contact Lenses | 31 brands including Acuvue, DAILIES, and Ultra | out-of-network provider | online | no profile | 2.4 out of 5 stars |
| AC Lens | 31 brands including Acuvue, DAILIES, and Ultra | out-of-network provider | no | A+ | 3.4 out of 5 stars |
| LensCrafters | 9 brands including Air Optix, DAILIES, and Ultra | in- and out-of-network provider | in-store | F | 3.2 out of 5 stars |
| WebEyeCare | 16 brands, including Acuvue, Biofinity, and Ultra | yes | no | A | 4.2 out of 5 stars |
| Lens.com | 25 brands, including Acuvue, DAILIES, and Ultra | out-of-network provider | online, costs $30 | F | 2.8 out of 5 stars |
People who wear contact lenses may also consider other methods to correct their vision. Some people may prefer eyeglasses to contact lenses, especially if they cannot wear contacts or find them uncomfortable. Others
Read our reviews of 1-800 Contacts’ competitors here:
Contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses, and provide in-eye vision correction to around
While some contact lenses are disposable and only last one wear, others are reusable.
It is important that people wearing reusable contact lenses take steps to clean, disinfect, and store their lenses. Most retailers stock multipurpose contact lens solutions.
The
- washing and drying the hands before touching the eyes or contact lenses
- removing old solution and cleaning contact lens cases after putting contact lenses in the eyes
- rubbing and rinsing lenses with contact lens solution after removal
- disposing of daily lenses straight away, or storing reusable contact lenses in a storage case with a fresh solution
Here we answer some common questions about this brand.
Are 1-800 Contacts cheaper?
1-800 Contacts claims that it offers contact lenses for a more affordable price than many competitors. It offers a “best price guarantee”, although there are terms and conditions.
Can I order contacts online with an expired prescription?
No, people must have a current prescription to order contact lenses online.
Some companies, such as 1-800 Contacts, offer online vision exams that will provide people with a prescription.
Do 1-800 Contacts need a prescription?
Yes, 1-800 Contacts require a current prescription to fulfill a contact lens order.
Can I use my insurance on 1-800 Contacts?
1-800 Contacts accept vision insurance. It is an in-network provider for plans such as Solstice, SuperiorVision, and United Healthcare Vision.
The company is also an out-of-network provider for insurance companies such as Aetna, Humana, and VSP.
1-800 Contacts offers a convenient way to order contact lenses online. Customers can make one-off purchases or sign up for a subscription service for monthly contact lens deliveries.
1-800 Contacts stock several contact lens brands that eye doctors commonly prescribe. The company also offers online vision exams, though it notes that these should not replace a person’s routine eye examinations.