Ask ten contact lens wearers where they order, and at least four will say 1-800 Contacts. They’ve dominated the online lens market since the late 1990s — and for good reason. Strong customer service, a price match guarantee, and a broader brand catalog than most competitors make them a reliable default. But “reliable default” isn’t the same as “cheapest.” Costco beats them on popular daily lens brands by $20–$40 per annual supply, and some wearers are leaving real money on the table by never checking.
Here’s the full breakdown.
Price Comparison: 1-800 Contacts vs. Alternatives
| Brand (annual supply) | 1-800 Contacts | Costco | Clearly | Optometrist Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acuvue Oasys 1-Day (720 lenses) | $220–$260 | $190–$220 | $210–$250 | $280–$350 |
| Dailies Total1 (720 lenses) | $250–$290 | $230–$260 | $240–$280 | $310–$380 |
| Biofinity monthly (12 lenses) | $75–$95 | $60–$80 | $70–$90 | $90–$130 |
| Air Optix Aqua monthly (12) | $60–$80 | $50–$70 | $55–$75 | $75–$110 |
The pattern holds pretty consistently: 1-800 Contacts runs 10–20% below optometrist offices, and roughly comparable to — or slightly above — Costco. On popular daily disposables, Costco often takes the lead by $20–$40 per year. Monthly lenses narrow that gap considerably.
One area where 1-800 Contacts pulls ahead: selection. Costco stocks the big names but won’t carry every toric, multifocal, or specialty lens. If you’re in a common brand, Costco is worth checking first. If you’re in anything unusual, 1-800 Contacts is more likely to have it.
The $20 Online Vision Exam
1-800 Contacts offers an online vision test through their Visibly platform for around $20. You complete the refraction test asynchronously on your phone or computer, then a licensed optometrist in your state reviews the results and issues a prescription update if appropriate.
This $20 option works for:
- Updating a stable prescription (no major changes expected)
- Patients who’ve had a comprehensive in-person exam within the past year
- Contact lens prescription renewals for straightforward soft lens prescriptions
It can’t replace a comprehensive eye health exam, though. It checks refraction only — not retinal health, optic nerve, intraocular pressure, or any of the markers an optometrist looks for. If it’s been more than 12 months since a full exam, or if you’ve noticed any changes beyond simple blur, get in to see someone in person.
1-800 Contacts will match any verifiable price from a licensed retailer — and they’re not difficult about it. If you spot a lower price at Costco, Clearly, or ContactsDirect, call or chat and ask for a match. They typically do it without demanding proof. Combined with their broader brand selection, this policy makes them a reasonable starting point even when you shop around first. Find the lowest price elsewhere, then call them.
How 1-800 Contacts Handles Prescription Verification
The FTC’s Contact Lens Rule requires all retailers to verify your prescription with your prescriber before fulfilling an order. 1-800 Contacts contacts your eye doctor directly — you just provide the name and phone number. Most prescriptions are verified within 8 business hours. Your doctor has 8 business hours to respond before 1-800 Contacts can proceed under the passive verification rule.
Expired prescriptions are a common snag. Most states allow contact lens prescriptions to be valid 1–2 years, and 1-800 Contacts can’t legally fill an expired Rx. Their $20 online exam is partly designed to bridge this gap — a fast renewal before you order.
1-800 Contacts vs. Clearly: Key Differences
Both are legitimate, competitively priced online retailers. The practical differences:
1-800 Contacts strengths: 24/7 phone support, broader US brand coverage, more established, price match guarantee
Clearly strengths: Often slightly lower prices on popular brands, Canada-based with US shipping, strong promotions, good delivery reviews
Neither is a wrong choice. If your specific lens is stocked at both, compare prices before clicking checkout.
Using Insurance with 1-800 Contacts
1-800 Contacts doesn’t directly bill VSP or EyeMed. To use your insurance benefits, pay out-of-pocket and submit the itemized receipt to your vision plan for out-of-network reimbursement. VSP typically reimburses $80–$105; EyeMed $60–$100 depending on plan tier. The savings from ordering online often exceed what you’d get in-network at a retail optical, so the extra paperwork is usually worth it.
Bottom Line
1-800 Contacts is a strong default — good service, price matching, broad selection, and a legitimate $20 prescription renewal option. They’re not always the cheapest; Costco can undercut them by $20–$50 per year on popular daily brands. The smart approach: check Costco first for your specific lens, then call 1-800 Contacts for a price match if they’re lower. Submit for insurance reimbursement out-of-network, and you’ve cut your annual contact lens bill about as far down as it can go.
Frequently Asked Questions
1-800 Contacts typically charges 10–20% less than optometrist offices for the same contact lens brands, with annual savings of $20–$40 on popular daily wear lenses. A year's supply of daily contacts through 1-800 Contacts generally ranges from $150–$400 depending on the brand and prescription, while the same lenses purchased at an optometrist office usually cost $170–$480 annually.
Most vision insurance plans do not cover the cost of contact lenses themselves, whether purchased through 1-800 Contacts or an eye care office, though some employer-sponsored or standalone vision plans offer a $100–$200 annual contact lens allowance. You'll need to verify your specific plan's coverage by checking your policy documents or contacting your insurance provider directly, as exclusions and allowances vary widely.
Yes, you must have a valid contact lens prescription dated within the past year to order from 1-800 Contacts; you cannot use your eyeglass prescription. 1-800 Contacts offers online eye exams for $20 if you don't have a current prescription, though this is faster and cheaper than visiting an optometrist office where an exam typically costs $50–$150.