Walmart Eye Care: This Is Where You Need to Buy Your Contacts (2023)

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If you’re looking to get a quick exam or a new pair of contacts or glasses on the cheap, you might want to take a look at Walmart eye care. As if this mega store doesn’t play in enough spaces, now they want to take care of your eyes, along with your car, your clothes, your food, your pets, etc. But to be honest, when it comes to contacts nobody can compete with the Walmart Vision Center. I’ll show you why.

Here are your best three options when it comes to Walmart’s eye care offerings:

  1. Go to a Walmart Vision Center to get an eye glass exam.
  2. Order contacts online through WalmartContacts.com.
  3. Order basic readers online through Walmart.com.

Here’s everything you need to know about Walmart eye care.

Before you read on, download the KCL app and bookmark the Walmart deals page.

1. Buy multiple boxes of Walmart contacts online and save $10.

Walmart Eye Care: This Is Where You Need to Buy Your Contacts (1)

(Video) Halloween Contacts | 5 Tips Before You Buy | Eye Doctor Explains

Your best option is to order multiple boxes from WalmartContacts.com. My favorite brand of contacts was $10 off just for buying multiple boxes, which made them cheaper than the Walmart Vision Center sells them.

Plus, WalmartContacts.com prices beat out competitors like America’s Best and Walgreens. But even when they don’t have the lowest price, that doesn’t matter because…

2. Price match contacts online with Walmart and save $70 or more.

Walmart price match is a good way to grab a lower price from competitors online, and you can do it through WalmartContacts.com as well. They’ll price match online orders, but the competitor’s total price has to include processing and shipping fees.

You can either call (800) 741-5367 or include a link to the cheaper contacts in the “Coupon Codes” field of your order. I recommend just calling.

You can do your price match within seven days of your order.

Here’s an example of how to save $70 on contacts at Walmart:

(Video) Cheap Contacts | How to Save MONEY on Contact Lenses (3-Tips) | Doctor Eye Health

3. Walmart eye exams for glasses are $7 cheaper than Target.

Walmart Eye Care: This Is Where You Need to Buy Your Contacts (3)

An eye exam for glasses only from the Walmart Vision Center will cost around $73 without insurance, whereas Target Optical exams cost an average of $80 and up, plus they charge extra for a digital retinal imaging fee. Both Walmart’s and Target’s exam costs vary from state to state (trust me, I made some calls), but basic eye exams were cheaper at Walmart.

4. …But you might want to check out America’s Best for glasses and exams anyways.

Walmart Eye Care: This Is Where You Need to Buy Your Contacts (4)

(Video) Walmart Vision Careers

Walmart might trump Target when it comes to exams, but it’s tough to compete with the deals America’s Best has. For example, right now they’re offering two pairs of glasses and a free eye exam for $70 without insurance. In comparison, the cheapest glasses and lenses Walmart offers are $69 alone, not including an exam.

5. Do your exams through your eye doctor and order contacts through WalmartContacts.com.

Walmart Eye Care: This Is Where You Need to Buy Your Contacts (5)

Walmart Vision Center requires a special exam if you wear contacts, which cost around $105. This cost does go up around $20 if you have an astigmatism. But, you don’t have to get an eye exam at Walmart Vision Center in order to purchase contacts through WalmartContacts.com. All you need is a prescription. If you don’t upload one or fax one when you order your contacts, WalmartContacts.com will call your eye doctor and verify your prescription for you.

My eye insurance will cover my exam and one pair of glasses or up to a certain amount in contacts. But contacts through my eye doctor are super expensive, even with rebates. So, I get my glasses and contact lens eye exams done at my eye doctor through insurance and order my contacts through WalmartContacts.com.

6. Get free shipping from Walmart Vision Center and WalmartContacts.com.

Walmart Eye Care: This Is Where You Need to Buy Your Contacts (6)

(Video) Best Places for Eye Exams

If you order through Walmart Vision Center or WalmartContacts.com, all your orders are totally free. They’ll usually take five to seven business days to come in.

7. You have 365 days to return Walmart contacts, but they can’t be opened.

Walmart Eye Care: This Is Where You Need to Buy Your Contacts (7)

Whether you’re ordering from WalmartContacts.com or getting them from Walmart Vision Center, you’ve got a year to return your Walmart contacts. You can only return them if they haven’t been opened.

8. Basic readers are cheaper on Walmart.com

Walmart Eye Care: This Is Where You Need to Buy Your Contacts (8)

If you just need basic readers, order them from Walmart.com, no prescription needed or anything. You can order three pairs for $8.97 ($2.99 a pair). Plus, you can get free shipping for your glasses if you’re a Walmart+ member or if your total order hits $35.

(Video) Walmart Optometry

The same readers are available in Walmart stores for $5 – 10.

Have you purchased any Walmart eye care products in the past? Drop a comment below and share your experience!

FAQs

How long does it take to get contact lenses from Walmart? ›

How long does it take for my lenses to arrive? 98% of all US orders arrive within the 7-10 day delivery time stated on our website. However, the vast majority of orders that are shipped from stock will arrive significantly sooner.

Does Walmart give you trial contacts? ›

You will receive a free pair of trial lenses with your eye exam after we confirm that your eyes are healthy. Have a valid prescription? The Walmart Vision Center carries many brands in stock.

How do I get my contact prescription from Walmart? ›

The online store for Walmart Contacts gives you the option to enter your prescription details to order contacts from major brands and manufacturers. Make sure to have a current contact lens prescription from your doctor before ordering. Shop for prescription contacts from Walmart Contacts online.

Is Walmart good for contacts? ›

The site is well laid out and prices are good, though you'll find lower if you shop around at other discount sites. There is a bafflingly huge selection of lens solutions, too. If you need an updated prescription vision test are administered in over a quarter of Walmart stores by independent optometrists.

Can I walk into a store and buy contact lenses? ›

Buying contacts isn't the same as buying glasses for reading. You can't simply walk into a department store and try on a few pair and decide what works best for you. Contact lenses are medical devices, which require wearers to follow a prescribed process to get them.

Does Walmart verify contact prescriptions? ›

All you need is a prescription. If you don't upload one or fax one when you order your contacts, WalmartContacts.com will call your eye doctor and verify your prescription for you. My eye insurance will cover my exam and one pair of glasses or up to a certain amount in contacts.

How much does Walmart charge for new lenses? ›

Eyeglass Lens Replacement Walmart
Lens PricesSingle VisionLeave Your Home
RX-able.com$28/pairNo
Walmart$70/pairYes
*In most cases, Rx-able.com edges new lenses in your frame within 24 hours of receiving your frame.

How much does an eye exam for contact lenses cost at Walmart? ›

2. What Does an Eye Exam Cost? If your local Walmart has a vision center with a doctor of optometry within, you can expect to pay around $75 for an eye exam.

How can I get free lenses? ›

To get free contact lenses, ask your optometrist for trial contact lenses, which are free but only available for a limited amount of time. You can also search online for coupons for free trials and then bring them to your optometrist to get the free lenses.

Why are my contacts so expensive? ›

The Cost Factors of Contacts

The price of contacts can depend on several different factors including the brand you choose, how often you need to replace them (every day, every week, or every month), and where you buy them. If you have a complex vision problem, your contacts could cost you more.

Does my optometrist have to give me my contact prescription? ›

The Federal Trade Commission enforces the Eyeglass Rule. It requires eye doctors — ophthalmologists and optometrists — to give patients a copy of their prescription – whether they ask for it or not. It's the law.

How much does it cost to get a new contact prescription? ›

Typically, the average cost of a contact lens exam ranges between $120-$250. The average cost of a regular eye exam will vary depending on where you live and the type of optometry office you visit. With that said, keep in mind these are averages. Contact lens fittings without insurance can start as low as $100.

Which brand contact lens is better? ›

Best Overall: Bausch & Lomb ULTRA Contact Lenses

The ULTRA lenses by Bausch & Lomb check off two important boxes, which is why they're our pick for best overall. They're made from silicone hydrogel, which not only keeps eyes moist but also allows more oxygen to pass through than other materials.

What's the best brand for contact lenses? ›

Best Contact Lens Brands
  • Acuvue. The Acuvue® brand is among the most highly recommended and top-selling contact lens brands. ...
  • Dailies. The DAILIES® brand is another top contact lens brand worth looking into when deciding on the right lens. ...
  • Air Optix. ...
  • Biofinity. ...
  • SofLens.
18 Jul 2022

What is a good contact lens brand? ›

Most Popular Contact Lens Brands
RankSummary: The Top Contact Brands of 2020
1ACUVUE
2DAILIES
3Biofinity
4AIR OPTIX
1 more row

Can I order a different brand of contacts than my prescription? ›

Unfortunately, not. Contact lenses come in different sizes and must be fit to your eye by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist.

How long is a contact lens prescription good for? ›

Most contact lens prescriptions expire between one to two years after your eye exam or contact lens fitting.

Can I give my contact lenses to someone else? ›

Keep Your Lenses to Yourself

It's important not to share contact lenses with anyone else. Trying on someone else's contact lens or lending out your lens can spread infection. Since contact lenses are fit to the exact size and configuration of one person's eye, the lens might damage the surface if worn by someone else.

What happens if you forge a contact prescription? ›

A conviction under Section 4323 will result in a misdemeanor and is punishable by imprisonment in county jail for up to one year. Writing a false prescription is considered to be a “wobbler.” This means that the prosecution has discretion to charge the crime as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Will Walmart give you your eye prescription? ›

A. Certainly! After we conduct a full evaluation of your vision, we'll send you home with a printed prescription and a summary of your eye exam. Your prescription will be valid throughout the entire U.S.

What is the new contact lens rule? ›

In 2020, the FTC amended the Rule, which you can find here. The Contact Lens Rule requires prescribers to give patients a copy of their contact lens prescriptions at the end of a contact lens fitting, even if the patient doesn't ask for it.

What is the cheapest place to get an eye exam? ›

EyeCare America offers comprehensive exams for $89. Eyecare Club memberships cost $99 and offer up to two free annual exams for three years. You can find cheap eye exams from Zocdoc, 1800 Contacts, America's Best, Target, Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, and EyeCare America.

How much does a pair of lenses cost? ›

Table of Contents. Contact lenses can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500 a year, depending on the brand, type, and your insurance coverage. Generally, they cost between $20 and $30 a box. Most people with average prescriptions should be able to get a year's worth of contact lenses for $200 to $500.

Is it cheaper to get new lenses in old frames? ›

Replacing the lenses instead of getting new frames and lenses is usually cheaper.

Which is cheaper glasses or contact lenses? ›

Eyeglasses generally are cheaper than contact lenses over the long term. You don't need to replace glasses as often (unless you break them!) and if your prescription changes over time, you may be able to keep your current frames and just replace the lenses.

Is it cheaper to get contacts or glasses? ›

Contact lenses are typically even more expensive than glasses. The average amount spent annually on contact lenses is around $250, but this price can fluctuate quite a bit depending on the type of lenses prescribed and the wear schedule. Non-disposable contacts tend to cost a little less than disposable contacts.

How much do contacts cost without insurance? ›

What You Can Expect to Pay. Disposable contact lenses cost approximately $200 to $1,000 per year or $15 to $85 per month for regular wearers, if you're buying for both eyes. This range is so broad because it encompasses different types of contact lenses for different kinds of vision correction.

Do Over 60s get free glasses? ›

Answer: Once you are over the age of 60 you are entitled to a free eye examination through the NHS, usually every two years. If you're on certain qualifying benefits, you'll get a voucher towards the cost of your glasses - your optician will be able to tell you this.

How often should you have an eye test over 65? ›

You should have an eye test every two years or as often as your optician recommends. If you notice any changes in your vision, get it checked as soon as possible.

Do senior citizens get free eye tests? ›

You're entitled to a free NHS sight test if you: are under 16. are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education. are 60 or over.

What is the highest prescription for daily contact lenses? ›

Contact lenses can be prescribed for extreme degrees of myopia, even for those who need correction of more than -20 Dioptres. Some lenses can go over -30 Dioptres. For regular soft contact lenses, the highest level of corrective power is about -12 Dioptres.

How many boxes of contacts do I need for a year? ›

Keep in mind that while the per-box cost for yearly contact lenses might be higher than that of other types, you only need one box to lasts an entire year. That being said, it's a good idea to opt for a box with a spare pair, just in case.

Are astigmatism lenses more expensive? ›

For example, if your vision requires you to wear a contact lens to correct astigmatism, your lenses will be called toric lenses. 1 Toric contact lenses will cost more than the soft contacts used to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Do eye doctors make money off contacts? ›

The average contact lens patient produces $1,370 in revenue over six years, or $228 per year. Even though eyewear profit margins are higher, contact lens patients also generate significantly greater gross profit than do eyeglasses-only patients.

How can I get my eye prescription without going to the doctor? ›

People can use apps, such as GlassesUSA's app, to find out their eyeglass prescription. Alternatively, for a small fee, some websites offer an online eye exam. This may be more suitable for people who do not have a current prescription.

Why can't I use eyeglass prescription for contacts? ›

HOW ARE THE TWO TYPES OF PRESCRIPTIONS DIFFERENT? Part of the reason for the differences is that contacts are placed directly on the lens of your eye, while glasses sit about 12 millimeters away. That seemingly minor difference requires a different prescription strength for each type of corrective eyewear.

How often should you change contact lenses? ›

Disposable lenses are to be replaced every two weeks. Frequent replacement lenses prescribed lifespan is either until every month or every quarter. Traditional (reusable) lenses should be changed every six months or longer. Before you reach the expiration date of your contact lenses, get a new one already.

How much does a 3 month supply of contacts cost? ›

monthly costs is significant. A box of Acuvue Oasys® lenses will cost $115 for a 12-pack per eye and should last a year. The same contact lens in a daily disposable option would cost about $77 per eye for just a three-month supply, which brings you to $280 per year per eye - more than twice the price.

How often do you need a new prescription for contacts? ›

Generally, contact lens prescriptions are valid from 1 to 2 years following the date of your last eye exam and contact lens fitting. Once your prescription expires, it's time for your contacts prescription renewal.

What are the strongest contact lenses you can get? ›

The highest level of corrective power for monthly soft contact lenses is about -12 Dioptres (bear in mind that the average prescription for short sighted people is -2.00 Dioptres), and is available from both Purevision 2HD and Biofinity.

What are the easiest contacts to put in? ›

Soft Contact Lenses Are The Most Comfortable

Soft contact lenses usually don't take very long to get use to, and for most people, in just a few days they can't feel them at all while wearing them, they also have the benefit of allowing a full days wear in just a few days.

What type of contacts are best for dry eyes? ›

Scleral lenses are the main type of hard contact lenses that will be recommended if you have severe dry eye. These are designed in such a way that they don't touch the cornea, avoiding any possible irritation and nerve desensitization, which is one cause of dry eyes related to contact lens wear.

What contacts are better monthly or daily? ›

Usually made from silicone hydrogel, monthlies can allow more oxygen to your eyes. Monthly lenses are more cost-effective than dailies if you wear contacts every day. It's also ideal for people who switch between glasses and contacts multiple times a day.

What is the most common contact lens? ›

Soft contacts are the most common type of contact lenses and account for over 85% of contact lenses dispensed. Traditional soft contact lenses consist of soft plastic polymers and water. They allow oxygen to permeate through the lens material to the cornea.

Which is better glass or contact lens? ›

1. Wearing glasses reduces the need to touch your eyes, which reduces the likelihood of irritating or infecting your eyes. 2. If you have dry or sensitive eyes, glasses will not aggravate the problem as much as contact lenses can.

Which is Better Air Optix or biofinity? ›

Biofinity has a higher oxygen permeability than Air Optix Aqua. In addition to this, it caters for a wider prescription range with Biofinity XR and therefore could be considered a better lens for these reasons. They both fall within a similar price range but with Biofinity also being slightly cheaper than Air Optix.

How quickly can I get contact lenses? ›

It may take up to 48 hours to process your order. To speed up the prescription verification process, provide a copy of your prescription image when you place your order.

Can you get contact lenses on the same day? ›

If you have a popular prescription, you can expect your lenses to ship the day after you order them. If your prescription is uncommon, it may take some additional time to process your order.

How long do contacts take to be ordered? ›

Processing time for contacts is 1-2 business days.

How long does it take to get contacts once you order them? ›

*FOR FREE SHIPPING: Free standard shipping on contact lenses and glasses is 5 to 7 business days, depending on the prescription verification process.

Can I buy contact lenses over the counter? ›

The FDA has mandated that contact lenses cannot be sold without a valid prescription. Even if you are only ordering contacts for cosmetic reasons, like wanting to change your eye color or the physical appearance of your eye, you still need a current prescription from an eye doctor.

How long do contact lens last? ›

This will depend on the type of lens you have. Disposable lenses will generally last between one day to one month, while hard lenses (RGP and PMMA) can last up to one year or longer. You can start using contact lenses right away with approval and a prescription from your eye doctor.

How much do contact lenses cost on average? ›

Contact lenses can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500 a year, depending on the brand, type, and your insurance coverage. Generally, they cost between $20 and $30 a box. Most people with average prescriptions should be able to get a year's worth of contact lenses for $200 to $500.

How much should a contact lens exam cost? ›

Typically, the average cost of a contact lens exam ranges between $120-$250. The average cost of a regular eye exam will vary depending on where you live and the type of optometry office you visit. With that said, keep in mind these are averages. Contact lens fittings without insurance can start as low as $100.

Are there contacts that you can wear for 30 days straight? ›

AIR OPTIX ® NIGHT & DAY ® AQUA contact lenses are FDA-approved for up to 30 days and nights of continuous wear to let you fall asleep and wake up to comfortable, clear vision.

Can you sleep in contacts? ›

Is It Safe to Sleep With Contact Lenses In? It is not safe to sleep while wearing contact lenses. According to experts, sleeping with contacts increases your risk for a corneal infection, which is an infection of the clear layer protecting the colored part of your eye.

What is astigmatism in your eye? ›

Astigmatism is a common eye problem that can make your vision blurry or distorted. It happens when your cornea (the clear front layer of your eye) or lens (an inner part of your eye that helps the eye focus) has a different shape than normal. The only way to find out if you have astigmatism is to get an eye exam.

Can I order 2 years of contacts? ›

The expiration date for your contact lens prescription is currently set by the State of California — for normal prescriptions, it is one to two years. If you have additional health concerns, your doctor may place a shorter time period on your contact lens prescription.

Can I use my glasses prescription for contacts? ›

Can You Use Your Glasses Prescription for Contact Lenses? Unfortunately, you can't use your current glasses prescription for contact lenses. While both can correct your vision, your prescription for glasses differs from a contact lens prescription in many ways.

Should glasses and contacts prescription be the same? ›

The answer is no. While they both have the same objective — to correct what eye doctors call “refractive errors” that prevent you from seeing correctly — prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses are distinctly different.

Are trial contacts the same as regular? ›

At the end of your appointment, your doctor can send you home with a trial pair of contacts. These trial contacts are not necessarily the same kind or brand that you will be prescribed. The trial period is for you to see if the contacts are comfortable and fit into your daily routine.

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