There’s no doubt that buying contact lenses can be very expensive. Lens prices depend on different factors, including the brand, optical properties and how much of it you need to buy. As a result, you can end up spending anywhere from $2-$20+ per lens. While they may seem like a minor expense, wearing contacts is actually an important part of your daily routine and should not be taken lightly. By understanding why contact lenses cost so much, as well as exploring some alternative options for purchasing them, you can save money and get the most value for your dollar.
Why Are Contacts So Expensive?
There are a few reasons why contacts are expensive. The main reason is that contacts are a medical device and need to be FDA approved. This approval process is lengthy and expensive, which drives up the cost of the product. Additionally, contacts are generally made from high-quality materials (e.g., silicone hydrogel) that are more costly to manufacture. Finally, contact lens companies have to make a profit in order to stay in business, so they charge more for their products than other types of eyewear.
What Causes Contact Lens Prices To Be So High?
1. The cost of FDA approval:
Contact lenses must be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be sold. This process is lengthy, expensive, and can add up to a high cost for lenses.
2. The cost of high-quality materials:
Contacts are generally made from silicone hydrogel, which is a high-quality material that is more costly to manufacture.
3. The need to make a profit:
Contact lens companies have to make a profit in order to stay in business, so they charge more for their products than other types of eyewear.
4. The popularity of contact lenses:
As contact lenses become more popular, the demand for them increases, which drives up the cost of the product.
5. The exchange rate:
The value of the US dollar has a direct impact on the cost of contact lenses. When the currency is strong, it makes imports more expensive, and this includes contact lenses.
6. The cost of shipping:
Contact lenses must be shipped in cold, dry conditions, which adds to the cost of the product.
How To Lower Your Contact Lens Prices
Contact Lens Case Cost
While you can buy contact lenses in a number of different types of cases, most dispensing facilities will only let you buy one kind. Besides, many of them are much more colorful than the plain ones you can get through your doctor. The reason that dispensing facilities only sell the same type of case is to keep the costs of them low. This is because they are made out of the same material. If you’re buying your contacts online, try to get the case to go with them. That way, you only have to buy each case once instead of two or more. It’s also a good idea to check the prices of contact lens cases at local stores. Often, one store will have much lower prices than another one nearby.
Manufacturer’s Pricing
Manufacturer’s pricing is what the manufacturer sets for their product. It’s not based on the cost of production and overheads, so it can be much higher than what you would pay at a store or online. If you see an online deal that’s really low, compare it to the prices of the products you would buy at your local stores. If the online prices are significantly lower, you might want to check to see why. You may find that the online deal is only available at the site because it is selling a very low-priced product. In this case, you’ll have to pay the higher price for the product or even a higher price for the deal. Do your research. If you see a deal that seems too good to be true, try to find out why.
Find Discounted Lenses
You have to look for discounts in your local stores. That’s because stores all over the country have different coupon policies. Not all stores have the same deals, and not all discounts are available to all customers. You can also try contacting your local store’s management and asking them if they can pass along any discounts they’re receiving. You can also approach other stores in your area and ask them if they know of any discounts that they could pass on to you. You can also check online sites for deals. Not only do they have the same deals as the stores do, but they also have access to the same discounts that the stores do.
Get Free Lenses From a Program
If you’re interested in getting free lenses, look online. Most online sites have several programs that will give you free lenses or discounts on them. You can also sign up for email alerts that let you know when these programs are available. You can also sign up for lens rebate programs offered by your doctor’s office or a local dispensing facility. Many programs will let you order your first case of lenses for free. That way, you’ll have a pair to try out before you have to pay full price for them. Many programs will give you a discount on the second pair if you’re a member. You can also sign up for these programs when you have your eyes dilated. That way, you’ll be able to get your free or discounted lenses much faster than you could if you waited until your eyes were dilated.
Ask At Your Practice For Discounts
If your doctor offers any type of program that gives discounts on lenses, sign up for it. As long as you’re a patient of theirs, they’ll receive a commission if they sell you contact lenses. This could mean the difference between getting a discount on the lenses and paying full price. Even if you’re not a patient of the practice, you can still sign up for these programs. If you sign up before you need your lenses, you’ll be eligible for the discount. This way, you can have your lenses at a discounted price before you need them.
Ask At Your Dryer For Discounts
Some dispensing facilities or practices offer discounts or loyalty programs when you buy from them through your dryer. Many doctors’ offices and dispensing facilities offer this option. If your practice offers this type of promotion, ask your dryer about it. If the dryer is affiliated with a store, the prices at that store may be lower than the prices at the practice. This may mean that you get a free pair of lenses or a discount on them. If the dryer is affiliated with a dispensing facility, you may be able to get the same discount. In this case, you’ll have to ask the cashier at the dispensing facility how you can get the discount.
Check Online Sites For Deals
Some online sites, like Lens.com, will let you compare prices for both online and in-store purchases. They’ll also show you the special offers and discounts that are available to you. Another great way to find deals on contact lenses is to use price comparison websites. The more sites you use, the better chance you have of finding a good deal. You can also search for contact lens deals on social media sites. Many of these sites will show you the best deals and discounts that people are getting on social media.
Donate Used Lenses or Keep Them For Recycling
If you have used contacts that you no longer need, or even if you have just a few that are broken, keep them for recycling. Many local organizations will take them for free. If you have used contacts that you no like, but that still have some life in them, consider donating them to a local charity. Many of these organizations will take these lenses for free.
Buy New from the Doctor or Dispensing Facilities
If you want to buy new lenses, order them directly from the manufacturer. This will usually be the most expensive way to buy, but it will also be the only way to get fresh contacts. If you want to try out a pair of used contacts before you buy new ones, you can buy them from a friend or family member. They’ll often be glad to let you try them out for free, or even for a discounted price. If you want to try a cheaper way to test out new lenses, you can try buying from a dispensing facility that sells used lenses.
Other Ways To Save On Contact Lens Costs
- Ask your dryer about special deals. If the dryer is affiliated with a store, the prices at that store may be lower than the prices at the practice. This may mean that you get a free pair of lenses or a discount on them. If the dryer is affiliated with a dispensing facility, you may be able to get the same discount.
- Check online sites for deals. Some online sites, like Lens.com, will let you compare prices for both online and in-store purchases. They’ll also show you the special offers and discounts that are available to you.
- Donate used lenses or keep them for recycling. Many local organizations will take them for free.
- Buy new from the doctor or dispensing facilities. This will usually be the most expensive way to buy, but it will also be the only way to get fresh contacts. If you want to try out a pair of used contacts before you buy new ones, you can buy them from a friend or family member. They’ll often be glad to let you try them out for free, or even for a discounted price.
Conclusion
While you may think that wearing contacts is just a minor expense, the reality is that it requires a significant investment in time, money, and effort. If you’re looking to save money on your contact lens costs, doing so requires a lot of research. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it all on your own. The best way to save on contact lens costs is to stay informed on the latest research and updates, as well as to shop around and find the best deal.
