How to Save Money on Your Next Pair of Contacts
English: Putting on contact lenses (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
While it’s certainly more convenient and comfortable to wear contacts than glasses, and contact lenses are always improving with advances in technology, there’s one big problem – the cost. Even if you’re the only member of your household who needs them, they can be expensive. If vision problems run in the family or you have to get specialized lenses, this cost certainly adds up quickly.
There are certain ways you can save money when you’re buying contacts, however. There’s no need to pay for contact lenses you can’t really afford when you can get the same lenses for less money. Here are some ways you can save money the next time you go to buy contacts.
Don’t buy them from a retailer.
It’s tempting to go to the eye care shop in a mall or another retail vision wear place, but don’t do it. They have to pay for that expensive lease, after all, and the cost is going to come out of your pocket. Instead, if you must buy them offline, look at warehouse clubs in your area, as some don’t require memberships in order to buy vision care products. The better, cheaper choice is to shop online, however. Buying contact lenses at Lenstore or other websites will save you a significant amount of money.
Look for sales and promotions.
Sometimes, you can’t find a discount on the contacts you need, but you can at least benefit from sales and promotions. Some retailers will give you free daily disposable lenses with your order, while others may give you a promotional discount on two pairs of contacts if you buy them at once. Certain online retailers will hold sales at different times throughout the year, or they may offer free shipping or other benefits that make them a cheaper buy.
Use coupon codes when you can.
Coupons are one of the best ways to save on contact lenses. There are a limited number of coupons available for offline contact lens purchases, but if you go for an online purchase, you’re only limited by your ability to search for coupon codes. Look for the store name or website name plus the words “coupon” or “discount” (depending on what the field in the checkout process is named) and you may find one.
Ask for a different manufacturer or material.
When you get your prescription, talk to your doctor about the cost of contact lenses. They may be able to give you a prescription for a different manufacturer or material, or allow a generic version or substitution by the site. A contact lens dealer will be happy to give you a similar material or style if the doctor allows it on your prescription, and these materials or manufacturers may be cheaper.
There’s no need to go broke in order to see better. Many people take the hit in their wallets and pay full price at a retail location for contact lenses when they don’t need to. Online retailers, coupon codes, and promotions make it easier to save money on contact lenses than ever before. Don’t miss out on the comfort and convenience of contacts just because you think you can’t afford them.
Chelsea Miller is an optical technician. She share her insight on various eye care and general health blogs.
Category: Health, Saving Money
