By YOUNG MONEY Staff
28 May 2009

There seems to be a common notion that contact lenses are at their most expensive when bought through a “real-life” optical store or through an eye clinic, and cheapest when bought online. We did some research and found out that it is actually not as black and white as that. In this article different alternatives will be discussed on how to save money on contacts.

Health Insurance
Take a look at your health insurance policy to see whether it includes vision coverage or not. The issuing insurance company will most likely be able to offer various discounts and, in some cases, also reseller options. Usually, you will be offered a percentage discount by their affiliated retailers. The other alternative, which is frequently offered by the insurance company, involves purchasing the contacts from one of their own sellers. Either way, you will be able to purchase the contacts at a good price.

Eye Clinics
Even though many think that eye clinics sell overpriced contacts, this is sometimes not the case. What many eye clinics do is buy contacts wholesale from the lens manufacturer, then re-brand and re-price them, adding a generous mark-up to what is now their “own” lens brand.

However, others will simply control their lens supply on a larger scale, thus enabling them to sell contacts at a cheaper price and to compete with the “cheaper” online market. Since the price for contact lenses differs largely among eye clinics it is a good idea to contact them in advance, regarding their pricing. They might even be able to offer certain deals that, especially if you suffer from chronic eye problems, could be more beneficial and money-saving in the long run. Remember that the main selling point for eye clinics is their ability to create long term relationships, but that they are also dependent on these. If you are not satisfied with the products and services they offer, make sure to drive a hard bargain. 

Online Guides
If you are looking to buy contact lenses online you will quickly notice that the market is heavily dominated by price comparison guides, which are affiliated with the various online retailers and lens manufacturers. Since they can keep their overhead expenses at a bare minimum compared to many “offline” shops, they are able usually to offer their customers contacts at a much cheaper price. Online guides come highly recommended as a great resource for finding cheap contacts, and with them, you can keep an easy overview of a wide variety of products, thus ensuring the best deal and controlling your costs.

Optical Chains
There are a few optical chains, for example JC Penny Optical and OptiCare, that in addition to offering eye examinations also sell contact lenses. If you have a proper prescription, signed by an authorized optician, you will be able to buy contacts at any of their stores. Since they have such large stocks they are able to sell lenses at a reasonable price. Also, of all the “offline” alternatives, these are the most abundant, meaning you wouldn’t have to travel very far to reach them.

Remember, the options above can help you save money on a medical product that many of you value highly. However, each requires a certain level of engagement and research. The more research you do, even if it’s just online, the more money you’ll save now, the more time you’ll save later.