How to Save on Contact Lens Costs

My husband and I both wear disposable contact lenses and over the years, I have found small ways to save money on them.

One of the first things I do is always go for regular eye exams, but when I do go, I ask for a copy of my prescription to take with me. My doctor prescribed lenses for me that are inexpensive and are made under several different brand names, so it is carried at many places.

When I got to my eye doctors, I always ask for any free samples of solution or rebate offers or coupons. Doctor's have a ton of that stuff and usually more than happy to share with you. I find in many cases all you have to do is ask and you shall receive.

The lenses I use are 2 week disposable lenses. I would love to have the ones that you just change everyday, but they cost more. You can talk to your eye doctor about different options and the cost.

I know some people save money using traditional contacts because you can reuse them, yet they have a higher upfront cost. You need to see what works for you. For me, I'm lazy and like just throwing them out every two week and getting new ones.

Before I buy the lenses, I always compare prices. I'll check the price at the eye doctors, but I almost always buy my lenses online. I have shopped at these online websites for contacts before: Lensmart, 1800Contacts and Visiondirect. For my specific contact lenses, Lensmart always has the best prices and they offer coupon codes which can be found here.

Also, be sure before you go to the eye doctors and buy your lenses that you know your vision coverage. I know some people may not have vision coverage, but their medical coverage will provide discounts at certain vision providers. Like I posted about yesterday, it's tricky to understand your benefits, but it is worth it to invest the time.

Take advantage of free trial pair offers, coupons and rebates on contact lenses. Yes, there are out there! Here are some I found for Bausch and Lomb Products.

Another way to save money on the expense of using contact lenses is to work the drugstore deals. In the past 6 months, I have gotten several boxes of contact solution free after rebate at Rite Aid. You can read about Rite Aid's Single Check Program here. I know CVS gives extra care bucks back for purchasing solution as well. The internet also provides many printable money saving coupons. Here is one for Renu.

Please let me know if you have any additional ideas on how to save money on Contact lenses. I'd love to hear your ideas, as both my husband and I are contact users.