Ask ten contact lens wearers where they order, and at least four will say 1-800 Contacts. They’ve dominated the online lens market since the late 1990s — and for good reason. Strong customer service, a price match guarantee, and a broader brand catalog than most competitors make them a reliable default. But “reliable default” isn’t the same as “cheapest.” Costco beats them on popular daily lens brands by $20–$40 per annual supply, and some wearers are leaving real money on the table by never checking.
Here’s the full breakdown.
Price Comparison: 1-800 Contacts vs. Alternatives
| Brand (annual supply) | 1-800 Contacts | Costco | Clearly | Optometrist Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acuvue Oasys 1-Day (720 lenses) | $220–$260 | $190–$220 | $210–$250 | $280–$350 |
| Dailies Total1 (720 lenses) | $250–$290 | $230–$260 | $240–$280 | $310–$380 |
| Biofinity monthly (12 lenses) | $75–$95 | $60–$80 | $70–$90 | $90–$130 |
| Air Optix Aqua monthly (12) | $60–$80 | $50–$70 | $55–$75 | $75–$110 |
The pattern holds pretty consistently: 1-800 Contacts runs 10–20% below optometrist offices, and roughly comparable to — or slightly above — Costco. On popular daily disposables, Costco often takes the lead by $20–$40 per year. Monthly lenses narrow that gap considerably.
One area where 1-800 Contacts pulls ahead: selection. Costco stocks the big names but won’t carry every toric, multifocal, or specialty lens. If you’re in a common brand, Costco is worth checking first. If you’re in anything unusual, 1-800 Contacts is more likely to have it.
The $20 Online Vision Exam
1-800 Contacts offers an online vision test through their Visibly platform for around $20. You complete the refraction test asynchronously on your phone or computer, then a licensed optometrist in your state reviews the results and issues a prescription update if appropriate.
This $20 option works for:
- Updating a stable prescription (no major changes expected)
- Patients who’ve had a comprehensive in-person exam within the past year
- Contact lens prescription renewals for straightforward soft lens prescriptions
It can’t replace a comprehensive eye health exam, though. It checks refraction only — not retinal health, optic nerve, intraocular pressure, or any of the markers an optometrist looks for. If it’s been more than 12 months since a full exam, or if you’ve noticed any changes beyond simple blur, get in to see someone in person.
1-800 Contacts will match any verifiable price from a licensed retailer — and they’re not difficult about it. If you spot a lower price at Costco, Clearly, or ContactsDirect, call or chat and ask for a match. They typically do it without demanding proof. Combined with their broader brand selection, this policy makes them a reasonable starting point even when you shop around first. Find the lowest price elsewhere, then call them.
How 1-800 Contacts Handles Prescription Verification
The FTC’s Contact Lens Rule requires all retailers to verify your prescription with your prescriber before fulfilling an order. 1-800 Contacts contacts your eye doctor directly — you just provide the name and phone number. Most prescriptions are verified within 8 business hours. Your doctor has 8 business hours to respond before 1-800 Contacts can proceed under the passive verification rule.
Expired prescriptions are a common snag. Most states allow contact lens prescriptions to be valid 1–2 years, and 1-800 Contacts can’t legally fill an expired Rx. Their $20 online exam is partly designed to bridge this gap — a fast renewal before you order.
1-800 Contacts vs. Clearly: Key Differences
Both are legitimate, competitively priced online retailers. The practical differences:
1-800 Contacts strengths: 24/7 phone support, broader US brand coverage, more established, price match guarantee
Clearly strengths: Often slightly lower prices on popular brands, Canada-based with US shipping, strong promotions, good delivery reviews
Neither is a wrong choice. If your specific lens is stocked at both, compare prices before clicking checkout.
Using Insurance with 1-800 Contacts
1-800 Contacts doesn’t directly bill VSP or EyeMed. To use your insurance benefits, pay out-of-pocket and submit the itemized receipt to your vision plan for out-of-network reimbursement. VSP typically reimburses $80–$105; EyeMed $60–$100 depending on plan tier. The savings from ordering online often exceed what you’d get in-network at a retail optical, so the extra paperwork is usually worth it.
Bottom Line
1-800 Contacts is a strong default — good service, price matching, broad selection, and a legitimate $20 prescription renewal option. They’re not always the cheapest; Costco can undercut them by $20–$50 per year on popular daily brands. The smart approach: check Costco first for your specific lens, then call 1-800 Contacts for a price match if they’re lower. Submit for insurance reimbursement out-of-network, and you’ve cut your annual contact lens bill about as far down as it can go.