Best Places to Buy Contact Lenses Online for 2025

To determine the best online retailers for contact lenses, I evaluated a range of criteria to ensure quality, affordability and convenience. Our selection process included the following key factors:

Variety of products: I assessed each retailer's selection to ensure they offer a wide range of contact lens brands, types and prescriptions -- including daily, bi-weekly and monthly lenses, as well astoric, multifocal and colored contacts.

Pricing, price matching and discounts: Price transparency is crucial when shopping for contacts online. I compared base prices across multiple retailers and factored in available discounts, bulks savings, price matching, subscription plans and rebates.

Shipping costs and speed: I examined shipping policies, considering standard and expedited shipping costs, processing times and order fulfillment speed,

Return and exchange policies: I get it, mistakes happen -- so customers need the flexibility to return or exchange unopened or incorrect contact lens orders.I prioritized retailers with seamless return policies, clear refund procedures and responsive customer service to handle issues efficiently.

Virtual prescription renewal: Since many contact lens wearers need an updated prescription before purchasing new contacts, I also considered a few retailers that offer online vision tests or telehealth services for prescription renewals.

Insurance payment options: Many consumers rely on vision insurance or pre-tax benefits like HSAs and FSAs to offset costs. I reviewed which retailers accept insurance directly, provide reimbursement assistance or allow easy HSA or FSA payments at checkout.

Website navigation and customer support: A seamless shopping experience is essential for me. I considered how easy it is to browse products, upload prescriptions and check out. I also prioritized online contact retailers with easy and clear customer support options.

Shopping for contact lenses online can be convenient and cost-effective, but it's important to do some research before you order contacts online. Unlike buying in a store, you won't have immediate access to an optometrist for guidance, so taking a few key factors into account can help ensure you get the right lenses for your needs.

Prescription and brand compatibility: Before you purchase your contacts online, be sure to have a valid contact lens prescription from your eye doctor. Additionally, it's best to stick to the brand and specification suggested by your doctor, as different materials, water content and oxygen permeability levels can affect comfort and eye health.

Pricing and discounts: While online retailers often lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores, it's worth comparing costs across multiple sites. Look for discounts on bulk orders, subscription savings or rebates from manufacturers. However, be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as some unauthorized sellers may offer counterfeit or expired lenses.

Shipping and return policies: If you wear contacts daily, factor in shipping times to avoid running out unexpectedly. Some retailers offer expedited shipping or auto-replenishment services for added convenience. Also, be sure to check the return policy in case you receive the wrong prescription, a damaged box or uncomfortable contacts. You'll want a hassle-free way to change or return your order.

Customer reviews: Not all contact lens retailers are reputable. Choose sites that require a prescription verification process, have clear customer service policies and are approved by regulatory agencies like the FDA. Reading customer reviews can also give insight into the retailer's reliability, shipping times and overall service quality.

Insurance and HSA/FSA eligibility: If you have vision insurance or a health savings account or flexible spending account, check whether the retailer you choose accepts them. Some sites allow you to apply your benefits directly at checkout, while others may require reimbursement. Taking advantage of these options can help you ave on out-of-pockets costs.

Buying contact lenses online is just as safe as buying them from your eye doctor, as you get the same lenses you'd find at the optical shop. The process requires a little extra effort than getting them from your eye doctor, but you'll be rewarded with savings.

To get started, you just need to follow a few easy steps.

• Have your contact lens prescription. 
• Search for the brand and model of contacts from your prescription at any of the stores above to find your specific lenses. Disposable contacts are sold in boxes, and most online shops give you a deal if you buy a six- or 12-month supply, rather than one box at a time. 
• During the checkout process, you'll enter your prescription information to select the correct lenses and then submit verification of your prescription. Most stores allow you to upload an image or PDF of your prescription or you can opt for the company to contact your doctor to verify it. This process can take as little as a few minutes or up to a few days if the store contacts your doctor. 
• Once that process is complete, your order will be finalized and cleared to ship directly to you.
  

Pro tip: Right after your contact lens exam, it's almost always worth it to get a year's supply of your current prescription. Regardless of whether you're buying daily disposable contacts, monthly lenses or even multifocal contacts, buying in bulk will help you save money.

If your prescription changes sometime during that year, many of the retailers above will allow you to exchange unopened boxes with a new prescription. You don't have much to lose by buying a full-year supply. Although it can be a higher up-front cost, you'll save money compared to buying one box at a time. 

If you are considering buying contacts online, keep these things in mind to ensure you make a safe purchase.

• Be sure to have a valid prescription from your eye doctor. Whether you buy in a store or online, a prescription is required to ensure you get the correct prescription strength.
• Shop around at different online contact retailers to find the best deals and look at customer reviews.
• Double- and triple-check the details on your order before placing.
• Make sure you have (or also purchase) all of the care supplies you need to ensure the safety and longevity of your contacts.