Why are contacts more expensive at the doctor?

Unlike medical doctors who prescribe a drug and then send their patients to a pharmacy to fill it, many optometrists make money on both the eye exam and the glasses and contact lenses they sell in-house.

Are contacts more expensive at the doctor?

Fact: Ordering contacts through your eye doctor is actually cheaper in many cases. As mentioned, your local eye doctor will actually tend to offer better rates than online providers. In addition, the higher rebates account for even better deals.

Why are online contacts cheaper?

Contact lenses bought online will be cheaper because the process is much simpler and there are less business expenses. There’s no real estate, no staff to accommodate you, and no paying a medical professional for a considerable chunk of their valuable time.

Why do contact lens exams cost more?

Why is a contact lens exam more expensive? Additional testing is required for contact lenses because they are classified as medical devices. The optometrist will need to evaluate the size and shape of your eye, as well as other factors like your tear production levels.

Why are contacts so expensive right now?

Basically, contact lenses are expensive because our money is going to places (and people) it shouldn’t. The contact lens market is dominated by big pharmaceutical companies. Ultimately, this means that we, the lens wearers, are left with a product which is too expensive, because everyone is taking a cut.

What is the markup on contact lenses?

The top-tier, single-box price for the heavily advertised soft-lens brands should generally yield a gross margin of 45\%. For new, premium spherical lenses, aim for a gross margin of 47\%; for torics and multifocals, a 50\% gross margin; and for gas permeable (GP) lenses and specialty vial products, a 60\% gross margin.

Is it okay to order contact lenses online?

Response: Buying contact lenses online is perfectly safe as reputable retailers do not stock any products that would harm your eyes. Eye infections and complications are more likely to be occur if you don’t care for your lenses properly.

Is it bad to buy contacts online?

The expert says: “Sometimes the prescription entered online does not match the prescribed lens,” says Berkowitz about the biggest people make when buying contact lenses online. An improperly fit lens can cause irritation, corneal abrasions and blurred vision.” Make you order the contact lens fit by your eye doctor.

Do eye doctors keep contacts in stock?

Large Inventory Some optometrists maintain that the convenience of having a lens in stock promotes patient loyalty, ensures a sale and ultimately dissuades patients from filling their prescriptions at a big box store or online retailer.

How much does a contact lens exam cost without insurance?

Typically, the average cost of a contact lens exam ranging between $120-$250. The average cost of a regular eye exam will vary depending on where you live and the type of optometry office you visit. With that said, keep in mind these are averages. Contact lens fittings without insurance can start as low as $100.

What is the difference between contacts and glasses exams?

If you wear or want contacts, you need a contact lens exam in addition to a comprehensive eye exam. An eyeglass prescription measures for lenses that are positioned approximately 12 millimeters from your eyes; whereas a contact lens prescription measures for lenses that sit directly on the surface the eye.