Can I order based on the prescription on the box?

Question

I just started wearing contacts and my doctor gave me some samples. He didn't say come back to order them...I got the impression he figured I could get them online cheaper. Can I take the specs off the box to order new lens' online? Or does it change depending on the "brand" of contacts (I doubt it would though). Mine says -1.25 BC8.6 DIA14.2. Isn't this all I need to know?

Also, if you have your prescription why do people say not to order online? What is the difference?

Answer 1

Actually the samples are for you to try out to see how they work out.  Usually they give you a week or so to try them out and if they are fine, then you get your prescription filled.  Other wise if they aren't for you, you will be stuck with a bunch that aren't right.  I had some one time that were very drying and then I ended up with a different pair that had moisture in them.  They can also fine tune them by changing out a prescription slightly.  I had that done before too.  So perhaps these are all reasons for not jumping in and ordering a whole batch on line that might not be just right.  For me, I wear two different contacts. One is a Bauch and Lamb while the other is an Acuvue.  I wear for monovision. I also have a stigmatisim.  One eye is for close up while the other is worn for distance and my brain actually sorts out the whole process. lol  I don't think that i would have trouble ordering on line, but i want to make sure that the prescription is actually right for me.

Answer 2

A round of applause to Ms. Curious....very well said !

Answer 3

They give you samples to see if you like them at first..and yes you can order them online........you just have so scan the rx to your comp and you are set to go!If you don't have a rx then no you cannot order online.

Answer 4

if your rx has been finalized, you are more than welcome to order them anywhere you please. if you order them in a dr.'s office, you will need a hard copy of the rx. if you order them online, the company will call your dr.'s office to verify that the rx is valid and you gave them the rx that the dr.'s office has on file. but yes, those are the only numbers you will need. the -1.25 is the strength of the contact, the BC (base curve) is how steep the curvature of the lens is and the DIA (diameter) is, well, the diameter of the lens.

in our office, we match prices. we do all the work, we give you our time and expertise to get you the contact lens that will fit you the best and give you the best comfort and vision. so why would you go and support some online company who you dont know and is selling you contact lenses for $1 more per box than what they cost. i dont know about other offices, but if your rx changes withing the year, or if you for some reason stop liking the contacts you are in, the boxes you have (opened or not) are exchangeable. i dont think the online companies do that, so you are stuck w/ a shitload of contacts you cant use. plus, when you need a pair to last you until your appointment, or if you lose a pair, or if one should happen to rip, who do you come running to?

just something to think about

but seriously ask your dr.'s office if they price  match. everywhere i have worked we did. it doesnt hurt to ask

Answer 5

They give you trails of lenses, then you go back to your optician to see how you are getting on with them. If everything is fine, they will write out a contact lens prescription for you.

You need to have a prescription to order from anywhere.