I do not have vision insurance and I need glasses/contacts. What is a cost efficient yet safe option?

Question

I want to make an appointment with an optometrist and am not sure what the costs are going to come out to for an appoitment and for glasses and contacts. Also, I do not know whether or not to use a Wal-Mart vision center or to seek out an independant doctor.

Answer 1

Do you have medical insurance?  (What you would use to see the family doctor?)  If you do, set up an appointment with an Ophthamologist.  They are an MD, so your medical insurance would cover your exam, just like your trip to the family doctor.  (Call insurance company to double check)  That will atleast help cover the cost of the exam.  They can give you a prescription for glasses/contacts to get filled....some of them even have their own optical shop too!

Answer 2

Phone around and get the best price for your exam. Walmart typically has good prices.

When it comes to buying contacts / glasses - look online. You can find prices online that are way cheaper that regular optical stores. I buy my contacts at Coastal Contacts (http://www.coastalcontacts.com) - and they are starting to sell glasses now too - so they may be a good option for you.

Answer 3

walmart

Answer 4

Hey, I don't have vision insurance either. (also don't have dental insurance, ha!) I'm nearsighted and I go to Walmart's vision center. They are affordable. My glasses cost around 140 dollars. I probably wasn't much help, but I hope you find something! =]

Answer 5

you should call around and get eye exam quotes.  In my case contacts were cheaper than glasses.  The frames are what cost the most, but shop around and see what works for you.  You can also get an exam at one place and the glasses/contacts at a different if you can get a lower price.

Answer 6

To the person who mentioned medical insurance:

1) Optometrists take medical insurance too.  I bill it all the time for eye exams.

2) Medical insurance only applies to "medically necessary" eye exams.  A routine, "I need new glasses and contacts" exam doesn't count as a medical exam and can't be billed to medical insurance.