I have been asked several times over how one could find the best optical shop for one to buy contact lenses. My answer has always been that there is no best optical shop just the right one. There are so many choices there now than years before. Whether one prefers to have colored contacts or just the basic disposable contact lenses, they are widely available in any optical centers. However finding the right source for cheap contacts could be a challenge. So I’ve come up with the best guide.
What one needs to do first is to eliminate one’s preconceived ideas of which source comes out better or cheaper. One must be open to examine both offline and online sources.
Second, one must aim at finding a valuable product. Do not be taken by cost alone. Ones target must be the overall value. It must be a good product sold with good service. Remember that overall value is composed of availability, customer service, convenience; bundled products, professional service and price. Discount contact lens is not enough. It has to be paired with outstanding customer experience.
With that said, one can begin the search for a contact lens seller. Here are the steps:
1. Check One’s Insurance. Inspect one’s insurance policy and find out what it says about one’s vision coverage. Does it offer discount? Which eye shop participates in their program? Remember what the insurance plan offers as one shops.
2. Evaluate Sources. There are different types of sellers. An eye doctor is one of them. At times they stock large quantities of contact lenses that they resell at competitive prices. Not only ECPs are expert at contacts, they may also have packages that might be of a better value. Next, one may want to visit optical chains. These are great places to go to for an eye exam and other eye care needs. They mostly have an optometrist on-site. They also carry many of the best eye contact brands such as the naturally moist two-week silicone hydrogel contact lenses of Avaira, the astigmatism-expert SofLens, and the tri-comfort features of Air Optix.
Mass merchandisers are not much different than optical chains. They are found in almost all urban districts. Lastly, online retailers make buying easy but may involve some risks.
3. Compare Prices. The best way to shop is to do a comparison. Different types of sellers may offer different types of prices; and don’t assume that if a seller had offered a particular lens for less, it will be the cheapest among different lens types.
4. Factor in Rebates. Some eye contacts give rebates for the purchase. It may come from the seller or manufacturer. There might also be rebates for those who are first-time wearers or for those who got an eye exam and bought a pair of lens.
Aaron A. Martin is a leading resource for many eye and vision concerns. As an added bonus, he wants you to learn more through our web.