How To Get a Prescription and Purchase Contact Lenses

Where can I get an eye exam for contacts?

Our locator (below) makes it easy to find an eye care professional in your local area. Just enter your address or zip code using the “Edit Search” option at the bottom of the locator, and a list of eye care professionals in your area will appear.

If you prefer to view your results on a map rather than in a list, click on the “Map View” tab above the very first eye doctor listed.

Be aware that it's usually more convenient and economical to have your general eye exam and your contact lens exam performed by the same eye care professional (ECP).

If you have these exams performed by different ECPs at different locations, the practitioner performing your exam may want to repeat certain tests already performed during your general eye exam, and this might entail additional fees.

Can I buy contacts without a prescription?

No. You cannot legally buy contact lenses in the United States without a valid prescription written by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.

It's against the law to sell contacts in beauty parlors, convenience stores, flea markets or other non-optical outlets. And it's a bad idea to buy from such sellers because you may be getting unregulated or imported contact lenses that can harm your eyes. Depending on the level of care you require, try using our drop-downs and filters to find exactly what you're looking for.

Do I need a special eye exam for contact lenses?

Yes. Eye exams for contact lenses include special tests that typically are not performed in routine exams for eyeglasses. If you are interested in contact lenses — or you already wear them and want to have your contact lens prescription updated — make sure you say so when you schedule your appointment. This will ensure your exam includes extra time for your optometrist or ophthalmologist to perform additional tests needed for a proper fitting or prescription update.

Can I buy contact lenses online?

Buying contact lenses online can be convenient: It takes just a few clicks of your mouse or taps on the screen of your tablet or phone. But before you buy online, consider whether it's really the best option for you. Your eye doctor and optical stores also sell contacts. Which is the best option? To find out, read "Where's the Best Place to Buy Contact Lenses?"

Where can I buy contact lenses near me?

Our locator listings include eye care professionals and brick-and-mortar optical stores and provide an address, phone number and mapped driving directions. Some enhanced listings include lists of services, office hours, photos and more.

How can I find a contact lens store that accepts my vision insurance?

Many of the vision centers in our locator have information about which insurance plans are accepted by the practice. To find an eye center that accepts payment from your plan, select your vision insurance by using the "Edit" button in the locator toolbar.

Not all listings include vision insurance information, so if your plan-specific search doesn’t produce enough results, try selecting “I’ll pay for myself.”

Where should you get your contact lenses? Whether you purchase your contacts from your eye doctor, a vision center or an online site is your choice. If you want the expertise of an eye care professional you trust to ensure you get the right contact lenses, our locator can help you find an eye doctor, optical shop or vision center near you. The goal — no matter where you purchase your lenses? Finding the best contact lenses for your eyes.

Page published on Wednesday, May 12, 2021