I've been a contact lens wearer for many years now and price has always been an issue. It seems really unfair that I have to fork out monthly for something I can't live without, and though I love my glasses. They really aren't suitable for everyday use. Prices in stores don't seem to compare with those offered on the web, but are you really getting the best deal when you buy online?
I'm going to take a look at some of the major contacts retailers out there and give you all the hard facts, including prices, consultation fees and monthly charges- and I'm going to look at both daily contact lenses and monthlies.
Do you really get a better bargain online? Read on to find out!
First off: Make sure you have a prescription! It sounds basic but to order online any reputable operator will need either a faxed copy of an up to date prescription (in the last one or two years depending on your eyesight) , or a contact number of your optician so they can confirm it. Your optician LEGALLY has to give out that info when you ask- so make sure you do! A contact lens fitting tends to cost around £20-£25 so already you've made a financial outlay.
Some sites are rather cunning and seem to offer you amazing deals- and then you realize you have to buy a six month supply to take advantage of the offer. Also take not, many brand names are sold as 'generics' when bought ins tore, for instance the Specsavers daily lenses are EXACTLY the same as Focus Dailies, just rebranded.
Get Lenses
This site has a really lovely layout,and is very easy to navigate.
3 months Focus dailies- £52.85
6 months of monthlies- £27.32
I'm big fan of this site and have been using it for years., They always have great special offers and often give you free samples with your orders, and you can often find voucher codes that give you an extra discount.
3 months of Focus Dailies -£52.95
6 months of monthlies- £26.95
Delivery: Free
There's something nice about going with a valued and respected name- but do you get cheaper contacts here?
3 months of daily lenses- £56.40
6 Months of monthlies- £29.64
Delivery: Free
You know where you stand with Specsavers, but it remains to be seen how competitive their pricing is.
3 months of daily Focus lenses- £58.50
6 months of monthly lenses - £28.50
Delivery: Free
This site offers a range of reasonably priced lenses but is quite frustrating to navigate.
3 months of daily Focus lenses- £59
6 months of monthly lenses- £29
Delivery: Not stated
Priced a lot higher than other sites for no good reason.
3 months of daily Focus lenses-£67
6 months of monthly lenses- £34
Delivery: Free on orders over £60, £2.95 otherwise
They offer very cheap monthly disposables but their ordering system tries to make you buy 10 boxes!
3 months of daily Focus lenses- £58.80
6 months of monthly lenses-£24
Delivery: £3.50
3 months of daily Focus lenses-£62, but they do let you buy packs of 15 pairs which is a nice option.
6 months of monthly lenses-£30
Delivery: Free in the UK
Buying USA Lenses
Even with the lowering exchange rate contacts are still cheaper abroad- but be careful you don't get sprung on import duty! I've ordered from abroad before and had to pay a £40 fee when they arrived, negating the discount severely.
Coastal Contacts
3 months of daily Focus lenses- $78 (£51.83 on xe.com)
6 months of monthly lenses-$49 (£32.50)
But you're adding handling, shipping and VAT to this, so the daily lenses will end up costing you $116.96 (£77) - unless you have a nice USA friend who can ship them to you. It was a lot cheaper when the exchange rate was better!
Remember to check My Voucher Codes and Everyday Sale before purchasing to see if you can get some money off your order as well!
The Verdict: Who was top trumps in the contact lense face off?
Get Lenses came in the cheapest by 10p for daily disposables, with 90 pairs being £52.85 to Post Optics £52.95. The most expensive were Lens Catalogue at £67.
In the battle of the monthlies, Post Optics were top trumps with their monthlies costing £26.95. Again the most expensive were those from Lens Catalogue , at £34.
Related: I GO LENSES: Could bad eyesight be cured by overnight contact lenses?