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Hi, there's existing threads about this topic but they're very old so I'm starting a new one. Does anyone know where to get a contact lens fitting that's cheaper than the $90 that my current eye care provider charges? I've been wearing contact lenses for over 15 years and have had the same prescription for at least 5 years, and my insurance (VSP) only covers 15% of the fitting fee. Any suggestions? Thanks.
I've been ordering lenses from lens.com for 2 years now and they haven't made me renew my prescription. Don't know if it's a clerical error or what. They're also cheap.
Many of the online lens places will do online vision tests now so you can avoid going to the doctor.
I've been ordering lenses from lens.com for 2 years now and they haven't made me renew my prescription. Don't know if it's a clerical error or what. They're also cheap.
Many of the online lens places will do online vision tests now so you can avoid going to the doctor.
The risk you are taking by not seeing an eye doctor every two years is enormous. I know you're a smart guy - but this decision is somewhere between foolish and stupid.
Re the OP's contact lens exam. If your eyes haven't been checked in two years, any authentic, professional optometrist will do other exams to check that you're not developing or already have eye disease. These include, but not limited to, checking pressures, slit lamp and other tools to examine your retina, optic nerve, macula, etc. If that $90 includes a full exam and not just fitting contacts, that's about as cheap as it gets.b
Other illnesses can also be diagnosed by a good eye exam. My vision was the first thing affected when I had a series of strokes at 40 years old.
Catherine Mauro at the Durham Costco is excellent - DH's retinal specialist at Duke recommended her. IMO she's reasonably priced. I don't wear contacts, so I won't quote any prices. Others on CD have recommended her too.
The risk you are taking by not seeing an eye doctor every two years is enormous. I know you're a smart guy - but this decision is somewhere between foolish and stupid.
Re the OP's contact lens exam. If your eyes haven't been checked in two years, any authentic, professional optometrist will do other exams to check that you're not developing or already have eye disease. These include, but not limited to, checking pressures, slit lamp and other tools to examine your retina, optic nerve, macula, etc. If that $90 includes a full exam and not just fitting contacts, that's about as cheap as it gets.b
Other illnesses can also be diagnosed by a good eye exam. My vision was the first thing affected when I had a series of strokes at 40 years old.
Catherine Mauro at the Durham Costco is excellent - DH's retinal specialist at Duke recommended her. IMO she's reasonably priced. I don't wear contacts, so I won't quote any prices. Others on CD have recommended her too.
I'm ok with a full eye exam every two years - I'm not ok with a contact lens exam every year. It's a waste of time and money. I've been in contacts for 20 years, and am in tune enough with my eyes and vision to know if something is off. Having to go for a contact exam every year is BS - if it wasn't, then it wouldn't be legal for these online outfits to offer online eye exams.
As for the other things you mentioned, people who don't wear glasses or contacts don't ever go to the eye doctor.
For anyone interested, here's info on lens.com's online vision test:
I'm looking for eye doctor recommendations by the way around Cary/Apex. I've been going to My Eye Dr just out of convenience, but that place is the worst. I can't stand how you can't get out of there without a sales pitch at the end.
I'm ok with a full eye exam every two years - I'm not ok with a contact lens exam every year. It's a waste of time and money. I've been in contacts for 20 years, and am in tune enough with my eyes and vision to know if something is off. Having to go for a contact exam every year is BS - if it wasn't, then it wouldn't be legal for these online outfits to offer online eye exams.
As for the other things you mentioned, people who don't wear glasses or contacts don't ever go to the eye doctor.
For anyone interested, here's info on lens.com's online vision test:
I'm looking for eye doctor recommendations by the way around Cary/Apex. I've been going to My Eye Dr just out of convenience, but that place is the worst. I can't stand how you can't get out of there without a sales pitch at the end.
I misunderstood and apologize. Getting an eye exam every two years is adequate - and I agree that every two years should be just fine for contacts, too. (I'm shocked that it isn't - and agree that it's ridiculous).
People who don't wear glasses or contacts should start visiting an optometrist as they get older, probably around the time that they need cheaters from the drug store (typically around 45). Then, take their advice about how soon to return (assuming you don't think the optometrist is trying to buy him/herself another BMW. If you do, find another optometrist. Generally speaking, they will recommend every 2 years if you are wearing glasses, every 1-2 years if you are getting cataracts, and every 3 years if you have no signs of anything.)
And I'll still recommend the drive to see Dr. Mauro. You do not need to be a member of Costco.
Thanks for the responses. Someone from one of the older threads mentioned the Costco in Durham. I work in RTP so I may check them out. I'm also aware of the online contact lens exam offered by lens.com and have been buying my contacts from there. I don't mind getting an eye exam (my insurance covers it, just not the contacts fitting exam). I also had to sit through a sales pitch from My Eye Dr last year knowing that I would be buying my contacts online.
Last edited by Nadjalou; 09-01-2018 at 09:27 PM..
Reason: Misspelling
Thanks for the responses. Someone from one of the older threads mentioned the Costco in Durham. I work in RTP so I may check them out. I'm also aware of the online contact lens exam offered by lens.com and have been buying my contacts from there. I don't mind getting an eye exam (my insurance covers it, just not the contacts fitting exam). I also had to sit through a sales pitch from My Eye Dr last year knowing that I would be buying my contacts online.
I guess I'm confused then - what's the point of the thread? Just have the fitting exam every 2 years when you go for your regular eye exam. $76.50 every two years isn't a bank breaker.
I guess I'm confused then - what's the point of the thread? Just have the fitting exam every 2 years when you go for your regular eye exam. $76.50 every two years isn't a bank breaker.
But they charge the fitting fee every year as part of my eye exam. And I'm not sure if I can order more contacts with an expired prescription. I suppose some online retailers don't check so I guess I could try. My $105 hardware allowance pays for the fitting exam but doesn't leave much for contacts so the point of the thread was to see if I can get the fitting exam cheaper than what I've been paying every year.
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