Buying contact lenses online has many benefits. In online shopping, you do not have to deal with limited product options that local eye shops commonly offer, nor do you have to drive around looking for the best prices and on quality lenses.
Online stores typically post their products’ prices on their site, making it easy to compare to other products and even the same product amongst different online retailers. It is like going shopping in a small market where you could see a lot of things without exerting too much effort.
Online products such as contact lenses are a lot cheaper than buying from your local ophthalmologist since online stores have little overhead with fewer employees and lower rent, not to mention higher volume. The lower cost of doing business is commonly passed to the customer for your benefit.
Similar to buying pharmaceuticals at a pharmacy, buying online contact lenses also requires a prescription from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. In most states, contact lens prescriptions cannot be filled if older than two years.
When shopping for contact lenses, trust is a big consideration. Reputable online stores feature “trust” seals and other certifications indicating a good rating with the Better Business Bureau, or encrypted e-commerce shopping cart for your security. These sites offer you a secure socket layer and your information should be encrypted at all times. Beware a suspiciously low price from a retailer with no trust factors and no positive feedback from past customers. Also take note of the shipping fees; if the shipping fee is expensive, the low cost of the contact lenses may not be worth it.
Buying online contact lenses has its pros and cons. Be a smart shopper with a discerning eye, and read the terms and conditions and refund options very carefully before purchasing. If you contact the online retailer’s customer service department, either do so by email or keep copious and detailed records of any conversations you have — including the name of the representative and the date and time of your phone call. Some credit cards also offer a purchase guarantee to protect you.
Following a few common sense guidelines can save you hundreds of dollars on your purchases over time, so it is wise to shop online for your contact lenses.