Where to Buy Contact
Lenses
The Availability of Contact Lenses
Contact lenses, even those which are purely theatrical in
purpose, cannot be purchased without first obtaining a prescription.
While contact lenses may not be needed in order to correct
a vision problem, it is still a need for them to fit properly.
Every prescription for contact lenses at a minimum includes
two eye measurements, which are the base curve and diameter.
These measurements help to make sure that the contact lenses
will match the curvature of the eye and that the edges extend
far enough so as not to interfere with vision.
With prescription in hand, an individual can easily purchase
contact lenses anywhere he or she chooses. That's an important
point because by law, an eye doctor is necessary to give patients
copies of their prescriptions upon request.
Most of the time, contact lenses can be purchased right at
the optometrist's (or ophthalmologist's) office. The eye specialist
will usually recommend this since it provides an opportunity
to have the patient return. Once the customer purchase it
from the office, the patient can put in the newly purchased
lenses enabling the eye specialist to review the fit and talk
about other issues as necessary such as proper care and follow-up
appointments.
The biggest advantage of buying contact lenses directly from
the eye doctor is convenience. This is because if the prescription
not be right, the problem prescription can be remedied right
away. Though it might not be common, it does happen. The downside
is that you usually won't get the best deal price-wise. The
costs of such personalized attention likely will be built
into the cost of the contact lenses. So what's really most
important to judge is the overall value of shopping at the
office.
Many retail and discounted outlets do sell contact lenses,
and most of the common prescriptions likely will be available
without having to place special orders. Individuals with common
prescriptions or who have been wearing the same prescription
for years already know that fit won't be an issue, and this
is why they are more likely to look for sources offering the
best price and quickest availability. Besides competitive
prices and quick availability, retail outlets offer convenience.
Some have eye care specialists working on site so assistance
is never far away. Make sure about the return policy just
in case there's a problem.
It is very common for people to purchase contact lenses through
the Internet nowadays. It is easy to order and compare prices.
Once you've located an Internet outlet, you'll need to fax
a copy of the prescription along with your order. The prescription
requires validation, but this usually won't take long.
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