1-800 Contacts: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

1-800 Contacts has been in business since 1995, and it led to many changes in the eye care industry. They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, although some of their online customer reviews are ambiguous.

According to LinkedIn, 1-800 Contacts have filled more than 30 million contact orders for over 8 million customers. 

While there is no doubt 1-800 Contacts is well-known and popular, overall reviews of the company are mixed. 

Some customers are happy with the service, saying that the company has replaced damaged lenses, corrected errors, and provided exceptional customer service. Others note that customer service reps did not effectively communicate about problems or delays. There are some complaints that refunds are delayed.

Overview of 1-800 Contacts

1-800 Contacts is an online resource where customers can get an online vision exam, buy contacts, and have contact lenses delivered to their doorstep. The site appeals to contact wearers with its convenience, selection, affordability, and ease. 

If you have an existing prescription, you can quickly order contacts online. Even if you don’t have a prescription, you can take an online vision exam. This enables you to renew your prescription from the comfort of your home. 

The site offers a comprehensive selection of brands, including Acuvue, Bausch & Lomb, Air Optix, AquaSoft, Biofinity, Clariti, Biotrue, Johnson & Johnson, CooperVision, Dailies, and more. 

Many of the brands offer multifocal lenses, hydrating lenses, and lenses to correct astigmatism. Some brands offer throw-away daily lenses, while others offer lenses for long-term wear.

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), you can use order contacts using your FSA funds. 

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Pros & Cons of 1-800 Contacts

With more people shopping from home, 1-800 Contacts focuses on making the digital customer experience a top priority. 

With 1-800-Contacts, shipping is free, and you can choose from many of the popular contact brands to find the one that you prefer. In addition, 1-800 Contacts offers lenses for people with complicated vision, such as toric lenses, bifocal or multifocal lenses, and colored lenses. 

A potential con of using 1-800 Contacts is that there are some negative customer reviews. Some customers report that prices are more expensive than other online suppliers. 

In addition, several consumers mention that they encountered long delays in getting refunds processed. For some, this made the returns process frustrating.

Ordering With 1-800 Contacts

Ordering is a straightforward process. 

First, search for a contact lens brand, or scan the side of an existing lens box. Then, upload your prescription and place your order. 

If you can’t find your prescription, 1-800 Contacts will contact your eye doctor for a copy. 

One thing to note about ordering is your brand selection. According to the 1-800 Contacts website, you’ll need to use the brand listed in the prescription. If you want to change brands, be sure to consult your doctor first. 

Selection at 1-800 Contacts

When you go to the 1-800 Contacts site, you’ll see different options to view popular contact lenses. You can view by brand name, manufacturer, and lens type.

Under brand names, you’ll see popular brands such as Acuvue, Air Optix, Biofinity, Biotrue, Clariti, DAILIES, FreshLook, and many more. You can search by the manufacturer too, including Alcon, Bausch & Lomb, CooperVision, and Johnson & Johnson.

You may also want to look by lens type for toric and astigmatism lenses, multifocal and bifocal, or color-enhancing lenses. In addition, you can find different options for disposable lenses, such as daily, weekly, and monthly choices.

You can also order eye care solutions to be delivered with your order. 

Costs & Returns

As part of their customer service, 1-800-Contacts offers exchanges. You can contact them via phone, chat, or text.

The company offers free returns or exchanges of unopened boxes of contacts without an expiration date. They offer to take back unworn contacts and cover shipping costs within the United States. For international customers, they promise to reimburse for shipping as well.

What Is Their ‘Gajillion Percent Promise’?

At 1-800 Contacts, they offer a Gajillian Percent Promise, which is their full customer satisfaction promise. This promise seems to go above and beyond, ensuring 100% satisfaction is guaranteed. 

The following is included in this promise:

• A best price guarantee, beating any competitor’s price 
• No hidden fees 
• Free exchanges
• Easy online prescription renewal
• Replacement for torn lenses
• Free returns on all unopened contacts
• Fast shipping for your favorite brand

The Gajillian Percent Promise embodies the company’s commitment to treating customers with care and responsiveness.

What You Need Before Ordering From 1-800 Contacts

Before ordering, gather up your documents and identification so you can have an easy and successful order. 

Items to have on hand include the following:

• Your contact lens prescription
• Old box of your current prescription
• Driver’s license
• Credit card
• FSA information
• Insurance information
• Shipping address

Subscription Services

Contacts are an ideal product to put on a subscription service. With this service at 1-800 Contacts, you won’t run out of a fresh pair of contacts. 

They offer a 5% discount on future orders, free shipping and returns, and the freedom to delay, skip, or cancel your subscription at any time. 

Insurance Information

1-800 Contacts is considered an in-network provider for several insurance companies. You can check to see if your insurance is included in their list. 

In addition, many insurance companies accept 1-800 Contacts as an out-of-network provider. You may want to verify this with your insurance provider before proceeding.

1-800 Contacts Online Vision Exam

It is possible to take a vision exam online, using a smartphone or computer. You’ll need a driver’s license or credit card, a current prescription, and about 10 feet of space between yourself and the screen.

To complete the vision exam, you’ll go through these steps:

• Take the online vision test on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
• A doctor will review the results and write your prescription.
• You’ll then get your new prescription within a few business hours.

Reviews of 1-800 Contacts

Reviews of 1-800 Contacts range from extremely positive to extremely negative. 

Top reviews generally rave about the company’s excellent customer service, solid selection, and fast delivery. Negative reviews focus on poor customer service and a long refund process.

The company sees a different average favorability rating according to the specific review site. For example, on sitejabber, the average rating for 1-800 Contacts is 2.45 stars out of 5. On Knoji, it has a more favorable score of 4.3.

Alternatives to 1-800 Contacts

The top alternatives to 1-800 Contacts include the following:

• ContactsDirect
• AC Lens
• OptiContacts
• DiscountContactLenses.com
• Walmart
• Eyeconic
• Warby Parker

To identify an effective alternative, outline your priorities for price, brand preference, and delivery speed. You may find 1-800 Contacts remains the best option for your needs.

References

1. 1-800-Contacts. LinkedIn.

2. Contact Lenses. 1-800 Contacts.

3. 1-800-Contacts May Substitute Acuvue Lenses. (November 2021). Review of Optometry.

4. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Investopedia. 

5. 1800 Contacts Doubles Down on the Digital Customer Experience. (December 2020). MarTech.

6. Returns and Exchanges. 1-800 Contacts.

7. Gajillion Percent Promise. 1-800 Contacts.

8. Subscribe.1-800 Contacts.

9. 1800Contacts Reviews. Sitejabber.

10. The 20 Best Alternatives to 1-800 Contacts.  Knoji.

11. 1800contacts Alternatives & Competitors. SimilarWeb.

12. Waldo vs. 1-800 Contacts: What’s the Best Way to Order Contacts Online? Fin vs. Fin.