Are The Eye Exam Tests For Contact Lenses Good At These Stores?
October 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under FAQ on advance for astigmatism
First off, I just want to say that any information of any of the stores I listed i appreciated. Here are my questions: Are the contact lens checkups in walmart good and accurate? What about JCPenny, Sam’s club, and Costco? How much does the checkup and followup checkup cost before insurance? About how much would it cost in total for everything (contacts for 6 months(one eye with astigmatism, the oth without), checkup, follow up checkup, etc.) at any of these stores if I buy contact from one of these stores? Has anyone fond a good deal for a checkup and contacts? Remember, any inforation of any of these stores if appreciated….and whoever has the best and most info gets 10 points!
Hi. I think you would be quite satisfied with an exam from Sam’s Club, Wal-mart or Costco.
Sometimes, there is talk about you “get what you pay for”. There is a complete myth about going to stores like this. This is just a gimmick to try and make you think that you need to shell out alot of cash to get a quality exam. I have worked this industry for years and two of my best friends are eye doctors.
Let me tell you this. My one eye doctor friend works at three different locations. At one (an actual private office), her exam is $130 for an eyeglass exam (not even CL exam). The second is an eyeglass chain, there her exam is $125 and her third location is a Sam’s Club where you would see her for $43. Do you know why there is a difference? Because at many locations like Crown or Clarkson or even private offices they are payed a wage by the office and make a “cut” of what is charged. Also, those places tell the doctors to sell, sell, sell.
A place like Wal-Mart they charge less but get 100% of the fee charged. So go see her at a private office for $130 or get smart and go to your Wal-Mart and see her for $43 for an eyeglass exam. These doctors ALL go to the same optometry school and then get to CHOOSE where they work and what works best for them. So my advice is go to your local Wal-Mart, Sam’s, or Costco Optical. Find a doctor you are comfortable with and have faith that you are getting a great doctor at a fraction of the cost of those willing to buy into “the more expensive the better” myth.
Here is an exact price at what is in my area at the local Sam’s Club. This will vary from state to state or town to town. If you have a Sam’s Club near a Costco shop there. They can be cheaper than another Sam’s that is not to keep it competitive.
EXAM:
CL exam: $74-89
(here this INCLUDES the CL fit. Beware when you get quotes and ASK if there is a fitting fee.
Follow-up: FREE (all reputable places will be free)
CONTACT LENSES (example, varies by brand):
Acuvue Advance: $18.74 a box (6pk)
Acuvue Advance Astigmatism: $29.87 a box (6pk)
* these are 2 wk lenses. 8 boxes total would be considered a year. 4 boxes would be a 6 mos supply. 2 boxes would be a 3 mos supply if you are wearing them 2 weeks and tossing them.
EXAM + FIT + CONTACTS (6 mos) = $175 (estimate)
I have found the best deal at my local Sam’s Club. They are cheaper than Wal-Mart, the local Costco and even cheaper than 1.800.CONTACTS. Also, if you buy a year’s supply within 90 days of exam there are rebates for more money off. If you are using insurance it depends on your insurance company and how much they reimburse for your product and exam.
For me it was:
WITHOUT INSURANCE
Contacts: $45 per box. (you want 2 boxes for 6 months.)
Basic exam: $10
Problem focus: $60
Contact lens fitting and training: $15
Total: $130
WITH INSURANCE
Contacts: $15
Basic exam: Free
Problem focus: $10
Contacts lens fitting and training: Free
Total: $25
The follow up is free.
If I were you, I would stick with Walmart of Sam’s Club. I don’t trust department stores.
My adult son and I are patients of the local Tampa Walmart and we are very satisfied with the care of their technician and the cost of their products. No problems in five years.
my dad went to sears