Why does a contact lens exam cost more?

Why is a contact lens exam more expensive? Additional testing is required for contact lenses because they are classified as medical devices. The optometrist will need to evaluate the size and shape of your eye, as well as other factors like your tear production levels.

Is it more expensive to buy contacts at eye doctor?

Fact: Ordering contacts through your eye doctor is actually cheaper in many cases. As mentioned, your local eye doctor will actually tend to offer better rates than online providers. In addition, the higher rebates account for even better deals.

What is a contact lens evaluation fee?

There is a mandatory fee to be evaluated for contacts. This fee can range from $60 – $159 and is determined by the doctor based on the complexity of your prescription and the condition of your eye. You will be required to pay this fee up front on the day of your exam.

Is contact lens exam covered by insurance?

Does your vision insurance cover contact lens exams? Actually, many insurance policies do not. Some plans offer a high copay, such as $40, for a standard lens exam. Some plans also allow you to use your contact lens allowance to pay for the lens exam.

Are eye exams different for contacts and glasses?

If you wear or want contacts, you need a contact lens exam in addition to a comprehensive eye exam. An eyeglass prescription measures for lenses that are positioned approximately 12 millimeters from your eyes; whereas a contact lens prescription measures for lenses that sit directly on the surface the eye.

How much does a contact lens exam cost without insurance?

Typically, the average cost of a contact lens exam ranging between $120-$250. The average cost of a regular eye exam will vary depending on where you live and the type of optometry office you visit. With that said, keep in mind these are averages. Contact lens fittings without insurance can start as low as $100.

Why are contacts so expensive at eye doctor?

Unlike medical doctors who prescribe a drug and then send their patients to a pharmacy to fill it, many optometrists make money on both the eye exam and the glasses and contact lenses they sell in-house.

What is the average cost of daily wear contacts?

Daily disposable lenses are designed to be discarded after a single use. These lenses typically are sold in boxes of 30 lenses at a retail price of $30 to $40 per box. Using this per-box estimate, your annual lens cost for daily disposable contacts is $720 to $960.

What is a premium contact lens fitting?

If you are prescribed standard contact lenses, your eye doctor will perform a standard fitting with follow up evaluation. If the contact lens your eye doctor prescribes for you does not fall into the category of a standard contact lens, it is considered to be a premium contact lens.

How much do yearly contacts cost?

These contacts typically cost between $50-$70 per box, leading to an annual cost of $500-$700. The cost is similar for corrective lenses for presbyopia. If you are interested in daily disposable contacts, the cost will also change. Annually, daily disposables may cost between $500-$700.

Are contact lenses cheaper than glasses?

Contact lenses are typically even more expensive than glasses. The average annual cost of non-disposable contacts is $150 to $375. The average annual cost of disposable contacts is $170 to $400. You don’t have to buy cleaning supplies for disposables, however, so they are usually cheaper.

What is the difference between a contact lens exam and eyeglasses exam?

Why does a contact lens examination cost more than a eye exam?

If you recently had a contact lens examination, you may have been surprised at your final bill. Patients often wonder why the cost of a contact lens examination is greater than that of a regular eye exam. It’s because fitting patients with contact lenses involves several steps and additional time.

Is your eye doctor charging you for contact lenses?

If you wear contact lenses, your eye doctor is likely charging you an additional fee that vision insurance may not cover. I remember the first time that I went to get a contact lens exam as an adult and being surprised to see the “contact lens fitting fee” as an item on my bill — and I’ve been paying that fee every year since then.

Do optometrists charge less if you have insurance?

Optometrists that work in department and big box stores often charge less, but may not provide the in-depth contact lens exam you need to receive correctly fitting contacts offering superior accommodation qualities. Having eye insurance will significantly reduce the cost of all eye health and vision exams.

Should eye doctors charge separately for refraction?

Charging separately for refraction is increasingly becoming a standard practice among eye doctors. Unfortunately, the practice of charging separately for refraction results in higher out-of-pocket expenses for patients, particularly those who lack adequate health or vision insurance.