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With so many online retailers offering contact lenses, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. One option I recently came across is Contacts Direct.
A quick look at their website shows that they focus exclusively on contact lenses they don’t carry prescription glasses. So, if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for both contacts and eyewear, you might want to consider other retailers like AC Lens or Coastal, which offer a wider range of products including glasses and accessories.
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Contacts Direct Review
What Brands Does Contacts Direct Carry?
Like most major online retailers, Contacts Direct offers a wide selection of popular contact lens brands. You’ll find commonly prescribed options like Acuvue, Air Optix, Biofinity, Dailies, Proclear, and SofLens right in their navigation menu. You can also find other brands such as Clariti, Biomedics, and FreshLook on their site.
The website itself is clean, simple, and easy to navigate. When you’re ready to place an order, the process is straightforward. Even better, Contacts Direct accepts several major vision insurance plans, allowing you to apply your benefits directly on the site more on that below.
It’s also worth noting that Contacts Direct is part of the Luxottica Group, a major player in the eyewear industry. You may recognize them from retail brands like LensCrafters, Target Optical, and Sunglass Hut. They also own or license many of the world’s top designer eyewear brands.
How to Order Contact Lenses from Contacts Direct
Ordering from Contacts Direct is simple but before you can place an order, you’ll need a valid contact lens prescription.
Just like other reputable retailers, Contacts Direct won’t ship contact lenses without verifying that your prescription is current. Most prescriptions expire one year from the date of your eye exam, so make sure you have an up-to-date copy before ordering.
Once that’s in place, you’re good to go.
Using Vision Insurance at Contacts Direct
One of the biggest perks of shopping at Contacts Direct is the ability to use your vision insurance directly during checkout. They’re in-network with several major providers, including:
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EyeMed
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Superior Vision
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Aetna
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Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
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Humana
If you’re covered by one of these providers, applying your benefits is easy. Just find your prescribed contacts, add them to your cart, and proceed to checkout. After entering your insurance information, Contacts Direct will verify your benefits and bill your provider directly. You’ll only be responsible for the out-of-pocket portion (if any).
If your insurance isn’t listed or is considered out-of-network, you can still place an order. You’ll simply pay the full amount upfront and submit the itemized receipt to your provider for reimbursement.
Shipping Costs & Delivery Time
Contacts Direct currently ships within the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Orders are shipped only after your prescription is verified with your eye doctor a process that typically takes 1–2 business days. Once that’s done, your order will ship with one of the following options:
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Standard (7–10 business days) – Free
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3-Day (3–5 business days) – $11.99
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Overnight (1–2 business days) – $19.99
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Standard to Puerto Rico (7–10 business days) – $7.00
Return Policy
Contacts Direct has one of the more flexible return policies among online retailers. You can return unopened, undamaged, and unmarked boxes of contact lenses within 1 year of purchase.
This is especially helpful if your prescription changes you can return unused boxes from your old prescription and order your new one instead.
If you’ve opened the box and discovered a defect in the lenses, you won’t be eligible for a refund, but customer service can assist you with a replacement.
Price Match Guarantee
Contacts Direct does offer a price match guarantee, but with specific conditions. If you find a lower price from one of their authorized resellers—1-800 Contacts, Walgreens, Coastal, Walmart Contacts, or Costco—they’ll beat it. To request a price match, you’ll need to call their support line at 1-844-5-LENSES and provide the details of the competitor’s offer.
The product must be identical, in stock, and the total price (including fees and shipping) must be publicly visible on the competitor’s site. Price matches are not available for promo codes, shipping promotions, or international retailers. Also, insurance benefits cannot be combined with price-matched orders. While it’s not the most flexible policy, it’s a helpful option if you’re looking to save—especially if you regularly shop with those listed retailers.
Final Thoughts: Is Contacts Direct Worth It?
Absolutely. The ability to apply your vision insurance directly at checkout is a major convenience and a great way to save money without the extra step of submitting receipts for reimbursement.
While their brand selection is slightly smaller than some competitors, Contacts Direct carries the most commonly prescribed lenses. So unless you use a more niche product, chances are they’ll have what you need.
If you’re curious, visit their website and see if your brand is available. And as always, thank you for stopping by Eye Health HQ! If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below or reach out through the Contact Us page. If you found this article helpful, please share it on your favorite social media platform using the buttons below!
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Contacts Direct
Pros
- May Be Able To Use Insurance Benefits
- Free Shipping
- Bulk Purchase Discounts
Cons
- Price Is At Market Level
- Small Selection
- Lack Accessories