What goes into the cost of contact lenses?

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Know what to expect as you budget

Truth be told, the cost of contact can vary significantly depending on a number of factors— including which contacts you are prescribed, which eye care professional you see, and how much vision insurance covers, if you have it.

With that in mind, we'll walk you through the basics so you know where to follow up for more info.

Lens prices can vary by type

Reusable contact lenses tend to be less expensive per year than disposable contact lenses, but the range varies depending on the type of contact lens you and your eye care professional decide are best.

Daily disposable contact lenses

Average Cost
$1.76–$4.66 per day

Bi-weekly contact lenses

Average Cost
$0.88–$1.36 per day

Monthly contact lenses

Average Cost
$0.68–$0.88 per day

Ranges of costs above based on MSPR prices. Contact lenses are a medical device and require a prescription from an eye care professional.

Costs to consider at the doctor's office

An eye doctor checking vision using a phoropter on a patient. An eye doctor performing a vision test with a phoropter.

Eye exam fee

Eye exam fees vary, so the best way to find out the cost is to call your eye care professional directly.

Smiling young woman being attended to by a doctor. Doctor attending to a young patient in his eye clinic.

Lens fitting fee

A contact lens fitting is different from a standard exam. There may be extra costs associated with the service.

A woman on her desk working at home.

Insurance can give you a lift

Before you make an appointment, check with your employer or vision insurance provider to understand what’s covered under your plan. Your eye care professional's office can also help you understand any applicable insurance coverage you may have.

Tip: Bring your insurance card

Your eye care professional's office can submit a claim more easily with a copy of your insurance card.

Tip: Know your insurance plan

Some vision insurance plans allow you to book exams on a calendar year basis, so you may not have to wait a full 365 days until your next exam.

Love ACUVUE® or get your money back^

If you aren't completely satisfied within 90 days, we'll refund you^. That's our Comfort Promise. See terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

How much can vision insurance save me?

It will vary based on your specific insurance plan. Check with your employer or insurance provider to get the details of your plan. Keep in mind that most insurance plans require that you spend all of your exam fees and materials allowance in one transaction. Be sure to talk with your eye care specialist about these details.

What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)?

FSAs and HSAs are special accounts that allow you to put money aside to pay for certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs. There is a tax benefit for these accounts because you do not pay any taxes on this money. You can use the funds to pay for certain medical, dental, and vision expenses including vision exam copays, contact lens fitting fees and contact lens purchases.

Get started with ACUVUE® contact lenses

Try ACUVUE® for free*

Provide some basic information and get a certificate for a free* trial pair

Find an eye care professional

Use our locator tool to find an eye care professional who can fit you with ACUVUE® contact lenses

Footnotes

^Available on up to two opened boxes of contacts. Copy of invoice required. Refund by mail within 8 weeks. Cannot be combined with rebate. For additional terms and conditions and for complete instructions download the claim form.

*Free trial contact lenses available only from participating eye care professionals. Exam and fitting fees not included.

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE® Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye care professional. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye care professional immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional and ask for a Patient Instruction Guide, call 1-800-267-5098, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

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