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You will need a prescription from within the last year to order contacts, so always ask your eye doctor for a copy after an exam. If you are considering trying to order contacts without an up-to-date prescription, know that online sellers are required to contact your doctor to verify your prescription. If they will, this offers the best of both worlds. You can purchase your contacts from your doctor and often pick them up the same day, while saving the same amount of money you would shopping online. Your eye doctor will usually be able to give you at least a pair of free contacts. Be sure to look online before your appointment, as you can sometimes find coupons online that are redeemable at your eye doctor for an entire box of contacts. Comfort and quality of vision are a main concern when buying contacts, but it is worth asking your eye doctor if there is a comparable, less expensive brand that you can try. Stores like Costco, Walmart, and Sam’s Club have vision centers that can perform exams and sell contacts, often for less than your eye doctor. They also carry many contacts in stock, meaning you won’t have to wait on shipping, as you would for an online provider. Online coupon sites offer up to 70% off on certain brands, and big-box stores and national eye care chains also frequently accept coupons. Vision insurance companies like VSP also regularly offer discounts and rebates on top brands, so be sure to check with your insurance before purchasing contacts. And don’t forget to look for coupons for saline solution. Saving 2 or 3 dollars every time you buy a bottle can really add up by the end of the year. There are many websites that sell contacts for less than your doctor might, particularly if you buy in bulk. But you will want to make sure you are not only saving money, but also buying from a reputable company that can offer customer service or returns, if necessary. You want to be sure that the online seller you choose is capable of shipping your prescription quickly, and of handling returns if necessary. Before ordering, make sure:  Customer service is available. This means you can get in contact with a live person if you need help or want to inquire about returns or shipping delays. Try their number before ordering. If you get an answering machine, you are likely dealing with a back-room operation. You know how quickly your order will ship. Smaller companies may take longer to deliver because they only stock the most common prescriptions. They offer returns. If you buy a year’s supply of contacts and your prescription changes or your eye doctor recommends a different brand, you’ll want to be able to return unopened boxes for credit. The ordering process is secure. The URL at the top of your browser should begin with https:// rather than http:// on any page that you enter personal information. The bureau can inform you of any complaints against a company and how they were resolved. There are many online sites that will compare prices from multiple seller, including Google Shopping, BizRate, PriceGrabber, Shopping.com and Yahoo! Shopping. When considering the price, be sure to:  Include shipping and handling fees. Try entering large quantities in order to reduce shipping costs, but be sure to check the expiration date. Make sure you will be able to use all of your contacts before they expire. They may cost more than you think, due to exchange rates and possible import duties. Also, you will have fewer consumer rights if something goes wrong.

Summary:
Keep a copy of your prescription. Ask if your eye doctor will match online prices. Get a trial sample of contacts from your doctor. Try a cheaper brand. Consider a big-box retailer. Use coupons. Check online. Make sure the company is reputable. Check with the Better Business Bureau if you are still concerned. Compare prices online. Be cautious buying contacts from overseas.