How to Order Contact Lenses in Bellevue — Fast, Easy, and Affordable

If you're searching for affordable contact lenses near you, trying to reorder a specific brand like Acuvue, or just looking for the easiest way to update your prescription — you're not alone. These are the most common reasons patients come to us, and the answer is usually simpler (and more affordable) than they expect.

Here's what you should actually know before you order.

The 3 Ways to Buy Contact Lenses

You have three main options when it comes time to purchase contact lenses:

Your local eye doctor or optometrist. Prescription is verified on the spot, insurance is applied directly, and rebates are handled correctly. If something doesn't feel right with your lenses, you can call the office.

Big-box stores (Costco, Sam's Club). Lower per-box prices but insurance application can be inconsistent, rebate processing is on you, and you're navigating a retail checkout — not a medical office.

Online retailers. The lowest advertised per-box prices, but that's before you account for insurance reimbursement, rebate submission deadlines, shipping delays, and the fact that prescription accuracy is entirely self-managed.

The important word in all three options is total annual cost — not sticker price.

How to Get the Best Price on Contact Lenses

If you want the lowest overall cost, the per-box price is the wrong number to watch. Here's what actually determines what you'll pay for a year of contact lenses:

Vision insurance benefits. Most VSP and EyeMed plans include a contact lens allowance that can cover a significant portion of a year supply. Applied correctly at a participating office, this alone changes the comparison dramatically.

Year-supply manufacturer rebates. Ordering a full year supply qualifies patients for rebates from the major manufacturers — often in the range of $200–$300. These rebates exist specifically for year supplies, not single-box orders. Most patients who order box-by-box online never see this money.

In-office promotions. Private optometry offices often run promotions that stack with insurance and rebates, reducing out-of-pocket cost further.

Daily vs. monthly lenses. Daily lenses tend to be more comfortable and better for eye health in the long run. When insurance and rebates are applied to a year supply of dailies, the cost difference from monthly lenses often shrinks considerably.

At Vision Care Center, we carry contact lenses from all major manufacturers — Johnson & Johnson (Acuvue), CooperVision, Alcon, and Bausch + Lomb. Popular brands our patients order regularly include 1-Day Acuvue Oasys, Bausch + Lomb Infuse, Biofinity, MyDay, Dailies Total 1, and Precision 1.

Why Many Bellevue Patients Order Through Their Eye Doctor

When you add everything up, ordering through your eye doctor is often just as affordable as ordering online — and significantly more straightforward. Here's what that actually looks like in practice:

Insurance benefits are applied at the point of purchase, not reimbursed weeks later. Manufacturer rebates are submitted correctly so you don't lose the money on a technicality. Shipping goes directly to your home without third-party processing delays. Your prescription is verified before the order goes out, so you're not troubleshooting a comfort issue after the fact. And if something does come up with fit or comfort, you're working with a real medical office that can address it.

That last point matters more than most patients realize until they need it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ordering Contact Lenses

Can I order contact lenses without a prescription?No. Federal law requires a valid, unexpired contact lens prescription to purchase lenses — online or in person. This applies to every retailer and website operating legally.

Is it cheaper to buy contact lenses online?Not always. Online retailers advertise a lower per-box price, but once you factor in vision insurance, year-supply manufacturer rebates, and in-office promotions, ordering through your eye doctor is often comparable or less expensive on a total annual basis.

Can I use VSP or EyeMed benefits for contact lenses?Yes. Most vision plans allow you to apply your contact lens allowance toward a year supply. At Vision Care Center, we're a VSP and EyeMed participating provider and apply benefits directly at checkout.

Why order a year supply instead of buying box by box?Year supplies qualify for the largest manufacturer rebates — often $200–$300 — which single-box or partial-year orders don't. They also reduce the risk of running out and waiting on shipping when you're down to your last pair.

How long does it take to receive contact lenses?Most orders ship directly to your home within several business days, depending on brand availability. We provide free shipping on all contact lens orders.

How often do I need a new contact lens prescription?Contact lens prescriptions typically expire after one year. An annual contact lens exam ensures your prescription is current and gives Dr. Jin the opportunity to check the health of your eyes and the fit of your lenses.

If you're looking to order contact lenses in Bellevue, reorder Acuvue, or just want to know whether your insurance covers a year supply — we're happy to walk you through it.

Schedule your contact lens exam today.
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Dr. Jordan Jin
Vision Care Center
14700 NE 8th St, Ste 105
Bellevue, WA 98007
📞 (425) 746-2122