So I went to the eye doctor last week to get refitted for contacts. My eyes have gotten measurably worse since my last fitting over two years ago.
I asked how much the contacts would cost and he said 140 for a six month supple. I said, “Okay, my insurance pays up to 120.” He says “Okay, that’s not too bad. We’ll call when they come in.”
So I get the call that the new contacts are in, I go to the office and they hand me a bill for 140.
I say, “my insurance should have covered most of that.” The receptionist checks and says “Yes, with the insurance it is 140.”
I tell her I’m not getting these today and walk out.
Am I obligated to pay for the contacts? I certainly would not have ordered them from the eye doctor if I knew I’d be paying that much out of pocket.
My contacts cost this much, too - though my insurance covers a lot of it. Very expensive.
However I’d call my insurance company just to be sure, and I’d talk to the doctor. I dunno, I really haven’t found that many doctors out to rip you off.
By law, the optometrist must now give you your prescription when asked, which you are then free to fill wherever you’d like. Costco saves us hundreds of dollars each year for contact lenses for the girls vs. buying them from the optometrist.
No, you don’t have to accept them. Unlike glasses, they are returnable to the supplier.
I recommend this place, I’ve used them for years. Just send your prescription, if you’ve already paid for the exam.
If you know the numbers they may let you order without seeing the prescription, just need your doctor’s phone number. http://www.1800contacts.com/
Get them online. The aforementioned 1800contacts was almost identical to retail, there are much cheaper places out there. I used discountcontactlenses.com on recommendation and had no hassle at all.
I bought mine online and had no problems. And they were less than half the price I paid at the optometrist office, even after shipping, handling and the CDN exchange rate.
NOTE for ALL webs shopping sites: When you see a “Coupon Code” slot on the checkout screen, immediately do a google search on “coupon code storename” and you will find what other discounts are available, like free express shipping or $-off for quantity coupons.
I agree with the others. If you had had glasses cut especially for you I would suggest working something out with the office, but an “off the shelf” product like this can be sent back and the only thing the doc’s office is out is the shipping to get them back to the manufacturer. FWIW I don’t think the office was intentionally hiding the price from you. They have nothing to gain by tricking you into ordering contacts that you could not afford. I simply think it is a case of the office person not thinking it through when she quoted you and not clarifying that she meant the price after your insurance covered its part.
Also, I have to echo other people - seriously, $260 for a 6 month supply??? I buy mine from the optometrist office and I pay $99 for a 6 month pack. I get Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism in -6.00 and - 5.50. Surely there is something I am missing?