I've always gotten the best service from this company. I've been ordering my lenses from them for maybe 5 years. They deliver quickly, and they overcompensate for any problem you might have with them. A few examples:
A few years ago, I found myself without any extra lenses right before my Christmas trip to Florida from Minneapolis. I ordered a pair, and they assured me they would get to me in Minneapolis before I left. Well, when they didn't, they agreed to send me a second pair to my parents' house in Florida for no extra charge. During the Christmas season, no less, and with upgraded shipping.
When I had my eyes checked two years ago, the doctor prescribed new lenses for me--ProClear is the brand name. These are proprietary lenses, meaning only the eye doctor is supposed to be able to distribute them (at their high prices). It's a way to keep people from using the discount outlets like 1-800-contacts. At any rate, when I tried to order replacements online at 1-800, they did in fact carry a compatible lens. They also provided great consumer information about the product.
I tried to order another box of lenses last month, only to find that my prescription had expired. Well, they now offer a service where they set you up with a discounted eye exam and the doctor takes care of the ordering from 1-800-contacts for you. Let me tell you, the eye exam was cheaper than anywhere I'd looked ($78 as opposed to $100+--this always annoys me because my prescription rarely changes anyway), the doctor was great, and I didn't have to pay the high price of getting the lenses from the doctor. When there was a delay with the doctor faxing my prescription back to them, they upgraded the shipping on my order!
Sorry to make this so long, but I've been so impressed with this company over the years, I think they deserve it. I usually tried to patronize local businesses over larger companies, but this is one instance where the bigger guy has won me over.
Thanks for the review, I've actually been debating on ordering from them for sometime now...maybe I'll give it a shot.
Yeah, sometimes those ads in those "Val-paks" make them look cheesy, but I can't complain about them. I usually order online--they make it pretty easy.
Yeah, sometimes those ads in those "Val-paks" make them look cheesy, but I can't complain about them. I usually order online--they make it pretty easy.
mrybells wrote on Jun 24, '04, edited on Jun 24, '04
I have had nothing but good experiences with them also.
I had a 1 year supply of contacts with the wrong prescription. So I called them up to see if they would exchange them for my new Rx and they said they would exchange or even credit my account for the left over boxes. They also scheduled my appointment to see the eye doctor. Once the doctor sends them my new prescription they are going to send them out with a return label for me to return the unused contacts at no charge. I was very surprised that they made it so easy.
I've been using this company, too, for a while. They are great, and have followed me as I've moved without incident. I only hope that they are as good delivering to APO addresses!
Hmmmm. This is great info. I don't wear contacts, but my daughter does, and I couldn't believe how expensive they were! I'm gonna try this next time we order.
I've always wondered about this. What do you do, just go to the eye doc for the prescription and then call it up? Or if you know your contact strength, can you just place an order without a prescription?
I've always wondered about this. What do you do, just go to the eye doc for the prescription and then call it up? Or if you know your contact strength, can you just place an order without a prescription?
You just input your doctor's name and your prescription and they doublecheck it. It's great.
The only issue I've ever had with them was the time they wouldn't send me new contacts because my last eye exam wasn't recent enough. Of course I talked them into it, but it was a little annoying.
I would like to try this new service for an eye exam. Fact is, I haven't had one in at least three years. :-) So do I just call them, say I want an exam and they'll refer me to a local place? Where did you go?
Yes, you can call. Or look at their website for more info--www.1800contacts.com
I think they have a deal with Pearle Vision Centers and Sears Optical (and I think they mentioned Target Optical?) for the $78 exam. I went to the Sears in the Pompano Mall. You just call 1-800 contacts and they'll make the appointment with you over the phone.
I don' t think anyone can sell you lenses after your prescription is 2 years old. I think maybe 1-800 contacts did send me lenses for an old prescription in the past--maybe someone cracked down on them?
jillpaden wrote on Jul 13, '04, edited on Jul 13, '04
Cool! Glad it worked out for you. I wonder if you'll get the optometrist I had. His name is Dr. Hanna--a quirky Bahamian guy who also is a lawyer on the side (typical South Floridian with a bunch of random deals going on).
I have to agree that they are one of my favorite companies two. I have been ordering from them for the last 4 years or so (which is really only 3 X's because I wear my lens longer than what's legal). One time I ordered from them and accidently gave them the wrong address. They apologized for my mistake and then immediately sent me another box!
Thanks for the review, I've actually been debating on ordering from them for sometime now...maybe I'll give it a shot. 