SHOULD YOU BUY YOUR CONTACT LENSES ONLINE – OR IS IT RISKY?
There are real financial considerations for people who wear contact lenses. There are the contacts themselves, plus the additional costs of eye-care products, eye-drops, solution, eye decongestants, ocular lubricants etc – so it’s hardly surprising that many people are turning to the internet as a cheaper source of buying lenses and related items.
Going online to buy contacts can work out far cheaper than buying from the optometrist of from ‘bricks-and-mortar’ retailers. An online business usually operates on far lower overheads that mainstream businesses and can pass on the volume discounts to the consumer – meaning products are cheaper over the internet.
But buying lenses online can be risky and it’s important to follow some simple guidelines to ensure you don’t see red !.
Site must be trustworth. The website that you intend purchasing from should be a reputable one with current, contactable references and must be an authorised dealer in the brand of contact lens that you are purchasing. Ask friends or colleagues to recommend websites as word-of-mouth is often the best form of referral.
Security of personal data. Only ever interact with a website that has the appropriate security settings.
Policy on refunds and referrals. Always check the supplier’s refund and returns policy before making a commitment.
Local suppliers are often good. It’s best to buy from a local supplier as the shipping costs will be far less, plus delivery will be much quicker. For example, if you were trying to buy contact lenses in Perth or Sydney Australia, it would be better to buy local than from a foreign supplier . It’s also much easier to sort out any problems when the supplier is in the same time zone and speaks your language.
Only buy your prescribed brand. Don’t be tempted to go with another brand – stick to your optometrist’s prescription to avoid any possible eye problems. Many countries eg New Zealand and Australia have laws that prevent online suppliers from selling lenses without seeing a valid prescription. Prescriptions are even required for coloured contact lenses even though they have no visual correction as it is important to know which type, size and lens material is most suited to your eyes.
Do the price comparisons. Many online retailers have special offers, so shop around. Many suppliers won’t ship single boxes, with most requiring a minimum of three months’ supply (and be careful of being misled into committing to an automatic re-order of your lenses)..
Track your order. It’s a good idea to check whether the online suppler you’ve chosen has a system whereby you can track your order from dispatch to delivery.
Rebates from medical funds. If you have a medical fund, check your eligibility for rebates before purchasing.
Buying contact lenses online can be a cheaper, quicker and convenient alternative to buying them from a high-street retailer or optometrist, but always follow these simple guidelines to make sure you see the light as opposed to seeing red !.
Tags: contact, contact lenses, contacts, lenses
