How the 1800 Contacts Online Eye Exam and Vision Test Works

Getting an Eye Exam Through 1800 Contacts

1-800 Contacts is the largest retailer of contact lenses in the United States. While best known for selling brand name contacts at discount prices, many don't realize that 1800 Contacts also offers online vision tests and contact lens prescriptions.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of how the 1800 Contacts vision exam and lens prescription process works, along with some pros and cons compared to in-office eye doctor visits.

Online vs. In-Person Eye Exam Options

There are a few different ways you can get your eyes checked and obtain a new glasses or contacts prescription each year:

1. Traditional In-Office Exam - Visit an ophthalmologist or optometrist's office for a full visual health evaluation and eyeglass/contacts script.
2. In-Store Retail Exam - Many major national and local optical shops have optometrists available for eye exams.
3. Online Vision Test - Answer a questionnaire and take a vision acuity test online to renew your existing corrective lens prescription.

Online vision exams were born out of a need to make prescription renewals more convenient and accessible to contact lens wearers. As more eye care moves to virtual and tele-medicine models, retailers like 1800 Contacts allow you to quickly get a renewed script through their app or website if you meet certain requirements.

Who Qualifies for 1800 Contacts Online Eye Exam?

It's important to understand that online vision assessments are meant primarily for simpler prescription updates for those who already wear contacts or glasses. You likely won't qualify for the 1800 Contacts exam if you:

• Are seeking an initial eyeglasses or contacts prescription (no prior exam data).
• Have certain pre-existing eye health conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, retinal issues, etc.
• Need a bifocal, multi-focal, reading glasses, or progressive prescription.
• Don't have a previous eye exam within 24 months.
• Have had a change in vision health since last exam.

Children under 18 years old would also need to be seen in-office for their developing eyes rather than online. If any of the above apply to you, an in-person comprehensive eye health evaluation is recommended instead for proper care.

How the 1-800 Contacts Eye Exam Process Works

If it's just time for an updated single vision contacts or glasses prescription however, here is an overview of what to expect with the 1800 Contacts vision test and renewal process:

Step 1: Create Your Account

You'll first provide some basic medical history and last optical prescription information during new user sign-up to determine initial eligibility.

Step 2: Take Basic Vision Test

A 20 minute self-guided online eye chart assessment captures current visual acuity and any changes for both near and long distance sight.

Step 3: Consult with an Affiliated Eye Doctor

You'll be connected through tele-health technology to one of 1800 Contacts' fully licensed US eye doctors for a final prescription verification and approval.

Step 4: Get New Prescription and Order Contacts

After the video consult, you right away access your renewed corrective eye wear prescription and shop online for fresh contact lens supplies if needed.

How Much Does the 1-800 Contacts Eye Exam Cost?

One of the major attractions of online vision testing is substantial cost savings versus in-office alternatives. As of 2024, here is the pricing for 1800 Contacts remote exams:

• Online Eye Exam: $20-$39 per exam
• Glasses or Contacts Prescription Renewal: $0 with exam

This can represent big dollar savings over standard eye doctor visits that run from around $85 up to $200+ in many areas for out-of-pocket fees without vision insurance benefits. So convenience and affordability are two major advantages.

Are 1800 Contacts Online Eye Exams Accurate?

A common question is whether the quality and accuracy of the remote prescription is comparable to what you would get at an in-office ophthalmologist or optometrist visit. Some key points about precision of online vision testing:

• Uses the same Snellen eye chart principles as in-office exams for visual acuity.
• 20/20 vision verification or worse determines Rx needed.
• Acuity can be measured with high reproducibility in calibrated online tests.
• Any unusual results trigger case review by the affiliated eye doctor.

For the 60-70% of adults who only need simple sphere (nearsighted or farsighted) correction with healthy eyes, precision of standard online vision exams compare very favorably to conventional testing methods.

When In-Office Exams Are Still Needed

However, there are limits to what can be detected remotely vs. being examined by an eye professional onsite. Important to still get regularly scheduled comprehensive evaluations if you have:

• Astigmatism needing updated cylinder correction.
• Reading vision needs requiring bifocal or progressive Rx change.
• Family or personal history of cataracts, glaucoma etc needing monitoring.
• Sudden onset vision changes like flashes, floaters, pain or distorted images.

While 1800 Contacts affiliated doctors can screen for some warning signs and recommend specialist follow-up, in-office dilated medical evaluations will always provide deeper health insights than simple online screening questionnaires and vision acuity measurements.

Benefits of Using 1-800 Contacts for Eye Exams

In appropriate situations, choosing 1800 Contacts for your eye exam and glasses or contacts prescription renewals offers several helpful perks:

Convenience

Avoid commutes and waiting room delays getting vision tested from home or anywhere with smartphone or computer access.

Cost Savings

Pay $20-$39 instead of $85+ out-of-pocket for simplified prescription updates every 1-2 years.

Accessibility

Get vision care without needing an eye doctor's office nearby, especially helpful for rural area residents.

Seamless Contacts Re-Ordering

Prescription updates sync automatically to your 1800contacts.com account for quick, hassle free contacts resupply ordering.

Potential Limitations to Consider

While online eye exams offer benefits like convenience and affordability for many simple prescription renewals, recognize key differences vs. comprehensive in-office eye health evaluations:

• No dilation drops used to widen pupils and better evaluate inner eye.
• Doesn't screen for glaucoma risk factors like eye pressure measurements.
• Retinal imaging not performed to check nerve and vessel anatomy.
• No testing eye focusing abilities needed for bifocals / progressives.
• Infection evaluations limited without in-person exam.
• Can't assess medication side effects or sun damage on eye surface.

While 1800 Contacts affiliated doctors can review your symptoms and history for anything concerning, important not to substitue an online vision acuity check for in-office medical eye care at recommended regular intervals.

Who Should Use the 1-800 Contacts Eye Exam?

In summary, online vision testing offers a solid convenient option for many people who:

• Already wear eyeglasses or contacts.
• Have an updated prescription that just expired and needs simple renewal.
• No major changes in vision or new visual symptoms noticed.
• No personal or family history of glaucoma, cataracts etc.
• Feel cost, location, or availability are barriers to in-office care access.

As telemedicine use expands, tools like the 1800 Contacts eye exam provide an approved means for people to get essential vision care services without the barriers of traditional in-office visits. Still sound fundamentals of visual acuity testing - just more remotely accessible when meeting qualification criteria.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.