My prescription is outdated and I need to get an eye exam so I can replace my eyeglass lenses and get contact lenses. I checked at Walmart and the optometrist there charges $65 for the basic eye exam (which will be sufficient to get eyeglass lenses replaced) and $50 for the contact lense "fitting." (These are the rates for someone without an astigmatism.) He also stated that the whole thing has to be repeated every year to renew the contact lens prescription. Anyone hear of any substantially better rates, or have an optometrist they recommend? Thanks a lot.

5/15/2006 7:12:47 PM

i think if you have your box you can just order them online. like from 1800contacts or something. not 100% sure though

5/15/2006 7:14:52 PM

^no, you still have to have an up to date prescription, just like anything else. That amount is pretty standard for an eye exam, if not a little cheaper. The basic eye exam also includes tests for glaucoma, etc.

5/15/2006 7:18:45 PM

^^ You really should go in for the routine eye exams.

The ability to see is something you just shouldn't fuck with. The reason for regular visits to the optometrist is to make sure that the contacts still properly fit your eyes and that there are no potential problems. Catching problems early can save you your sight.

[Edited on May 15, 2006 at 7:21 PM. Reason : I agree with hammster]

5/15/2006 7:20:32 PM

they have to get the size of the retna

5/15/2006 7:27:55 PM

the size is on the box

5/15/2006 7:30:34 PM

Wendell Eye Center is awesome - and the doctor there is like a contact specialist or something. Its only like 20-25 minutes to get there from campus with teh bypass.

rates are also lower, i think its like $40 for the contact lens fitting.

5/15/2006 8:10:57 PM

I go to Sears it's only $100 for everything (eye exam/contact fitting or whatnot)

5/15/2006 10:43:20 PM

i got contacts from 1800contacts with an out of date prescription, they said they sent a fax to my doctor and they take no reponse as an ok.

5/15/2006 10:52:30 PM

i pay 115 at the place next to lenscrafters every year.

its definitely worth going every year

5/15/2006 10:59:19 PM

they are my eye doctors too, the one in cary towne center, that is. i like them.

5/15/2006 11:01:20 PM

If you REALLY are on a budget, go with eyeglasses for a little while until you can save up for an exam/ordering contacts. And that rate isn't bad at all.

5/16/2006 7:13:12 AM

If you're a AAA Roadside Service member, you can save $$ at the place inside Lenscrafters.

5/16/2006 9:29:22 AM

Go to Dr. Caroline Silver at Eye Care Associates in Cary. They give a discount to NC State students.

5/16/2006 11:25:14 AM

^^yea i went to the place at crabtree inside lenscrafters but i cant remember the rates. call em up.

Quote :

"i got contacts from 1800contacts with an out of date prescription,"

yea me too. they have never questioned me about it. once you give them a prescription again all you ever have to tell them is reorder.

5/16/2006 11:36:38 AM

Dr. Sikeletter at Cary Vision Center (off of Chatham on Academy) is super nice. I'm always in and out with virtually no waiting. $110 for the exams and they sell contacts cheaper than 1-800-contacts.

5/17/2006 1:17:41 PM

i didn't get a AAA discount I didn't know. boo.

5/17/2006 6:30:33 PM

i just went to see a Dr. in the optomology center near warlocks tatoos.
hes really good and it is definately worth it to go to a real doctor and shell out the $texas
you could have serious eye problems without regular checkups or with a crappy eye place.

5/17/2006 6:36:41 PM

i go to johnson optometric in garner
i have no idea how much they charge though
i like them so far.

5/17/2006 6:47:56 PM

just because it's not $texas doesn't mean they aren't good doctors

5/18/2006 9:16:05 AM

Thanks for the great responses everyone. It really helps to know the appropriate ballpark range and some good places to go. I think I will try the Sears, as there is one near me, but first I'll phone some of those recommended that aren't too far away. Nice to hear about an NCSU student discount at some places too.

5/19/2006 6:21:50 PM