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Contact lenses are growing in popularity because, compared to glasses, they have a lot more maneuverability, they’re practically invisible and generally have a lower upfront cost. Just like all good things, there's a caveat to wearing contact lenses - they’re disposable. You choose between dailies, weeklies or monthlies from a variety of manufacturers but at some point, they go in the trash and you open a new pack.

Unless refractive surgery is an option for you, then there's no way around this vicious cycle. You have to shell out some cash to refill your contact lens supply so you can see clearly. Luckily, there are some “trade secrets” out there to alleviate the financial pressure of constantly replenishing your contact lenses. The following are tips and tricks you may not be aware of in getting those extra savings the next time you buy contact lenses. 

1. Understand Your Insurance Coverage

If you have insurance coverage then consider yourself lucky. Insurance benefits always cushion the blow for medical expenses, especially on eyewear. The only problem is that most people don't fully understand their coverage. 

Not all insurance benefits are the same and you may be unaware of certain features or copayments that apply with your coverage. You can’t expect your Eye Care Professional or optical retailer to know all of the details of your specific plan. There are too many benefits providers that offer a large variety of insurance products. 

We highly recommend contacting your insurance provider and have a representative walk you through all of the key information about your specific plan. You will have a much better understanding of what is actually covered and any copayments where it applies. This can help you take advantage of all the features from your vision benefits and avoid any unexpected payments.

2. Buy Larger Quantities

One of the easiest ways to save money on contact lenses is to buy larger quantities. Optical retailers will always offer price breaks for buying more. Typically they will structure it in terms of duration such as a 3 month, 6 month and yearly supply. 

If your a daily or frequent user of contact lenses, your supply will run out and you’ll eventually need more. There's nothing worse than waking up in the morning only to realize you are fresh out of contact lenses when you need them most. Why not plan ahead and purchase in larger quantities. It will save you some cash and you won't have to think about it as much throughout the year.  

3. Ask For a Trial Pair

You may not be aware of this, but you can actually request a trial pair to try the contact lenses you're interested in. Contact lens manufacturers always send optical retailers samples or trial pairs specifically for this reason. They want you to try the product in hopes that you will start wearing contact lenses or to switch to their brand of contact lens.   

Not all contact lenses are the same. They can vary from material and design that may affect how comfortable they are or how well they will perform based on your specific needs. A trial pair will allow you to make an informed decision and know for sure the contact lens is suitable for your lifestyle. 

Testing the contact lenses will reduce the risk of buying larger quantities to maximize your savings. You don't want to make that commitment on a year's supply if there's a chance you may not like them. With a trial pair, you know from your own experience that the product works and you will continue to use it in the future. 

4. Take Advantage of Contact Lens Rebates 

This may be the biggest takeaway from this article. Countless contact lens wearers are either unaware or don't take the time to take advantage of these mail-in rebates. Some of these rebates can save you up to $200 on your contact lens purchase. 

There are a few things to note about the rebate program from the contact lens manufacturer. Typically, the mail-in rebates are limited to larger quantity orders, like a one year or a six-month supply. This generally may not be a bad thing because you receive double the savings on your purchase. You'll save more on larger quantity orders plus the mail-in rebate. There may also be restrictions on eligibility depending on where you buy the contact lenses (they usually exclude purchases made online or from big-box retailers like Costco.)

It's always best to ask your optical retailer if any mail-rebates apply or you can check online straight from the manufacturer. They will have the necessary forms and instructions to send your rebate. We recommended sending your rebate form right after you make your purchase. It will reduce the chance of you forgetting and it’ll be one less thing to do later on. 

5. Exchange Old Prescription with New

What you may not realize is that you can exchange the old prescription with the new one free of charge. As long as the boxes are unopened, unmarked and the contact lenses haven’t expired; you can go to your optical retailer and they will happily exchange the prescription for you. 

6. Look Into Cheaper Alternatives 

Contact lenses vary in comfort, fit and performance. This is what makes the difference in price from each manufacturer and brand. While it may be best to have premium contact lenses for an optimal wearing experience, you can sacrifice some of these comforts to save a little bit of money. 

Bear in mind getting a cheaper brand may not always be the best option for you. The drawbacks in comfort, fit and performance may prove to be too much of a compromise. Request a trial first and see if this alternative is worth the switch. What's the point in saving money on a product you don't enjoy? You’ll either hate wearing the contact lenses or you’ll end up going back to your previous brand.