Suppose your lens prescription has expired, and you can’t go to your doctor’s office for an eye exam due to a busy schedule. In that case, you can try the 1 800 Contacts eye exam. This vision exam can be easily performed at home in just a few minutes.
However, many people label it as unreliable. Plus, many consider the 1 800 Contacts Express Exam as a weak alternative to an in-person eye exam.
So, what should we do? Let’s find out in this guide.
What is the 1 800 Contacts Eye Exam?
The 1-800 Contacts Express Exam is an online eye test that you can take from the comfort of your home. A registered and licensed ophthalmologist in your area or state will assess the results and issue a renewed prescription for your contact lenses.
The entire test takes about ten minutes only, and in most cases, you may get your prescription within a day.
That said, the exam is only designed for lenses and not for glasses. Plus, it isn’t a comprehensive eye exam. So, if you have an issue with your eye, you may opt for a physical visit to a specialist.
How Accurate Is the 1 800 Contacts Eye Exam?
1-800 Contacts is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. So, there is no denying the company is legitimate. Moreover, it has been running successfully for many years with great customer support and products to offer.
The eye exam it offers is accurate but not too detailed. This means that although it can get you a prescription for eye contacts, it isn’t a replacement for a comprehensive eye examination. You can’t opt for the test to check your eye health or diagnose any eye conditions.
Eligibility and Requirements
To avoid any disappointment, make sure that you are aware of the eligibility criteria and requirements of the exam.
The online eye exam is available only in select states and only for people between the ages of 18 and 55.
Make sure that you have a valid contact lens prescription and a device with a camera and microphone. You must also have a credit card or driver’s license to calibrate the screen.
You will have to stand 10 feet away from your device during the exam.
Cost and Convenience
The cost of the exam is $20. However, you may want to check the website and social media pages frequently to grab any deals or offers on display.
The company and third-party providers also offer coupons that you can use to get a discount on the test. But make sure that you check the validity and terms of the coupon before putting in the code.
In our opinion, this is a perfect price for the test. It completely matches the convenience it offers. At this price, you get done with an eye exam within ten minutes without leaving your house. What’s more, you will receive an updated prescription within the next 24 hours.
Pros and Cons of the 1 800 Contacts Eye Exam
Before you take the exam, here are some pros and cons to look at to make an informed decision.
Pros
- The exam is quick as it takes only ten minutes.
- You can take it from home.
- You don’t need an appointment from 1 800 to get the test done.
- The set price of the test allows you to take it with ease and within your budget.
- If a lens doesn’t suit you, you can exchange it without any shipping cost.
Cons
- The test can only get you a renewed prescription. It isn’t designed to check your eye’s health.
- You will have to get a phone with a camera and microphone to get the test done.
- You can’t get a prescription for glasses.
- It isn’t a replacement for an in-person visit to a doctor.
The Exam Process
This is what you should expect when taking the test.
Getting Started
- Start by visiting the 1 800 Contacts website and choosing the exam option. Now, click the orange button to begin your exam.
- You can also scan the QR code on-screen to download the app and complete your eye exam on your smartphone.
- Now, enter all your basic information, including your name and email address. Then, log in to an existing account or create a new one for free.
The Exam Itself
Once you have filled in your details, follow the steps below.
- Stand straight and take pictures of your eyes, wearing your contacts, in a well-lit, quiet area.
- Now, adjust the size of your screen to match the visual prompt using a credit card or driver’s license.
- Make sure that you stand comfortably 10 feet away from your computer during the exam and read the letters on the screen, covering one eye at a time. Make sure that you are loud and clear when reading the letters.
- Once done, enter the brand of contacts you want to wear and your latest prescription.
Once the test is approved, you can get your prescription within 24 hours.
How it Compares to a Traditional Eye Exam
It is incorrect to compare online eye exams with a traditional visit to an eye specialist. They are not the same.
A visit to an eye specialist is comprehensive and involves a thorough checkup. However, an online examination is a brief vision test that checks the accuracy of your current prescription.
What’s more, this online eye exam is only worth $20. This is quite a small amount as compared to the cost of a traditional eye doctor visit.
In addition, this exam is pretty convenient. You can take it at home and be free within ten minutes. However, a traditional test is taken at a clinic or hospital, and it takes longer to evaluate your eye condition.
Therefore, you mustn’t opt for the other. They aren’t alternatives as they serve different purposes.
State Regulations and Availability
As stated earlier, online exams like these are currently allowed in 37 states only. Make sure that you check your state regulations and availability before signing up for the exam.
This service is unavailable in the following states.
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho,
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- West Virginia.
If you are 18 to 55 years old and living in Maine, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Indiana, the test may be limited to you as well.
Conclusion
Gone are the days when you would have to visit an eye specialist only to get a renewed prescription for your lenses. Today, you can take this service at home with the help of the 1 800 vision exam. The test takes only ten minutes, after which you can get your prescription within a day.
However, for the test to go smoothly, ensure that you have all the equipment available and are eligible for the procedure. You must also be clear that the test is not a replacement for a comprehensive eye health examination.
If you have an eye problem, get in touch with an eye specialist as soon as possible.
