Review of 1-800 Contacts: An Examination of the Company, Its Offerings, and Services
1-800 Contacts, founded in 1995 by Jonathan C. Coon, has established itself as one of the oldest and most recognized online retailers of contact lenses. Originally named 1-800-LENS-NOW, the company started as a phone-based service, a fact still reflected in its name.
Wide Selection and Convenience
Now, 1-800 Contacts boasts an extensive range of products, hosting over 250 brands of contact lenses on its platform. The company offers a variety of contact lens types, including daily, monthly, yearly, and colored contacts.
Online Ordering and Price Match Guarantee
The company's online ordering platform has expanded from its original phone-based sales, providing customers with a convenient way to purchase contact lenses. 1-800 Contacts also offers a price-match guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal possible.
Customer Service and Support
Customer service is a priority for 1-800 Contacts. Many reviewers on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website praise the company for its helpful, friendly, and compassionate customer service representatives. However, some customers have reported issues with communication delays and order problems.
Insurance and Returns
1-800 Contacts is an in-network provider for several insurance companies, including Davis Vision, Superior Vision, Spectera, Blue View Vision, and Anthem BCBS. If a customer's prescription changes, they can return old lenses as long as the original packaging is sealed and intact.
Online Vision Exam and Care Tips
1-800 Contacts provides an online vision exam for those in need of new prescriptions. The company also offers tips for taking care of contact lenses, such as washing and drying hands before touching the eyes or lenses, and disposing of daily lenses straight away or storing reusable contact lenses in a storage case with a fresh solution.
Ratings and Reviews
On Trustpilot, 1-800 Contacts receives an average rating of 3 stars out of 5, while on the BBB website, the average drops to 1.86 out of 5. Customers appreciate the fast shipping times, free lens replacements, and helpful customer service, but some have reported issues with long delays for refunds, failed price match guarantees, and unresolved rebates.
Products and Services
In addition to contact lenses, 1-800 Contacts offers a variety of products, including contact lens solution, bifocal, multifocal, hydrating, and lenses for astigmatism, as well as color and color-enhancing contacts. The company's customer support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In summary, 1-800 Contacts started as a phone-based contact lens retailer and has evolved into a major online retailer with a large inventory of brands, focusing on convenience, competitive pricing, and broad product availability. The founder, Jonathan C. Coon, remains a significant figure associated with its history and leadership.
Science continues to advance other vision problems solutions, and 1-800 Contacts, with its extensive product range, remains a health-and-wellness provider committed to helping customers maintain optimal eye health. The company's online platform not only offers a wide selection of contact lenses but also provides educational resources on contact lens care and online vision exams.
