the Cost of an Optometrist

I got an eye examination, a prescription for contacts and glasses, and was fitted for contact lenses. I had to come back three times after my initial visit to get the right kind of contact lenses that fitted me well.

I paid $120 for the eye examination, the contact lens fitting, and a four month supply of disposable contacts, after my insurance paid some. I think the eye exam and contact lens fitting together were $80 and the four month supply of contacts was $120 before insurance.

I would have been extremely frustrated with coming back three times after a visit if I hadn't known that I apparently have a very difficult prescription to nail down. My last eye doctor never got it right and that took a lot of visits also. Luckily, this eye doctor was within walking distance from my house, so it wasn't as big of an inconvenience.

The doctor's persistence paid off though, as he finally got the contact prescription right. He said that it would have been a lot easier if I wore hard contacts but hard contacts feel a little like having spoons on my eyeballs, so I can't do that. The doctor and the staff were both very professional and got to know me pretty well since I was there so often!

Check your insurance - hopefully it's better than mine and you will pay less! Make sure that if your contacts or glasses are not working, you can come back for no fee, as you shouldn't have to pay for multiple visits if that's what it takes to get the prescription right! Also, have your doctor explain carefully the pros and cons of the different types of contacts, as there are many many kinds out there.