Got a good optometrist?

[torquill]

LensCrafters wants $104 to fit me with contact lenses. I used to wear them all the time, and all I want is a fresh prescription for contacts (which means an exam). I don't need a technician to figure out the diameter I need (I have an old box that has that measurement on the label), or tell me how to care for them, or how to put them in. I could do all that in my sleep.

Anyone know where else I could go to get an exam and prescription for contacts, without going through the newbie dance? Is there some way I can get it for less than $100?

I don't think my current health insurance covers vision, even though I'd rather have that than dental. I'd probably have the place run my card and find out.



I hate the fact that I can't just go out and buy contacts off the shelf according to my current eyesight -- why can't they carry a notice saying that they should be used according to a doctor's direction and leave it at that? *sigh*

Comments

[kitabare.livejournal.com]

The Vision Center at WalMart is about $80. Or at least it was two years ago. They don't usually make you go through the newbie dance, they just make sure you can do it yourself. Take the box with you.

[luna-torquill.livejournal.com]

I am, sadly, one of those people who won't do business with Walmart. It's good to know what the price is there, though, since I probably won't be able to get anyone to do it more cheaply than that.

[brit-brat100.livejournal.com]

I'm actually looking for the same thing, only with glasses too. Costco said $74 for an appointment and Sight For Sore Eyes said $79. That's a little cheaper...

[luna-torquill.livejournal.com]

My parents just got a Costco card, so that's an option -- and I got a pair of glasses there years ago. I've never had an eye exam by them, though, so maybe I should look into that.

It's looking more and more like an "after school starts and I have money" thing, though. If only my health insurance would give me a break on exams like they do with contacts/glasses...

[brit-brat100.livejournal.com]

I did the Costco thing today. The doctor was very nice and informative and the receptionist took all forms of payment.

Costco itself, however, where you would purchase contacts or glasses, only accepts debit cards or AMEX, so I couldn't order my stuff right away. Just a heads up.

And boy, do I know what you mean with the money thing. Ugh.

[luna-torquill.livejournal.com]

All I need is the scrip -- if I have that I can order the contacts themselves online, and get a nice discount through my insurance.

I keep forgetting about the debit/AmEx thing. While I do have a sweetie with a Costco AmEx who would front me the money (and let me pay him back as I can) it's inconvenient at best.

Walnut Square Optometry

[(Anonymous)]

I've been going there for year's and the staff is all great. I'm not sure how much it is for an appointment but you can give them a call and ask. The doc is Larry Harrison, main assistant is Dono. They're in Berkeley on Walnut and Vine (I'm not sure if the cross streets are right, but should be close.)
~M

[amanda-nye.livejournal.com]

My optometrist is Dr. Douglas Clarke, up in Sacramento (1586 Howe Ave., 916-646-9155). He specializes in contacts and will usually give you a bunch of free trials if you act remotely interested. I still haven't found any I can wear without them falling out or hurting like hell after only a couple hours. If you wait till school starts again, it might be an option.

I want to say a basic appointment was about $70? I get a bunch of extra testing done since my mom has glaucoma and got it pretty young, but even that doesn't cost me much. My vision coverage doesn't pay for the appointment but does pay for most of the glasses/contacts. I go about every year and a half.