5 Reasons Why Opticians Don’t Want You Buying Contact Lenses Online

Buying contact lenses online can be convenient and cost-effective, but not all online sellers follow the rules that protect your eye health. While some opticians may discourage it for business reasons, others raise valid concerns about safety, authenticity, and prescription accuracy.

Let’s explore five reasons opticians might caution you about purchasing contact lenses online, and how to make sure you’re ordering from a reputable source.

1. Lost In-Office Sales and Professional Bias

It is true that many opticians earn part of their income through in-office contact lens sales. This can sometimes influence how they talk about online purchases. While their main priority is protecting your vision, they may also prefer that you buy directly from their practice.

You do not have to feel pressured to buy from your optician, but you should still value their advice about fit, hygiene, and prescription safety.

2. The Possibility of Non-FDA Approved Lenses

What are medical devices? Pacemakers and surgical items, right? But did you know that contact lenses are also, in fact, medical devices? They are on the FDA’s medical devices list. This means manufacturers must apply for a legal permit before being able to sell lenses.

FDA-approved contact lenses are always tested before they’re released on the market. An unlicensed vendor might sell you non-approved and non-tested lenses. You often see these type of lenses in gag shops and seasonal Halloween stores. Using these contacts can put you at serious risk of injury or infection.

One of the biggest risks of buying contact lenses online is receiving non-FDA-approved lenses. Contact lenses are considered medical devices and must meet strict manufacturing and packaging standards.

Unapproved or counterfeit lenses are often found through unlicensed sellers, novelty shops, or discount websites. These lenses may contain harmful materials or bacteria that can cause infections, irritation, or vision damage.

Always verify that the online store sells FDA-approved lenses from well-known brands. Avoid any site offering “cosmetic” or “theatrical” lenses without requiring a prescription.

3. No Gatekeeping on Valid Prescriptions

For bigger profits, unscrupulous sellers may let you purchase lenses without a prescription. You may think this isn’t a big deal. Your vision hasn’t change much after all, right? But there can be small differences in your eye shape and sight that you haven’t noticed. By ordering lenses on an old prescription, you put your eye health at risk. The contacts will not fit right on your eyes and they’ll fail at providing good visual acuity. In the long-run, you’ll end up wasting money on this order.

4. Counterfeit or Poor-Quality Lenses from Unverified Sellers

Buying contact lenses online can save money, but it can also expose you to low-quality or counterfeit products. Fraudulent sellers may advertise brand-name lenses at unusually low prices, only to deliver unsafe or expired products.

To protect your eyes, always buy from reputable retailers that work directly with major manufacturers. PerfectLensWorld only sells authentic, FDA-approved lenses to ensure safety and comfort.

5. Poor or Nonexistent Exchange Policies

An important thing to look out for is exchange and return policies. Even the best sellers will have defective lenses sometimes. Thus, you need to make sure you’re covered if you receive a bad set.

Given how far the internet has come, there’s no excuse for not having a clear-cut exchange and return policy. You should be able to find this information with ease. (PerfectLensWorld’s Return and Exchange Policy is clearly stated here.)

Buying Contacts Online the Right Way

Opticians may have valid reasons for concern, but you can still buy contact lenses online safely if you know what to look for. Before placing an order, make sure that the website:

• Requires a valid prescription verification
• Lists brand names clearly and offers FDA-approved products
• Includes genuine customer reviews
• Provides clear contact information and customer service options

If you want to be confident about your purchase, start with a visit to your optician for an updated prescription. Then order your lenses from a trusted seller like PerfectLensWorld, where you can find the same brand-name lenses your doctor recommends at lower prices.

Protect Your Eyes by Buying From Reputable Sellers

By taking the precautions listed above, you can buy safely from any vendor you’d like, all without putting your eye health at risk. What we’d recommend is first visiting your optician. You can get the proper tests done and receive an up-to-date prescription. Plus, you can chat with him or her about the best types of contact lenses for you.

Then check out the wide range of lenses we offer at PerfectLensWorld.com. You’re sure to find the same lenses your doctor recommends for far less money. After all, we work hard at providing the same high-quality lenses, at the lowest prices in America.

FAQ: Buying Contact Lenses Online

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online?

Yes, as long as you purchase from a trusted retailer that requires a valid prescription and sells FDA-approved lenses. Avoid unverified websites or offers that seem too good to be true.

What are the risks of buying contacts online?

Buying from unreliable websites can lead to counterfeit or contaminated lenses that may cause irritation, infection, or vision problems. Always verify the seller’s reputation.

Do I need a prescription to buy contacts online?

Yes. All contact lens sales in the United States require a valid prescription that matches your current vision needs.

How can I tell if an online retailer is legitimate?

Look for clear return policies, secure payment systems, and visible contact information. Trusted sellers display FDA compliance and customer reviews.

Can I save money by buying contact lenses online safely?

Yes. Buying from authorized retailers can help you save up to 70 percent compared to in-office prices without compromising on safety or quality.