Walmart is a huge name, with a huge retail chain to back it up, and over the years it has become one of the places to stock up on the best online contact lenses too. Its supply is obviously very impressive, so shipping times are quick and products are in stock. Its US shipping is free (and orders over $35 qualify for next day) and the company offers a price match guarantee.
The site is well laid out and prices are good, though you’ll find lower if you shop around at other discount sites. There is a bafflingly huge selection of lens solutions, too. If you need an updated prescription vision test are administered in over a quarter of Walmart stores by independent optometrists. You can also buy frames here, though the site hasn't currently made our list of the best eyeglasses online retailers.
Walmart Contacts review: Prices and offers
Prices are kept low by selling in volume, although they aren’t the lowest around. Check out our AC Lens review for more budget options. Shipping is always free and if your order climbs above $35 you’ll be upgraded to next-day status. They offer some additional deals on multiple purchases, but don’t run to subscriptions.
Walmart offers to match any online competitor’s price, but with contacts relying on rebates and coupons and offers, it’s tricky to get a fix on what’s an advertised price and what constitutes your final bill. Add to this Walmart’s list of price match stipulations and you start to wonder if this is all worth it to save a couple of dollars. Its prices are pretty good as they stand, but they’re regularly undercut by the serious discounters - read our Discount Contact Lenses review for one of those.
Walmart Contacts review: Features and website
Dealing with a big company carries a certain amount of weight, and takes a little of the uncertainty out of the online process. The site is an encyclopedia of what’s available in the world of eye health, and it offers accessories such as cleaning solutions too.
Walmart’s contact lens section is very much like one of its stores. Plain and set out to maximize sales, stocked from floor to ceiling with bargain brands. Leveraging its chain of over 2500 independent, in-store optometrists, it’s committed to online lenses in a big way. The site is clinically white, with product graphics well-spaced to maximum effect.
You will, of course, need your current prescription, but Walmart lets you know that their doctors are in all 50 states, and very likely at a store nearby. Walmart’s site is comprehensive and good value, which isn’t a surprise. For a company with a similar approach, read our 1800 Contacts review.
Should you buy from Walmart Contacts?
Walmart is a known quantity and you’re either encouraged by its size and influence or put off by it. It has an existing chain of in-store vision care outlets with trained independent optometrists if you need to get or update your prescription. If you have one of the best vision insurance plans already, ask your provider what they will and won't cover before you place an order.
Prices are keen, and backed by a price-match scheme, albeit one that’s a little complicated in practice. Walmart has a more or less complete range of lenses including cosmetics and colors. Shipping is always free and is next-day expedited on bigger orders. It doesn't offer subscriptions, or the additional discounts that come with them.
