Where to get glasses and contacts for school
It's the first day of school, and your kid walks into class confidently, only to realize the smart board is blurry and their glasses are still at summer camp. Or perhaps you're a college student ready to scan the syllabus, but you've just popped in your last pair of daily disposable contact lenses.
Whether your student is headed to sixth grade or senior year, clear vision is critical for success. If you're wondering where to get glasses and contacts for school, you've got options. In-person eye care providers and online retailers may offer budget-friendly back-to-school sales. Vision insurance and state-sponsored programs may also help cover the cost of exams and eyewear, and the start of the school year is a great time to use your annual benefit.
If you don't have a prescription yet, you need to see an eye care professional. However, if your child has a prescription and needs a fresh pair of glasses — or you're looking for quick renewal for contacts for a teenager — you can shop and order without ever leaving your couch (or that poolside umbrella table that's too good to give up).
We'll walk you through where and how to get glasses or contacts for school below and, maybe, help you save a little money on this particular back-to-school expense.
Order Contact Lenses Online
Learn how to order contact lenses online at 1-800 Contacts
Order contacts
Where to get contacts for school
Back-to-school — the season of signing 100 forms, figuring out how to add money to lunch accounts, and buying new shoes for everyone. Most importantly, you want to help your student athlete, artist, or academic achiever see things clearly.
Whether you're buying your teen's first contact lenses or restocking for the fall semester, insurance and state-sponsored programs can help make things more affordable. Many vision plans cover part or all of the cost of an eye exam annually and the contact lenses required by a prescription. Depending on where you live, you might qualify for local or state programs that help families with no-cost or low-cost eyewear for students. You can learn more by checking with the school nurse or the local health department.
After confirming your insurance coverage and setting a budget for contacts, the steps to clearer vision for your student are:
-
Getting a valid prescription from an eye care professional. If you don't have a prescription yet, you need to make an appointment and visit an office. Plan ahead and make appointments during the spring if you want to get into an office during the summer.
-
Choose your lenses based on your prescription, comfort preferences, and lifestyle. Talk to your eye care professional about what types of lenses best meet your needs.
-
Shop for contacts through a reputable retailer, such as 1-800 Contacts.
-
Apply any promo codes or back-to-school discounts to save money on your order.
-
Place your order and get contacts delivered straight to your door — that's one less errand on your list before the school buses start running.
Does your student have a contact lens prescription but need a quick update? You may be able to renew the contact lens prescription online.
Back-to-school contacts sale
Back-to-school season is prime time for contact lens deals. Many retailers — online and in-store — offer promotions to help families and students save on essentials. You might find discounts like 10% off, free shipping, or money-saving bundles when you stock up. Keep an eye out for seasonal offers to stretch your vision budget further.
Where to get glasses for school
The last thing you need is a surprising high-cost glasses replacement after dropping a small fortune on sneakers, binders, and the lunchbox featuring your kid's new favorite Pokémon. (Spoiler alert: It's rarely something as easy to find as Pikachu.)
Fortunately, there are resources to help. Vision insurance often includes a yearly allowance for frames and lenses, and state-sponsored programs may offer free or low-cost options for eligible families. If your child qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, check your state’s program details to see what vision benefits are included.
To get glasses for school, follow these steps:
-
Get a current prescription.
-
Choose your frames.
-
Select lenses and upgrades — anti-scratch coatings, blue light filters, and thinner lens materials are all go-to upgrades to support safety and comfort for your kid.
-
Place your order for glasses online.
-
Try on your glasses.
Fit is critical for glasses wearers of all ages. It's about comfort and function. Glasses that slide down the nose or don't sit correctly on the face can't correct vision appropriately. Some people prefer to try on frames in-store and buy online for the best price, while others take advantage of virtual try-on tools or free in-home frame trials. You do you — unlike the school supply list demanding that one brand of pens or colored pencils, glasses fittings are all about the individual.
If your child doesn’t have a prescription, you need to book an in-person eye exam. Back-to-school season fills up fast, so schedule early to avoid delays. If your child already has a prescription or just needs a quick renewal, they may be eligible for an online vision test to simplify the process.
The Framery at 1-800 Contacts
Get premium frames starting at $79
Shop glasses
Back-to-school glasses sale
Plenty of online and in-person retailers offer back-to-school glasses sales, so it’s worth shopping around before you check out. Look for promotions that include percentage discounts (like 15% to 30% off), free shipping, or bundled lens upgrades. A little planning can mean big savings on frames that fit your budget and your kid’s style.
Did you know you can order contacts online?
Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!