A contact lens exam (or contact eye exam) is a regular eye exam plus a contact lens fitting. The fitting measures your eye’s surface and checks how the lenses fit, so it costs more than a glasses-only exam.
Here’s what happens, what it costs at retailers like Visionworks, and what the law says about your prescription. For routine exams and costs, see our main eye exam guide, or test yourself with the contact lens exam quiz.
Key takeaways
- A contact lens exam adds a fitting to a comprehensive eye exam.
- The fitting typically adds $50–$150 without insurance; specialty lenses cost more.
- Your glasses prescription can’t be used to buy contact lenses.
- By law, you get a copy of your contact lens prescription, valid for at least 1 year in most cases.
USA Contact Lens Exam: Quick Facts
- Includes
- Eye exam + fitting + trial lenses + follow-up
- Fitting fee
- About $50–$150 extra
- Total (no insurance)
- Often $100–$250
- Visionworks
- Exam ~$79–$110 + fitting ~$50–$100
- Rx validity
- At least 1 year (federal minimum)
- Replace lens case
- At least every 3 months
What Is a Contact Lens Exam?
- A comprehensive eye exam: vision, refraction and eye health
- Keratometry or corneal topography to measure the curve of your cornea
- Tear film and eyelid check to make sure your eyes can tolerate lenses
- Trial lenses to check fit, movement, vision and comfort
- Insertion and removal training for new wearers
- A follow-up visit to confirm the fit
Contact Lens Exam Cost (Including Visionworks)
| Where | Eye exam | Contact lens fitting |
|---|---|---|
| Visionworks | $79–$110 | About $50–$100 extra |
| LensCrafters | $73–$150 | About $50–$100 extra |
| Walmart / Costco / Sam’s Club | $60–$120 | About $40–$100 extra |
| Private optometrist | $100–$250 | About $50–$150+ extra |
Toric (astigmatism), multifocal and specialty lenses such as scleral or rigid lenses cost more to fit. Vision insurance often covers part of the fitting with a copay.
More on Contact Lens Exam Cost (Including Visionworks) →Your Contact Lens Prescription Rights
Under the FTC Contact Lens Rule, your prescriber must give you a copy of your contact lens prescription after the fitting is complete, even if you don’t ask, and you can buy lenses from any seller. Prescriptions are generally valid for at least one year unless there’s a documented medical reason for a shorter period.
More on Your Contact Lens Prescription Rights →Safe Contact Lens Wear
- Don’t sleep in lenses unless your doctor approved them for overnight wear.
- Never use tap water on lenses or cases.
- Replace your lens case at least every 3 months.
- Remove the lenses and call your eye doctor if your eye is red, painful or light-sensitive.
Eye Exam for Contacts vs. Regular Eye Exam
An eye exam for contacts includes everything in a regular eye exam plus a fitting: corneal measurements, trial lenses, a lens fit check and follow-up. A glasses prescription can’t be used to buy contacts, so you need a separate contact lens prescription.
More on Eye Exam for Contacts vs. Regular Eye Exam →Contact Lens Exam Near Me
Independent optometrists, ophthalmology practices and retail optical stores (Costco, Walmart, Target Optical, Warby Parker, America’s Best, LensCrafters) all offer contact lens exams. Call ahead to confirm they fit your lens type (toric, multifocal) and ask about the fitting fee on top of the exam.
More on Contact Lens Exam Near Me →Free practice test
Ready to test yourself?
Choose your test length, practice with instant feedback or take it exam-style, and get your score with an explanation for every answer.
Go to the USA Contact Lens Exam practice test →USA Contact Lens Exam FAQs
What is the difference between an eye exam and a contact lens exam?
A contact lens exam includes everything in a regular eye exam plus a fitting: corneal measurements, trial lenses and a fit check.
Full answer →How much is a contact lens exam without insurance?
Often $100–$250 in total. The fitting usually adds $50–$150 to the basic exam fee.
Full answer →How much is a Visionworks contact lens exam?
A Visionworks eye exam typically costs about $79–$110 without insurance, and a contact lens fitting usually adds about $50–$100. Prices vary by location.
Full answer →Can I buy contacts with my glasses prescription?
No. Contact lens prescriptions include the lens brand, base curve, diameter and adjusted power.
Full answer →How often do I need a contact lens exam?
Usually once a year, because contact lens prescriptions generally expire after one year.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.