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| How to Purchase Contact Lens OnlineIf you plan to purchase contact lens online, it can be easy, time saving and perhaps less costly than going through your doctor. But consumers should compare prices, pay attention to company reputations and input prescription numbers carefully. When you purchase contact lens online stay with name brand companies like 1800contacts, which are know to have a solid reputation for service and quality. When you are purchase contact lenses remember this is a medical product that will end up in your eyes. To purchase contact lenses online or elsewhere, you must first have a doctor's prescription -- a requirement that can be a bit tricky. There are a number of states that have passed laws that requires optometrists and ophthalmologists to release contact lens prescriptions to their patients on request. In Missouri and other states where there are no similar regulations, eye care providers do not have to give prescriptions to patients, although providers say most do. Before you make your appointment, make it clear that you will shop around and possibility purchase your contact lens online. The prescription, at a minimum, should include your name, the doctor's name, the contact lens brand name and material. The prescription also should include lens measurements such as power, diameter and base curve, according to the Food and Drug Administration, which regulates contact lenses. You should never purchase contact lens with a prescription that has expired, the FDA says. The expiration date for prescriptions currently is set by states. Some require a one-year renewal, others a two-year renewal, while still others leave it to doctors to decide. In Missouri and Kansas, the doctor decides, but the general rule is a one-year renewal, local eye care providers said. Internet sites should ask for information about your doctor so they can check the prescription. If they check with your doctor and receive a verbal OK, the site complies with federal law. If the company does not check, then it has not obtained a valid prescription, though you may still get your lenses. Most Internet contact lens sites have links that address these issues. They also include toll-free numbers -- call if you have any concerns. Consumers are turning to the Internet to purchase contact lenses because they hope to save money by broadening their vendor choices. More sellers, though, means more risk. That's why it's important to carefully compare prices, taking into account shipping charges and how long it will take to receive your purchase. Some companies advertise free shipping and same-day shipping if your order is placed by a certain time. But other companies charge for shipping, and those prices can vary widely. Find out whether buying in volume can save you money, and check whether you can purchase direct from the manufacturer. And it is important to find out what your options are if you have problems after you receive your lenses. About
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