America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses vs. Visionworks

When you need glasses or contacts, it can be challenging to find a provider that offers fast service and affordable pricing. Two providers that fit the bill are Visionworks and America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses; both companies are known for their reasonably priced glasses and contacts. Before you select a provider, it's helpful to do a side-by-side comparison of America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses vs. Visionworks.

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About America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses and Visionworks

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses and Visionworks have similar business models and service offerings. Both companies sell budget-friendly prescription eyeglasses, contacts and sunglasses. Each location has an on-site eye doctor, so you can get an exam, a prescription and glasses during the same visit. For convenience, both businesses offer online scheduling.

Online Shopping

If you already have a prescription for glasses or contacts, you can shop online at both providers. However, America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses doesn't accept insurance for online purchases. Instead, you'll need to keep the receipt and make a claim later.

Visionworks makes the process easier by accepting a variety of vision insurance plans for online shopping. You'll need to enter your information; the system will let you know if your plan qualifies. If so, Visionworks will bill the insurance company for you. If your plan isn't eligible for online shopping, you can file a claim separately.

Locations

Visionworks has more than 700 locations across the United States. You can find branches in Washington, D.C., and 41 states. America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses has 800 individual stores, but they're only available in Washington, D.C., and 31 states.

Customer Service

If you need help with your order, America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses offers both phone and email support. Visionworks offers both of these options, as well as an online chat system that's useful when you need faster assistance.

Eye Exams

Both Visionworks and America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses offer online scheduling and walk-in appointments for eye exams.

Delivery Times

At America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, your glasses will usually arrive in 7-10 business days. Visionworks aims to ship glasses in 10 days; shipping can take between 1-5 days.

Return Policy

Visionworks gives you 100 days to try out your new glasses. If you aren't happy with them, you can get a refund or replace the glasses with a pair of equal or lower value. Your glasses must not be broken or damaged to qualify.

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses has a shorter return window. As long as you have your receipt, you can return eyeglasses within 30 days.

What Is the Pricing Difference Between Visionworks and America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses?

As you compare America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses vs. Visionworks, pricing is a key consideration. Both companies offer free shipping and discount pricing on glasses and contacts. Keep an eye out for the retailers' frequent discount codes, holiday sales and buy one, get one free deals.

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses Pricing

Glasses at America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses usually range from $30 to $200. For contact lenses, you'll typically pay between $30 and $200. Eye exams are $50, but they're free any time you buy two pairs of glasses. Exams for contact lenses are $89. 

When you're on a budget, check out the ongoing deal that enables you to buy two pairs of glasses for $79.95. To get this price, you must choose from a specific set of frames. This offer can't be combined with insurance coverage.

You can also opt for mix and match pricing, which offers a discount any time you buy two pairs of glasses — even if one or more pairs aren't included in the $79.95 deal. If you purchase two frames that are typically priced at $199.95 each, for example, you'll pay $319.95. 

Visionworks Pricing

Visionworks has a narrower range of price options; glasses typically cost between $40 and $150. Most contact lenses fall between $35 and $175. Eye exam prices vary by location and extra services but usually start at $75. The company frequently offers deals that can help you save money; you'll usually get the biggest discount when buying two pairs.

Those who need financing for their Visionworks glasses can apply through CareCredit. If your purchase is at least $200, and you pay it off in 6 months, you won't be charged interest.

Do Visionworks and America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses Take Insurance?

Both Visionworks and America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses accept insurance. In fact, when you use your insurance, Visionworks will give you a 50% discount on a second pair of glasses. America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses offers a similar deal, with a 40% discount on the second pair.

Using Insurance at Visionworks

Visionworks accepts thousands of insurance plans, so you can typically use your existing coverage. This may include coverage from Medicare or Medicaid. Keep in mind that each location accepts different plans and providers; make sure to check the list before you book an appointment. Visionworks also accepts Flexible Spending Account funds for purchases of glasses, contacts and prescription sunglasses.

For select providers, Visionworks allows you to pay only the plan's out-of-pocket amount. This includes:

• VSP Vision Care
• Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision
• Davis Vision
• Avesis
• Cigna
• UnitedHealthcare
• Superior Vision
• MetLife

If your insurer isn't in the Visionworks network, you may still be able to get coverage. All you need to do is ask for an itemized statement you can use to file a claim.

Using Insurance at America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses also accepts a wide range of vision insurance plans. As with Visionworks, different branches have different rules. If your insurance is accepted, an associate will file the claim on your behalf for added convenience. The company also accepts funds from your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to cover your costs for glasses, contacts, eye exams and other products.

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses vs. Visionworks: Customer Reviews

Visionworks tends to get slightly better reviews than America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, but the difference is small.

When discussing Visionworks, customers often praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff members. Some people like the wide selection and quality frames; others appreciate how easy it is to get an appointment and how quickly the glasses arrive. If you're looking for a deal, a few customers recommend shopping during a Visionworks sale to improve the price-to-quality ratio.

Customers of America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses seem to be pleased with the company's reasonable prices, although a few note that the quality can be lacking — particularly on the lower-priced items. While staffing can vary by location, reviewers often mention friendly workers and helpful eye doctors. As with Visionworks, customers appreciate the speedy appointments and delivery times. Keep in mind that people with challenging prescriptions occasionally report problems with the resulting glasses.

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses vs. Visionworks: Which Is Best?

As you decide between America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses and Visionworks, consider the pricing, style options and accepted insurance plans. It's also important to look at locations; the best option may be the one closest to you.