What America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses is and how to use it

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses is a retail chain that sells eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eye exams at physical store locations across the United States. You visit a store in person, have an eye exam performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist on staff, and then purchase frames and lenses or contact lenses from their inventory. The company operates hundreds of locations and offers promotions on frames and lens packages, but you pay out of pocket unless your vision insurance covers part of the cost.

The chain is owned by Essilor Luxottica, the same parent company behind LensCrafters and Pearle Vision. If you have used those retailers, the process at America's Best is similar: you schedule or walk in for an exam, receive a prescription, and buy eyewear the same day or pick it up later. America's Best does not process insurance claims directly at checkout in most cases, so you may need to submit a claim yourself or pay the full price upfront and seek reimbursement from your plan.

Key Takeaways

  • America's Best performs eye exams in-store and sells frames, lenses, and contacts at the same location, so you can complete your purchase on the day of your exam.
  • The chain frequently advertises promotions on frame-and-lens packages, but the final price depends on lens type, coatings, and your prescription strength.
  • If you have vision insurance, bring your insurance card and ask the store whether they accept your plan; not all plans are in-network at every location.
  • You will receive a written eyeglass prescription after your exam that you can take to any other retailer if you choose to shop elsewhere.
  • Contact lens exams are separate from eyeglass exams and cost extra; you will need a separate prescription for contacts even if you wear glasses.

How the in-store eye exam works

When you arrive for an exam, you will complete a health history form that asks about your vision problems, family eye disease history, medications, and any symptoms you have noticed. The optometrist or ophthalmologist will then perform tests to measure your vision, check eye pressure, examine the back of your eye, and assess how your eyes focus and work together. The exam typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on whether additional testing is needed.

At the end of the exam, the eye care provider will write you a prescription for eyeglasses. This prescription includes your lens power for each eye, your pupillary distance (the distance between your pupils), and any special instructions. By law, the provider must give you this prescription in writing whether or not you buy glasses from America's Best. You can take this prescription to any other eyeglass retailer, online or in-store, if you want to compare prices or shop elsewhere.

If you wear contact lenses or want to start wearing them, you will need a separate contact lens exam and prescription. This exam includes fitting the lens to your eye and testing different powers to make sure the lens sits correctly and provides clear vision. Contact lens exams cost more than eyeglass exams and are not always covered by vision insurance even if eyeglass exams are.

Frames, lenses, and pricing at America's Best

America's Best stocks frames in a range of prices and styles. The store displays frames by brand, price point, and style category. Once you choose frames, you select a lens type: single vision (for one distance), bifocals (for two distances), or progressive lenses (for multiple distances with no visible lines). You can also add coatings such as anti-reflective, blue light filtering, or scratch resistance, each of which increases the price.

The chain regularly advertises promotions such as "buy one pair, get one free" or discounts on frame-and-lens packages. These deals explore to specific frame collections and lens types, so the actual price you pay depends on which frames you choose and which add-ons you select. Thicker prescriptions, high-index lenses (which are thinner and lighter), and specialty coatings all cost more than basic options. Ask the store to show you the final price before you commit to a purchase.

If you need glasses quickly, many America's Best locations can make standard eyeglasses in a few hours or the same day. More complex prescriptions or specialty lenses may take several days. The store will tell you the timeline when you order.

Using vision insurance at America's Best

America's Best accepts many vision insurance plans, but not all locations are in-network with every plan. Bring your insurance card to your appointment and ask the store staff whether your plan is accepted. If your plan is in-network, the store may be able to process your benefits at checkout and reduce your out-of-pocket cost. If your plan is out-of-network, you will pay the full price and then submit a claim to your insurance company yourself for reimbursement.

Vision insurance typically covers the cost of an eye exam and provides a benefit toward frames and lenses, such as $150 toward a frame-and-lens package. The amount and what is covered varies by plan. Some plans cover contact lens exams and lenses; others do not. Check your plan documents or call your insurance company before your appointment to understand what you are covered for and whether America's Best is in-network.

If you do not have vision insurance, ask about America's Best's discount programs or membership plans, which some locations offer to reduce the cost of exams and eyewear. These are not insurance but rather discounted pricing for members.

What happens after you buy glasses or contacts

If your glasses are made in-store, you will pick them up when they are ready. If they are ordered, the store will contact you when they arrive. When you pick up your glasses, the optician will fit them to your face to make sure they sit correctly and that you can see clearly through the lenses. If adjustments are needed, the store will make them at no extra charge.

America's Best typically offers a warranty on frames and lenses for a set period, usually 30 days to one year depending on the frame price and your purchase. The warranty usually covers manufacturing defects and breakage, but not damage from dropping or sitting on the glasses. Ask about the specific warranty terms when you buy.

If you purchase contact lenses, the store will show you how to insert, remove, and care for them. You will receive a supply of lenses and solution, and the store can reorder lenses for you when you run out. Contact lens prescriptions typically expire after one year, so you will need a new exam before you can order more lenses.

Comparing America's Best to other eyeglass retailers

America's Best competes with other in-store chains like LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, and independent optometry offices. The main difference is price: America's Best is generally positioned as a lower-cost option with frequent promotions. LensCrafters and Pearle Vision often have higher base prices but similar promotional offers. Independent optometry offices may have different pricing and may offer more personalized service or specialized lens options.

Online eyeglass retailers such as Warby Parker, Zenni, and EyeBuyDirect typically have lower prices than in-store chains because they have lower overhead costs. However, you cannot have an eye exam online; you must get your prescription from an eye care provider first, whether at America's Best, another retailer, or an independent office. If you already have a current prescription, you can order glasses online and compare the cost to what America's Best would charge for the same frames and lenses.

If you need glasses urgently or want to try on frames in person before buying, an in-store retailer like America's Best is more convenient. If you have time to wait for shipping and want to minimize cost, an online retailer may be a better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my prescription from another eye doctor at America's Best?

Yes. Any eyeglass prescription from any eye care provider is valid at any eyeglass retailer. Bring your written prescription to America's Best and they will make your glasses using that prescription. The prescription is yours and does not belong to the doctor or the store where you had the exam.

What if my glasses do not feel right after I pick them up?

Return to the store and ask the optician to adjust them. Most stores will adjust frames and nose pads at no charge. If the lenses themselves are not correct—for example, if you cannot see clearly through them—tell the store when ready. Many retailers will remake the lenses at no charge if there is a manufacturing error, but you usually have a limited window (often 30 days) to report the problem.

Do I need a separate prescription for contact lenses?

Yes. A contact lens prescription is different from an eyeglass prescription because the lens sits directly on your eye instead of in front of it. You will need a separate contact lens exam and fitting, which costs more than an eyeglass exam. The contact lens prescription includes additional measurements and expires after one year.

What if I lose or break my glasses before the warranty expires?

Check your warranty paperwork to see what is covered. Most warranties cover manufacturing defects and sometimes accidental breakage, but the terms vary. If your glasses are damaged and the warranty does not cover it, you can buy a new pair. Ask the store about their return or exchange policy if you are unhappy with your purchase within a certain timeframe.

Can I order glasses online from America's Best?

America's Best does not currently offer online ordering for eyeglasses. You must visit a store in person for an exam and to purchase frames and lenses. However, you can call a store to ask about frame availability or pricing before you visit.