Article updated on September 28, 2024 at 8:00 AM PDT
Written by
Jessica Rendall
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Reviews ethics statement
Jessica Rendall Wellness Reporter
Jessica is a writer on the Wellness team with a focus on health technology, eye care, nutrition and finding new approaches to chronic health problems. When she's not reporting on health facts, she makes things up in screenplays and short fiction.
Expertise Public health, new wellness technology and health hacks that don't cost money Credentials
- Added coconut oil to cheap coffee before keto made it cool.
Best for iPhone users renewing a glasses or contacts prescription
Warby Parker
View details
If you’re reading this right now and are looking for a vision prescription renewal, chances are good you’re a member of the poor eyesight club. We’ll save you the speech about the importance of seeing an eye doctor annually, but getting a regular comprehensive eye exam is important for the preservation of your sight, as well as your overall health.
But because vision prescriptions expire after one or two years, and life gets in the way of itself, vetting your eyesight through a quick and affordable online eye exam is a good option for many people -- especially those buying new frames who need to fill in the medical details for an online retailer. However, online eye tests still have significant limitations. If you're no longer happy with your current glasses or contacts prescription, you’ll likely need to see an eye doctor in person if your prescription has changed.
Older adults, children or people with eye conditions other than nearsightedness or farsightedness also aren't candidates for renewing online.
CVS has an online contacts renewal program called QuickRenew. To use it, you'll need to be an adult between the ages of 18 and 64 and live in a state where the service is available. (See the map of eligible states under the frequently asked questions section titled "Is QuickRenew available in my state?" You'll also need to go through a health screening.
To begin the test, you'll need at least 10 feet of space and a credit card or license to help with the test. You'll also need a prescription handy, even if it's expired. The test costs $20.
Photo Gallery 1/1
Warby Parker is one of the best places to buy glasses and now they’re doing contacts, too. It turns out that getting your contacts or glasses prescription refreshed is simple and affordable at $15 through the company’s Virtual Vision Test. It’s available in about half the US states and is available to adults up to age 65.
To use it, you’ll need to download the Virtual Vision Test app, which is only available on iPhone 6s and up, according to Warby Parker. You’ll go through a screening to make sure you’re eligible for an online test and that your needs can be met. Warby Parker says a good candidate for its services as one who can “see well” with their existing glasses or expired prescription, so you may not be able to use this service if your vision has changed since your prior prescription. If the provider reviewing your results says you're not a good fit, you won't be charged.
Similar to other online vision tests, you'll need about 10 feet of space in a well-lit area to conduct the test. You'll also need a copy of your current prescription and either your glasses or contacts.
We didn't test any of these services. Instead, we looked for prescription renewal services that were affordable and done through reputable brands or companies. Outside of renewing an existing prescription that's expired, online optometry services are limited. We'll update this article if more thorough exam parameters are added by trusted companies.
Show more
Whether your vision has changed: If you're unhappy with your current contacts or glasses prescription, you're not a good candidate for an online prescription renewal service.
Your age and other eye conditions: Online prescription renewals tend to restrict their services based on age. This is likely because older adults and children have different, and often more complicated, vision care needs. For example, developing conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration become more likely as we age, so it's important older adults get comprehensive exams. Children's eyes can also change rapidly.
What type of prescription you’re renewing: Some services are just for contacts, some are for glasses and others cover both.
Show more
It should take only a couple of days to complete your vision test online and have your prescription validated by an eye care provider.
Online eye exams are generally for people whose contacts or glasses prescription have expired but don’t think their vision needs have changed.
If you have other eye health concerns, such as pain or other visual system symptoms, you should make an in-person appointment with your eye doctor or seek care more urgently if you feel your vision or health is at risk.
Adults should get an eye exam at least every two years, and people who need vision correction should get one annually.
If you have pain or other symptoms not associated with your “regular” eyesight problems, see a doctor as soon as possible.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.