Buying contact lenses in person requires a from an optometrist. Because contacts are medical devices, retailers cannot sell them over the counter without one. Where to Buy In-Store

: You must have a specific prescription for contact lenses , which is different from a glasses prescription. It includes details like base curve and diameter.

: Common prescriptions for standard daily or monthly lenses are often kept in stock at larger retailers. Specialized lenses, such as toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocals, usually need to be ordered and take a few business days to arrive.

You can typically find contact lenses at the following physical locations:

: If you are out of lenses and waiting for an order, many in-person clinics can provide a free "trial pair" to hold you over if they have your prescription on hand.

: Stores like Walmart Vision Centers and Target Optical provide a convenient way to shop for contacts while running other errands. Important Buying Tips