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FAQ

Common Eyeglass Questions

Common Contact Lens Questions

How can you offer such great prices?

Twenty years ago we were the low-price leader in this competitive market, and we still are. Why? Because of our experienced, efficient operation and our centralized optical laboratory in Pennsauken, New Jersey -- right outside of Philadelphia.

For over ten years, we have owned and operated our own lab -- one of the highest-volume optical laboratories in the United States. This lab is outfitted with some of the best optical equipment in the world. Many of our expert laboratory team members have over ten years' experience at our lab, making eyeglasses the right way -- the Best way.

No matter where you are in the United States, right after you choose the frames you want from our wide selection, your eyeglass order is electronically transmitted to our laboratory for immediate processing. Your glasses can be in process by the time you've driven home, at the best optical lab in the country.

As far as frames are concerned -- remember, America's Best has over 100 high-volume retail stores throughout the US. That means we have to buy a lot - we mean a LOT - of eyeglass frames. Because of the tremendous volume of frames that we buy, we get unheard-of low prices from our frame vendors.

This streamlined, volume operation, as well as our lengthy experience in the retail optical business, allows us to operate in a friendly, responsive, efficient manner.

It's time that you found out how great we can make you see, and look -- at the lowest price in sight. Call 1-800-TWO-PAIR today and make an appointment.

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What kind of a selection do you have?

We have over 700 frames to choose from. That's right, over seven hundred. When we say "America's Best", we mean the best frame selection, too.

When you walk in to one of our stores, we want you to find the eyeglasses that are just right for you. The only way we can do that is to give you the very best selection.

But, what good is the perfect frame without the right lens material? We'll recommend state-of-the-art lenses that are best for you -- standard plastic, lightweight high-index plastic, TransitionsĀ® color-changing lenses, impact-resistant polycarbonate, glass, photogray extra, and more.

Make those glasses more durable and more valuable! Get a solid or gradient tint, scratch resistant coating, UV-block coating, antireflective coating, or polarized coating. Most coatings and tinting are available on most lens materials -- some coatings are "built in" to the lens -- and some coatings can't be put on some lens materials. The best bet is to stop in and talk to one of our friendly Opticians.

From our fashionable, low cost frames, all the way up to the finest designer eyewear, our selection means one-stop eyewear shopping for the whole family. Stop in to one of our stores, and see for yourself why we're America's Best.

Not all frames are carried in all stores. Marks are property of others.

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Do I have to get an eye exam first? What if I already have a prescription?

We make things easy for you at America's Best. Sure you can bring your own prescription; you don't need to see one of the independent Doctors of Optometry in order to get great-looking frames.

But remember, at America's Best locations, an exam for eyeglasses is just $39. So, why not get an eye exam, just to make sure that your vision hasn't changed? Call 1-800-TWO-PAIR to learn about special offers at your nearest location.

You can bring in your own frames and purchase new lenses. If you have a moderate to strong prescription and are wearing standard plastic lenses, you'll love the comfort of Polycarbonate or High Index Veriliteā„¢ Lenses - 30% thinner and lighter than ordinary plastic lenses. Do you work in bright surroundings? Let us put a tint or an antireflective coating on your lenses, for reduced eyestrain and squinting.

Call or stop in -- one of our Opticians will be happy to explain all the services we have to offer.

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What if my frames break? Do you offer any protection plans?

Your eyeglasses live the same life you do - they get baked in the summer, frozen in the winter, played with by the baby, run with the dog, dropped, scratched, sat on, stepped on, squeezed, jammed, folded, spindled, and mutilated every day of the week.

That doesn't mean you don't need to see clearly -- and we'll make sure you can. Our Breakage Protection Plan protects your frames and lenses for one year, for a small additional charge. With this plan, if your frames break during the year, or your lenses become excessively scratched, just bring them in, and we'll replace them one time.

So, don't worry about the dog, the cat, or any other household creatures that might--oops! not have seen your glasses. At America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, we'll be there to help you see your best.

Customer loss of frame and/or lenses is not covered by this plan.

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My kids are rough on eyeglasses. How can you help me save some money?

Not only will we save you money, but we'll make your kids happy with their glasses, and take an extra step to protect their eyes, too.

Our exclusive KidsGear package includes:

  • A wide selection of childrens' frames in the latest colors and styles
  • Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, for greater protection from lens breakage
  • Scratch Resistant Coating
  • UV Protection

So bring on the kids, and we'll fit them all with a great looking pair of durable eyewear, at the guaranteed lowest price.

For a nominal additional charge, you can add the KidsBreak Protection Plan. It covers both the frame and lenses for a period of up to one year from date of purchase. We will either repair or replace your frames and/or lenses one time if such repair or replacement results from accidental customer breakage, manufacturer's defects, or excessive lens scratches. If your identical frame is no longer available, you may choose another frame of equal value to replace it. Customer loss of frame and/or lenses is not covered under this plan.

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What is included in the 2 for $69.95 special?

Our advertised offer is 2 pairs for 69.95 which include Single Vision CR39 lenses, frames from our $49.95 price selection and a free eye exam. This does not include any additional features such as tint, anti-reflective coating, thin and light lenses, warranty, etc.

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Can the 2 for $69.95 offer be shared with another person?

The two for $69.95 offer is per person and cannot be shared with another individual. You can use two different prescriptions but it has to be for the same person.

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When will I get my glasses back?

We use a centralized lab to process your eyewear and to save you lots of money. Glasses are usually ready for pick up at the store in about 7 days. If you are a current customer and would like the status of your eyeglass order, please contact your local store.

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Do you have any specials on bifocals at this time?

Yes, lined plastic bifocal lenses (FT28) may be purchased for just $30 more when you get the 2 for $69.95 offer. Other bifocals are also available at discounted prices. Please call 1-800 two pair for specific pricing.

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What is your return policy for Eyeglasses?

We offer a 30-day return policy on eyeglasses when accompanied by a receipt.

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How can I find the closest location in my area?

Enter your 5 digit zip code into "Quick Store Locator" box and it will give you the closest location.

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Do you accept walk-ins or must I schedule an appointment?

We do accept walk-ins however; it's always best to schedule an appointment. Please click the link "Schedule Exam" to schedule an appointment online.

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What is a contact lens?

A contact lens is a very thin piece of sterile, specially formed material which is placed on the eye as a method of correcting vision. It actually contacts the eye, and so it's called a contact lens.

When the contact lens is placed on the eye, it changes the way that light is focused in your eye, and this change in focus corrects your vision.

The material which is used in the contact lens is carefully produced to allow as much oxygen as possible to get to the surface of your eye, as well as to be as comfortable and safe as possible.

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Should I get contact lenses?

Many people who currently wear glasses can wear contact lenses. When you come in for your appointment, one of the independent Doctors of Optometry can help you decide whether contact lenses are right for you.

Contact lenses have several advantages over eyeglasses. Here are some of them:

  • Contacts allow some people to see more clearly than with eyeglasses, because more of your field of vision is corrected.
  • Contacts are not visible to others, and do not interfere with your appearance.
  • Contacts can be more convenient than eyeglasses because they are always "on you".

However, contact lenses take more time and require more responsibility. For example:

  • Contact lenses do need to be carefully cleaned and maintained according to your Doctor's and lens manufacturer's instructions.
  • Contact lenses have a maximum wearing life, and need to be replaced regularly.

Still not sure? Try them out first!

At America's Best, we really want to help you make the "Best" decision about contact lenses. Call 1-800-TWO-PAIR and make an appointment to come in for your eye exam with an independent Doctor of Optometry. Each of our stores has a separate contact lens fitting room. After your eye exam, you can sit down in our fitting room, and a trained technician will bring in sealed "trial" contact lenses and help you try on the lens. "Trial" lenses are specifically made by contact lens manufacturers for this purpose. Here, you can decide if contact lenses are right for you.

At America's Best, we've helped millions of people find the contact lenses which were just right for them. We'll try our "Best" to do the same for you.

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What types of contact lenses are there?

There are two different ways of categorizing contact lenses. One is by wear type, and the other is by tint type. Most wear types come in most tint types, and vice versa. We carry hundreds of different contact lenses, so you'll find just what you want at America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses.

Wear Type Characteristics

Disposable
Disposable lenses are the most highly recommended lens at America's Best. This type of lens offers far more benefits than any other lens type. Disposable lenses are worn and discarded every one to two weeks. The lenses require less care than Daily Wear Soft, as they are replaced more often. Doctors believe frequent replacement reduces the risk of infection. Visual acuity also increases as new lenses are being placed in the eye more frequently. These lenses are usually prescribed to be worn daily and removed at night. Depending on the patient, the doctor may prescribe an extended wear schedule.

Daily Wear Soft
These lenses are worn on a daily basis and are removed nightly to be cleaned. One pair of Daily Wear lenses will last six months to one year, depending on the practitioner's prescribed wearing schedule. These lenses are handled more frequently, which can result in lost or torn lenses. Toric lenses are also available, for patients who need a correction for astigmatism.

Extended Wear Soft
These lenses are more oxygen permeable and can sometimes be worn longer than Daily Wear lenses. Some patients may be able to occasionally sleep in these lenses, but this is determined by the doctor only. The Optometrist will set standards for the patients as to how long they should be worn before being removed and cleaned. Since the lenses are handled less frequently, the risk of losing or tearing a lens is somewhat reduced. The lenses, however, are thinner than DWS, thus must be handled more gently.

Programmed Replacement Soft
These lenses are also called Frequent Replacement Lenses. They are worn on a daily basis and thrown away after one to three months of wear, as instructed by the Optometrist.

Gas Permeable
Gas permeable contact lenses are most often prescribed to patients with astigmatism. The lenses may, however, be prescribed for spherical patients. These lenses are made of a semi-rigid, silicon based plastic that allows oxygen to pass through the lens and into the cornea. The gas permeable contact lens is more difficult to adjust to due to the rigidity of the lens. It takes about three weeks of wear to become comfortable with the feel of the lens on the eye.

Tint Type Characteristics

Clear
Contact Lens is completely clear. Can be difficult to see when cleaning and placing in eyes, etc.

Visibility Tint, also called Handling Tint
Contact lens has a very light tint (usually blue), to make the lens easier to see when handling it, cleaning it, putting it in your eyes, etc. This tint is very light - it does not "tint" your vision and will not change the color of your eyes.

Enhancing Tint
Lens has a tint which enhances the color of a similarly colored eye. For example, if you have light blue eyes, a blue enhancing tint contact lens will make your eyes appear a darker and more intense blue. Your vision is not tinted - the central part of the lens that you see through (the pupil) is kept clear. If the lens is chosen well, it is usually difficult for others to notice that you are wearing an enhancing tint contact lens. An enhancing tint cannot change eye color to a different hue; for example, from brown eyes to blue. For that, you need an opaque lens.

Opaque
It's called an "opaque" tint, but of course the lens is not completely opaque. In an opaque tinted contact lens, the part of the lens which covers the colored area of your eye (the iris) is tinted with color so deeply that it blocks out, or opaques, the natural color of your eye. This type of lens can change, for example, brown eyes to blue. Your vision is not tinted - the central part of the lens that you see through (the pupil) is kept clear.

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What if I decide that contact lenses aren't right for me?

At America's Best, your vision and your satisfaction with us are our primary concerns. We want you to be happy with your experience with us.

We have twenty years' experience in successfully instructing patients on how to wear contact lenses. As with everything else, motivation is a key factor.

All people experience some difficulty upon their first "contact" with contact lenses. This is normal -- after all, you're putting something in your eye! Trained professionals will help you every step of the way with a number of easy insertion techniques. We can have you enjoying your new contacts the very same day, in most cases.

Its unlikely, but you might decide that contact lenses aren't right for you. If that happens, we'll return the cost of the lenses minus the exam fee. Or, we'll apply the money you spent toward a purchase of any pair of eyeglasses in our store. There are some restrictions to what you can return, so ask for details at the store.

Call or stop in to get more information, or to make an appointment. We'll be glad to help you.

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Can contact lenses hurt my eyes?

What's more important than your eyes? At America's Best, the health of your eyes is our number one priority. We will work closely with you to ensure your good eye health and vision.

You, too, have to remember how important your eyes are, and have to follow the wearing, cleaning, and replacement plan of your contact lenses carefully. Properly used and cared for contact lenses are safe for your eyes. Contact lenses are made of special materials which are very gentle to the surface of the eye.

Not following your maintenance plan, such as wearing your contact lenses for too long, not washing your hands before cleaning them, and/or cleaning them improperly can result in eye irritation or infection.

For more information about any concerns or questions you may have, give us a call to make an appointment with the independent Doctor of Optometry. They will take time to answer your questions so that you can decide if contact lenses are right for you.

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Can I purchase contacts with the 2 for $69.95 special?

The 2 for $69.95 offer is for eyeglasses, only. We do offer contact lenses at discounted prices and our doctors of optometry can perform a contact lens exam with fitting and follow-up for just $69. We also offer an Eye Care Club for $99. Should you choose to purchase the Club at the time of exam, your $69 exam charge will be included in the $99 fee plus you will be able to get 5 more exams over the next three years at no charge in addition to discounts on eyeglass and contact lens purchases. This is our best contact lens offer because it insures great pricing and total eye health care.

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Can I purchase contacts online?

Yes, you can visit our Web site at www.bestcontacts.com or call them at 800-355-7277 to place your order.

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How can I find the closest location in my area?

Enter your 5 digit zip code into "Quick Store Locator" box and it will give you the closest location.

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Do you accept walk-ins or must I schedule an appointment?

We do accept walk-ins however; it's always best to schedule an appointment. Please click the link "Schedule Exam" to schedule an appointment online.

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If you still have additional questions, please e-mail us. Or, you can write to us at:

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
296 Grayson Highway
Lawrenceville, GA 30045