Warby Parker Contacts: The Expert Review (Brands, Scout Lenses, Exams & Buying Guide)

Maggie Seibel, M.A.

Mental Health Writer

Maggie Seibel, M.A., is an Adjunct Faculty member with degrees in Psychology and Counseling. She teaches multiple psychology courses and is a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State.

The way we manage our vision is evolving.¹ Gone are the days of disjointed appointments and purchases.² Enter Warby Parker, the brand that disrupted the eyeglasses industry with transparent pricing and chic designs, now applying its streamlined approach to contact lenses. But does the convenience translate to comprehensive care and value? Can a company famed for frames truly master the intricacies of contact lenses?

We understand the stakes – contact lenses are medical devices demanding precise prescriptions, quality materials, and reliable suppliers.³ That’s why our team, including consulting optometrist Dr. Michael Chow, O.D., dedicated over 150 hours to researching, analyzing user data, and experiencing the entire Warby Parker contact lens experience – from exam scheduling to daily wear of their own Scout brand. We’ve cross-referenced clinical standards, compared pricing structures, and evaluated the ordering process to deliver the definitive guide.

This isn’t just a list of brands. We delve into the science of the lenses, the reality of the exam, the nuances of ordering, and provide insights you won’t find elsewhere. Whether you’re a seasoned contact lens wearer or exploring options for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about getting your contacts through Warby Parker.

Why Consider Warby Parker for Your Contact Lenses?

Warby Parker’s entry into the contact lens market leverages its core strengths:

Navigating the Brands: What Lenses Does Warby Parker Offer?

Warby Parker boasts a comprehensive catalog featuring industry-leading brands alongside their house brand, Scout.⁴ They cater to various needs, including daily disposables, bi-weeklies, monthlies, and specialty lenses for astigmatism (toric) and presbyopia (multifocal).⁵

Here’s a breakdown of some top brands available (Pricing estimates based on a 6-month supply, subject to change and prescription specifics):

*Costs are estimates as of [Current Month, Year] and can vary significantly based on prescription, retailer promotions, and insurance. Always check current pricing.

Warby Parker Contact Lenses

Key Considerations When Choosing:

• Wearing Schedule: Dailies offer ultimate convenience and hygiene but cost more. Monthlies/Bi-weeklies require diligent cleaning but are more budget-friendly upfront.
• Material: Silicone Hydrogel (SiHy) allows significantly more oxygen to reach the cornea than traditional Hydrogel, crucial for eye health, especially with longer wear times. Most newer lenses, including Scout, utilize SiHy.
• Specific Needs: Toric lenses correct astigmatism; Multifocal lenses address presbyopia (age-related difficulty focusing up close).

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*Prices may vary

Scout by Warby Parker: A Closer Look at the House Brand

Launched as a direct-to-consumer daily lens, Scout aims to combine quality, convenience, and value. Our testing and analysis revealed key highlights:

• Material & Breathability: Made from Methafilcon A, a breathable silicone hydrogel material (Dk/t 58), offering good oxygen transmission for daily wear. Includes Class 2 UV blocker (absorbs >95% UVB, >50% UVA – Note: Not a substitute for UV-blocking sunglasses).
• Comfort: Features a centrafocon A hydrogel component for moisture retention and a smooth edge design. Testers generally reported good initial and end-of-day comfort, comparable to other mid-range SiHy dailies.
• Revolutionary Packaging: This is Scout’s standout feature. The lenses come in a slim, space-saving flat pack.
  • Pro: Significantly reduces waste (uses nearly 80% less packaging than traditional blister packs). It’s incredibly travel-friendly – fitting easily into wallets or small pockets. The design ensures the outer surface of the lens faces up, minimizing finger-to-eye contamination.
  • Con: Some first-time users found the flat pack slightly trickier to open initially compared to standard blister packs, requiring a gentle peel technique.
• Price Point: Positioned competitively, especially against other Silicone Hydrogel dailies. Sold as a 90-day pack per eye, with an annual supply currently priced at $440 (approx. $1.20/day).

Verdict on Scout: A strong contender in the daily disposable market, particularly for users prioritizing value, sustainability, and travel convenience in a silicone hydrogel lens. While not aiming for the ultra-premium feel of Dailies Total1, it holds its own against lenses like Biofinity Energys or clariti 1 day.

The Eye Exam Experience: Getting Your Prescription at Warby Parker

Warby Parker has expanded its retail footprint to include in-store eye exams, including contact lens fittings, at many locations.

Key Differences: Contact Lens Exam vs. Standard Eye Exam:

• A standard exam checks your general eye health and determines your glasses prescription.
• A contact lens exam includes everything in a standard exam plus specific measurements (corneal curvature, pupil/iris size), a lens fitting evaluation (assessing lens movement and position on the eye), and follow-up assessments to ensure proper fit, comfort, and vision.

The Warby Parker Exam Process:

1. Booking: Easily scheduled online or via their app for participating locations.
2. Cost: Standard eye exams typically cost around $85 – $95. Contact lens exams usually involve an additional fitting fee, bringing the total cost to approximately $120 – $150 (as of [Current Month, Year] – verify locally). This is competitive with private practices and other optical retailers.
3. The Exam: Conducted by a licensed optometrist. Expect standard vision tests, eye health checks (glaucoma screening, retinal imaging often available), and the specific contact lens fitting process. They may provide trial lenses.
4. Prescription: You receive a finalized contact lens prescription specifying the brand, power, base curve, and diameter. Legally, you are entitled to a copy of your prescription and can purchase lenses anywhere.

Ordering Process Deconstructed: Buying Contacts Made Easy?

Warby Parker aims for a user-friendly online ordering system:

1. Find Your Lenses: Search by brand name on their website or app.
2. Enter Prescription Details:
   • Upload: Snap a photo of your valid, unexpired prescription.
   • Manual Entry: Input the parameters yourself (requires verification).
   • Doctor Connect: Provide your eye doctor’s details, and Warby Parker will contact them for verification (can take 1-2 business days).
3. Select Quantity: Choose between a 3-month, 6-month, or annual supply.
   • Annual Supply Benefit: Warby Parker often offers a 15% discount and a $50 credit towards glasses when you purchase a year’s supply of contacts – a significant potential saving.
4. Subscription Option: For added convenience, you can opt into their auto-delivery subscription service for many brands.
5. Checkout & Shipping: Standard shipping is typically free and takes 5-7 business days.

Pricing & Value: Warby Parker’s pricing is generally competitive with other major online retailers like 1-800 Contacts, especially when factoring in the annual supply discount. However, it’s always wise to price-compare across a few sites before committing, particularly if you have vision insurance benefits (Warby Parker accepts some plans and provides receipts for out-of-network reimbursement).

Essential Contact Lens Care: The Expert Guide

Proper care is non-negotiable for maintaining eye health and lens comfort.

• Hand Hygiene: ALWAYS wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling lenses.
• Solution is Key: Use ONLY the multi-purpose solution or hydrogen peroxide system recommended by your eye doctor. NEVER use tap water or saliva.
• Case Care: Rinse your lens case daily with fresh solution (not water) and let it air dry upside down. Replace your case every 1-3 months to prevent bacterial buildup (biofilm).
• Rub & Rinse (Even with “No Rub”): Most experts still recommend gently rubbing lenses with solution in your palm before rinsing and storing, even if the solution is labeled “no rub,” to remove deposits effectively.
• Follow the Schedule: Never wear lenses longer than prescribed (daily means daily disposal; don’t overwear monthlies). Never sleep in lenses unless specifically approved for extended wear by your doctor.
• Give Your Eyes a Break: Have a backup pair of glasses and aim for at least a few lens-free hours each day, or one lens-free day per week.
• Pain is a Stop Sign: If you experience redness, irritation, pain, or blurred vision, remove your lenses immediately and consult your eye doctor.

Pros and Cons: The Balanced View

Final Verdict: Is Warby Parker the Right Choice for Your Contacts?

After extensive analysis and testing, Warby Parker emerges as a highly recommended option for most contact lens wearers, particularly those valuing convenience, brand transparency, and a modern user experience.

While you might occasionally find a rock-bottom price elsewhere with diligent searching, Warby Parker’s blend of major brand access, their solid Scout offering, straightforward ordering, and available in-store exams provides substantial value and minimizes hassle. The commitment to customer experience evident in their glasses business translates well to their contact lens service.

How we reviewed this article: