Frequently Asked Questions
Top FAQs
- Why wasn't the item I ordered covered by my insurance?
The item is an exclusion of your vision plan. Please refer to your Certificate of Coverage for additional information.
- How do I know if my lenses are backordered?
We will advise you before processing your order if delays are likely due to manufacturer back-orders, etc.
- How do I create an account?
Enter your information and create a password on the Create Account link on the Sign In page.
- Do I have to sign in?
Yes, to place an order you need to sign in to your account.
- How do I track my order?
Sign in to your account, click 'Track Orders,' then click 'Order Details' for tracking information.
- Can I print a receipt of my order?
Once you place your order, you will have the option to print your receipt.
- How soon will I receive my order?
For standard shipping, sunglasses and accessories are received within 5-7 business days from the date of order. For contact lenses, 5-7 business days (depending on the prescription verification process). Expedited shipping is available. Please see the "Shipping Info" link on our website for more information.
- What should I do if I make a mistake or need to make a change to my order?
Please contact our Customer Service Team with any changes or questions you have regarding your order.
- What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. We also accept checks and money orders, but we cannot ship your order until after we have received your check and it has cleared your bank.
- When is my credit card charged?
When you place your order, an authorization hold is placed on your credit card to cover the balance. We only bill your credit card once your order ships from our facility and is on its way to you.
- Is it safe to use my credit card on this website?
Absolutely. You will see a padlock next to the URL that notifies you that the site is using a trusted SSL digital certificate to keep your information protected.
- Where should I ship my order?
It’s up to you! Your order can be sent to your residence or to your office.
- Do you offer APO/FPO/DPO shipping?
We are passionate about the US military receiving the lowest prices on optical products with quick, low cost shipping around the world. We do not apply any additional surcharges, hidden fees, or other miscellaneous shipping costs to APO/FPO/DPO addresses. Standard delivery fee is $6.95. Please see the "Shipping Info" link on our website for more
- Do you accept vision insurance?
We currently accept MESVision, Blue Shield of California, and Gerber Life Vision insurance plans. In addition, many Self-Funded Groups have access to MESVisionOptics to give their employees a low cost way to purchase their contact lenses.
- How do I apply my benefits at MESVisionOptics?
It’s easy! After you sign in, you can view your benefits available. At checkout, you can apply your available benefits towards the purchase of your prescription contact lenses. Any overage will be your responsibility.
- I am using my available benefits. Why do you need my credit card?
We require a credit card in the event that your benefits do not cover the entire cost of your purchase.
- I don’t have vision insurance, can I purchase a plan through you?
Our partner, MESVision, offers group vision plans throughout the country through a variety of sources. Please have your employer contact MESVision at 1.800.877.6372 to learn more or have them visit our website at MESVision.com.
- Can I use my glasses prescription to purchase contact lenses?
An eyeglass prescription is not a contact lens prescription, and cannot be used to order contact lenses and vice versa. Each prescription contains information that is specific to the type of correction. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye whereas glasses are worn on the bridge of the nose. The distance between these two spaces dramatically changes the level of correction for each type. Also, not everyone who needs eyeglasses can wear contact lenses.
- Can you recommend a doctor if I don’t have a current prescription?
MESVision partners with a large network of providers nationwide. Please visit MESVision.com and use our Find A Provider tool to find a doctor near you.
- What is the difference between a routine eye exam and a contact lens exam?
Routine eye exams are an important preventative measure for maintaining your overall health and wellness. During an eye exam, an eye doctor will look for vision problems including signs of serious medical conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, hypertension, etc. During a contact lens exam (fitting), an eye doctor will perform special tests to evaluate your vision with contacts. In addition, the surface of your eye will be measured to determine what size and type of contacts are best for you. A specific contact lens prescription will be written once the eye doctor determines which type of lens is best. The prescription is different than the glasses prescription you may have received during your visit or in past visits.
- Do I need a prescription from my eye doctor to buy contacts from MESVision
In a word, yes. We can contact your eye doctor to verify your prescription or you can email or fax a copy. Whatever's easier. But, keep in mind that a physical copy of the prescription speeds up processing.
- Will you verify my prescription with my eye doctor?
If you don't provide a physical copy of the prescription via email or fax, we will verify the prescription with your eye doctor.
- Are your contact lenses the real deal?
Yes, every last one of our contact lenses comes directly from the manufacturer and are 100 percent authentic.
- I don't understand how to enter my prescription on the website. Is there another way?
Our Customer Service Team is ready and waiting to help you through it.
- I don't see my lenses. Do you carry them?
If you don't see your lenses, call our Customer Service Team to help you out.
- Do I have to buy the brand of contact lenses the doctor prescribed to me?
Yes, by law-and for your safety-you can only purchase the brand of lens your eye doctor prescribed using a valid prescription. Some lenses do have a generic alternative, however, and you can contact our Customer Service Team for more information.
- My prescription expired, but my vision hasn't changed. Do I need a new prescription?
While it might not seem like your vision has changed, it's important to check your prescription and evaluate the health of your eyes; the wrong contacts could cause damage without showing any visible symptoms.
- My prescription recently expired. Can I still use it?
Unfortunately, no. We only accept valid prescriptions.
- Can I wear soft contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes, you can wear a special type of soft contact lens called a toric lens which will correct your astigmatism.
- Can I wear soft contact lenses if I need bifocals?
Yes, there are a number of contact lenses designed for people who need bifocal (multifocal) correction.
- If my 2 week disposable lenses are still comfortable and in good condition beyond 2 weeks, can I continue to wear the same pair?
In order to maintain optimal eye health and comfort, it is important to adhere to the wearing schedule prescribed by your doctor. The main advantage of wearing disposable lenses is that you are putting a fresh new pair of lenses in your eyes every 2 weeks. Also, the convenient cleaning regimen of a disposable lens is only adequate for a 2 week wearing schedule.
- If I only wear my 2 week disposable contacts part time, do I still have to replace them every 2 weeks?
No, the 2 weeks refers to the actual amount of wearing time so they can last longer than 2 weeks if you are not wearing them full time.
- Your website lists my lens as 2 week disposable, but my doctor says I can wear them for 4 weeks. Which is correct?
The lens wearing schedules on our website are provided by contact lens manufacturers. However, doctors may decide on a different wearing schedule (shorter or longer) for an individual patient based on wearing habits, lifestyle, cleaning methods etc. You should always follow the wearing schedule prescribed by your doctor.
- What's the difference between rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses and soft lenses?
RGP lenses are smaller and made out of a harder, less pliable material than soft lenses which makes them less comfortable initially. RGPs correct some astigmatism whereas soft spherical lenses do not.
- Can I swim with my contact lenses?
It is best if you don't because there are bacteria in the water that can adhere to your lenses and cause infections. If you do swim in your lenses, you should wear goggles over them and you should disinfect them immediately afterwards.
- Why is it necessary for contact lens wearers to have regular eye exams even if their prescription hasn’t changed?
Regular eye exams are important not only to check your prescription but also to evaluate the health of your eyes. This is especially important for contact lens wearers because the contacts could be causing damage to your eyes without necessarily causing any obvious symptoms.
- I wear contact lenses and in order for me to read, I have to wear reading glasses over them. Are there any other alternatives whereby I don't have to wear glasses at all?
Yes, the most common option is called monovision where one eye is corrected for viewing distant objects and the other eye is corrected for reading and close work. Monovision is a good solution for some people, but not everybody can successfully adapt to the arrangement. Another alternative is multifocal contact lenses which are available in both rigid gas permeable or soft lens designs.
- Do colored contact lenses work on dark eyes?
Yes, they are called opaque colored contacts. Year-long (daily wear and extended wear) options are available in many different colors and shades.
- How long does it take for my lenses to arrive?
98% of all US orders arrive within the 7-10 day delivery time stated on our website. However, the vast majority of orders that are shipped from stock will arrive significantly sooner.
- I want to purchase eyeglasses through MESVision, but this prescription stuff is confusing. Is there an easier way?
Absolutely! You can always leave the prescription fields blank when ordering, and then either send us a copy of your prescription, or give us your eye doctor's contact information and we will collect your prescription information directly; ensuring that your prescription is correct while you remain free of worry!
- My prescription doesn't have an expiration date. Can I still use it?
We can only fill orders for unexpired prescriptions. If your prescription does not have an expiration date, then the expiration date is either 1 or 2 years from your exam date, depending on your doctor's preference. We will verify your prescription with your doctor and notify you if the prescription is expired.
- What are UV Rays?
Ultraviolet rays are rays located beyond the visible spectrum. UV rays are categorized into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
- UVA: Most common throughout the year. These rays pass through glass so the can be harmful both indoors and outdoors.
- UVB: The most dangerous type of UV rays and the primary cause of skin burn and retina harm. Rays do not pass through glass.
- UVC: Blocked by the Earth's Ozone layer and do not reach the Earth's surface.
- What is Presbyopia?
It is a condition that progresses with age where the eyes diminish in the ability to focus on near objects.
- Is it safe to use any eye drops when wearing contacts?
No. Only eye drops specifically designed for contact lenses should be used.
- What are computer glasses?
For those who spend a significant amount of time on a computer, blue light lenses are very helpful. Special anti-reflective lenses reduce glare from a bright screen to help reduce eye strain and headaches.
- Do I need to replace my contact lens case?
Yes. Bacteria and enzymes collect in your contact lens case over time. It is highly recommended you replace your contact lens case with every contact replacement. Replace your case at least every month if you have extended wear contacts.
- MESVision Return Policy
MESVision has one of the most customer friendly return policies in the online optical industry. If for any reason, you are unsatisfied with your order MESVision offers free return shipping so you never have to worry about receiving the wrong size, color, product defects, or even if you're just unsatisfied with the product purchased.
- How can you offer such low prices on contact lenses?
We can offer low pricing because of our large purchasing power. We are able to negotiate the best possible pricing from contact lens manufacturers and distributors. We simply pass those savings along to our customers.
- How much does it cost to ship my order?
For orders over $50.00, it’s free! For orders less than $50.00, it is $6.95 for standard shipping. Should you require expedited shipping, the cost is $11.95. Check out our shipping information page for more information.
- Why is my pupillary distance (PD) measurement needed?
Pupillary distance is an important measurement used to determine the proper lens shape and alignment of your prescription correction to your line of vision. Without an accurate PD measurement, correcting vision can be difficult since lenses need to be aligned over the center of your pupil for proper clarity.
- What if my pupillary distance (PD) measurement isn't on my prescription?
PD is typically measured by your eye doctor during your eye exam. If your eyecare provider does not measure your PD during your eye exam, or if the PD is missing from your prescription, you can request a PD measurement. Some eyecare providers may charge an extra fee for a PD measurement, but many will include it as part of the eye exam. If your prescription does not have your PD measurement on it then you can measure your PD yourself by reading our "Measuring Pupillary Distance (PD)" page and printing out a ruler.
- How do I measure my own pupillary distance (PD)?
Follow the instructions on our "Measuring Pupillary Distance (PD)" page to measure your own PD at home.
- What is pupillary distance (PD)?
Pupillary distance (PD) is the measurement (in millimeters) of the distance between the centers of the pupils of your eyes.
- How do I read my eyeglass prescription?
While you don't need to completely understand how to read your eyeglass prescription to place an order, you'll need to know the basics in order to select and order the right lenses for your eyes. If you don't have a copy of your prescription, or are not sure how to read it, rest assured that as long as you have your doctor's information we can contact your doctor directly in order to obtain your correct prescription.
- What are the best eyeglass lenses for my prescription?
Choosing lenses for your new glasses has a lot to do with preference, but some lens materials and treatments are better for certain lifestyles and prescriptions. You can read over the lens options to find the best fit for you.