America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses: Affordable Eye Care, Exams, and Eyewear at 1,000+ US Locations

America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses is one of the largest discount optical retailers in the United States, offering comprehensive eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses at budget-friendly prices. With more than 1,000 locations nationwide and a signature two-pair deal that includes a free eye exam, the chain has become a go-to destination for patients seeking quality eye care without high out-of-pocket costs.

Overview of America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses

America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses is a national optical retail chain operating under National Vision, Inc., providing eye exams performed by independent doctors of optometry alongside a broad selection of frames, lenses, and contact lenses at competitive prices.

Founded in July 1978 by Bill Grody in Chicago, the company launched shortly after federal deregulation permitted price advertising for eyewear and eye care services. The first location opened on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, and the brand expanded steadily over the following decades. By 1997, the chain had grown to 100 stores across 25 states. National Vision acquired the brand in 2005, accelerating its national footprint. As of 2024, America’s Best operates over 1,000 retail locations, making it the largest buyer of designer overstock eyeglass frames in the United States.

Eye Exam Services

America’s Best provides comprehensive eye exams for children and adults performed by independent optometrists, with appointments available online or by phone at any of its 1,000+ locations.

A standard visit at America’s Best typically takes up to two hours from check-in to check-out. The process begins with paperwork and medical history collection, followed by prescreening to give the doctor preliminary data. An independent doctor of optometry then conducts a comprehensive eye exam, after which patients select their eyewear. According to the American Optometric Association, routine eye exams detect not only refractive errors but also early signs of conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, making regular exams a key component of preventive health care.

America’s Best also offers specialty contact lens exams. These assessments evaluate corneal health, fit, and prescription accuracy for soft, toric, and multifocal lenses. A contact lens exam costs more than a standard comprehensive exam when purchased separately, though membership in the Eyecare Club covers both types of exams.

Eyeglasses and Frames Selection

America’s Best stocks a wide range of prescription eyeglass frames from budget-friendly house brands to designer labels including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Michael Kors, Nike, and Adidas, with frame prices starting at $79.95.

The chain’s flagship offer allows patients to purchase two pairs of glasses with a free eye exam included. In-store, this starts at $95 for single-vision lenses in CR39 plastic using frames from the $79.95 selection. Patients who choose more expensive frames or premium lens add-ons retain the free exam benefit. Lens upgrade options include anti-reflective NeverGlare coatings, Verithin high-index lenses, and tinted lenses for light sensitivity.

The retailer also carries prescription sunglasses and an extensive virtual try-on tool at americasbest.com, allowing shoppers to preview frames on their own face before visiting a store. For children, durable kids’ frames are available at most locations, and associates can advise on lens materials suited to active lifestyles.

Contact Lenses

America’s Best carries a broad selection of daily, biweekly, and monthly contact lenses for standard, toric, and multifocal prescriptions, available both in-store and online.

Patients can order replacement contact lenses directly through the America’s Best website once a current prescription is on file. The chain stocks major brands covering a range of prescriptions and lifestyle needs. Contact lens prices typically range from $30 to $200 depending on brand and modality. Patients who order online receive their contacts shipped directly to their home.

America’s Best does not accept vision insurance for online contact lens purchases. Patients using insurance benefits for contacts must visit a store location. However, the Eyecare Club membership offers a 10% discount on all replacement contact lens orders, partially offsetting this limitation.

Eyecare Club Membership

The America’s Best Eyecare Club is a three-year membership program priced at $129 that provides free contact lens and glasses exams, plus ongoing discounts on eyewear and accessories.

Eyecare Club members receive up to two free contact lens exams per year throughout the three-year membership period. Additional benefits include a 10% discount on all replacement contact lenses, prescription eyeglasses, accessories, and in-store frame purchases. The membership fee cannot be covered by vision insurance plans, but for regular contact lens wearers who require annual exams, the membership often delivers cost savings over paying out of pocket for each exam.

• Free contact lens evaluations (up to 2 per year for 3 years)
• 10% off replacement contact lenses
• 10% off prescription eyeglasses and accessories
• 10% off sunglasses in-store
• Membership cost: $129 for three years

Insurance and Payment Options

America’s Best accepts major national vision insurance plans in-store, including EyeMed, Spectera, Superior Vision, and Davis Vision, along with FSA and HSA funds for both in-store and online purchases.

Insurance is not required at any America’s Best location. Patients without coverage can still access competitive pricing through the two-pair promotional offers. However, insurance benefits cannot be combined with promotional pricing, including the two-pair deals. Associates at each location can help patients determine whether using insurance or taking the promotional offer provides better value based on their specific prescription and frame choices. According to Vision Service Plan (VSP), America’s Best exam prices typically fall well below national averages for out-of-pocket eye care costs.

FSA and HSA cards are accepted both in-store and online. Patients using FSA or HSA funds for eyewear or exams receive the same products and services without any restrictions beyond those set by their specific plan administrator.

Locations and Hours

America’s Best operates more than 1,000 stores across the United States, with most locations open Monday through Friday from 9am to 7pm and Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and closed on Sundays.

Locations are concentrated in retail plazas, strip malls, and shopping centers in urban and suburban markets. Patients can use the store locator at americasbest.com to find the nearest location, check real-time appointment availability, and confirm accepted insurance plans for that specific store. Hours can vary by location, and some stores operate extended Saturday hours as of 2025 with opening at 8:30am.

America’s Best also offers online shopping for frames and contact lenses with free shipping available on all orders. Patients with an existing prescription can complete a full purchase online without visiting a store. For eye exams, patients must schedule an in-store appointment, as no telehealth exam option is currently available.

Patient Experience and Reviews

Patient reviews of America’s Best highlight staff friendliness and pricing as consistent strengths, while some patients report variability in service quality across different locations.

Positive reviews frequently mention warm, knowledgeable associates, efficient appointment flow, and satisfaction with final eyewear. According to ConsumerAffairs, patients at locations such as Hinesville, Georgia and North Wales, Pennsylvania report professional exams, clean facilities, and attentive staff as standout experiences. Areas of mixed feedback include wait times for custom lens orders and inconsistent customer service standards across the chain’s large network of stores. Patients with complex prescriptions are advised to confirm specialty lens availability before booking an appointment at their local store.

For existing patients seeking a trusted facility profile on drginasam.net, see our coverage of Alton Memorial Hospital for a comparison of facility-based healthcare services and patient experience considerations in acute care settings.

Why Patients Choose America’s Best

America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses serves patients who prioritize affordability, convenience, and same-visit access to both an eye exam and eyewear without compromising on quality.

The two-pair bundled pricing model eliminates the cost barrier many patients face with standalone exam fees at private optometry practices. The chain’s national footprint means most patients can find a nearby store, and online scheduling reduces friction for first-time visitors. For families needing multiple prescriptions updated in one trip, America’s Best associates are trained to manage multi-patient appointments efficiently. The Eyecare Club adds long-term value for contact lens wearers who need regular prescription updates.

Ready to book an eye exam or explore frame options? Use the store locator at americasbest.com to find a location near you and check available appointment times.