What to Know Before Scheduling an Eye Exam at America’s Best

America’s Best Eye Exams

America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses offers affordable eye exams for children and adults. America’s Best is part of National Vision and has more than 800 locations in the US.

An eye exam at America’s Best may take 2 hours from check-in to check-out. The process involves the following:

• Filling out the initial paperwork and providing your medical history
• Prescreening to give the doctor an idea of what to look for in the exam
• A comprehensive eye exam from an optometrist
• Choosing your eyewear (glasses, contact lenses, frames, etc.)
• Paying for the eye exam and protective eyewear

How Much Does an America’s Best Eye Exam Cost?

The cost of your eye exam will depend on whether or not you have insurance, the type of exam, and your specific treatment or prescription requirements. However, If you’re a member of America’s Best Eyecare Club, you can get free contact lens exams and prescription discounts.

Eye Exam Costs with Insurance

America’s Best accepts several national vision plans. This is in addition to regional vision insurance plans and FSA and HSA funds. Your insurance will cover most, if not your entire exam cost. Depending on your insurance company, you may have to pay a copay (between $10 and $40). 

Eye Exam Costs without Insurance

On average, expect to pay about $59 for a comprehensive eye exam or $99 for a contact lens exam without insurance. You may incur additional costs depending on your circumstance. America’s Best charges way below the national average of $194, based on the Vision Service Plan (VSP) estimates.² 

Take advantage of free eye exams if you purchase two glasses pairs for $79.95. The eye exam is free, even if you order more expensive frames or lenses. 

America’s Best Eyecare Club

Contact lens wearers should consider joining the Eyecare Club for a 3-year membership fee of $109.³ The benefits include the following:

• Free contact lens evaluations (up to two per year). 
• 10% off for replacement contact lenses, prescription eyeglasses, and accessories.
• 10% off all eyeglasses, including designer frames, in-store
• 10% off accessories in-store
• 10% off on all replacement contact lenses

Note: Your vision insurance plan will not cover the cost of the Eyecare Club membership.

America’s Best Eye Exams: What to Expect

Here’s what to expect once you choose America’s Best as your eye care provider:

Booking Your Appointment

You can schedule an eye exam at America’s Best online or by phone. To schedule by phone, call a location near you. Ask an America’s Best associate to schedule your appointment. 

You can use America’s Best store locator to find your local store’s phone number. Remember to verify your insurance benefits when you confirm your appointment. 

The online booking process will go as follows:

• Go to America’s Best Website (www.americasbest.com)
• Navigate to the appointment scheduling page. 
• Key in the zip code at the top of the page, then click the “Find My Store” button.
• Fill in your information (i.e., type of exam, insurance information, etc.) in the generated form
• Choose the day and time you want for the exam.

To cancel your eye exam, contact your appointment location. 

During the Exam

During the exam, your eye doctor will conduct a series of pre-tests to give the eye doctor an idea of what to look for in the exam. An optometrist will evaluate your eyes and determine an accurate prescription. A comprehensive exam may include the following:

• Visual acuity test (Snellen eye chart test)⁴
• Color vision assessment
• Eye pressure test
• Eye movement test
• Retinal scan 
• Depth perception test⁵
• Autorefraction to provide a base prescription

After the Exam

After your exam, you’ll select your eyewear, get additional features such as anti-reflective coating or transitions, and make payments. If you order eyeglasses, you’ll receive an estimated arrival date (usually 7 to 10 business days).

Comprehensive Eye Exam vs. Digital Eye Exam 

Traditional comprehensive eye exams and digital eye exams are valid ways to evaluate eye and vision health and get accurate prescriptions.¹ The only difference is the technology used and the efficiency in obtaining results and providing service. 

Digital eye exams use state-of-the-art virtual technology to provide precise prescription measurements and detect underlying eye disease. You’ll still have to visit a physical store, but an on-screen eye doctor conducts the exam remotely. This makes digital eye exams at America’s Best more efficient. 

Although the assessment process remains the same, digital eye exams at America’s Best offer more flexibility than traditional comprehensive exams.

Pros and Cons of America’s Best Eye Exams

Below are the benefits and drawbacks of America’s Best:

Pros of America’s Best

• Low-cost eyewear
• Free or low-cost eye exam
• Online and in-store options are available
• Numerous locations across the country
• Accepts most vision insurance plans, including HSAs and FSAs

Cons of America’s Best Eye Exams

• Hidden costs of products and services
• Complaints about poor quality products
• Issues with prescriptions
• Involved in lawsuits
• A low rating on Better Business Bureau® (1.36/5) 

What Are Customers Saying?

America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses has a 1.36-star rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) based on 222 customer reviews, with 437 complaints closed in the last 3 years.⁷ Their star rating is 2.55 on Sitejabber and 2.4 on Trustpilot. 

The low scores indicate that customers are generally dissatisfied. According to the online reviews, most customers complain of wrong prescriptions, lack of transparency in pricing, and poor customer service, including impolite employees.

A recent customer review on BBB says: “Constantly disappointed..from the contacts to the frames. Waiting a whole month for a pair of glasses is outrageous. The contacts are never the right size and extremely uncomfortable. They shift constantly, rip easily, and I still cannot see with them.”

Another mentioning customer service stated: “The staff at AB in Palm Coast, Fl has no clue what they are doing. They have continued to mess up my trial order of contacts. They did not call me when they came in several times. They lost a pair and had to reorder. Did not order them twice. I wish I had never gotten involved with AMERICA’S WORST eyeglass place!”

Despite the negative reviews, some love America’s Best, with customer service being a common mention across most positive reviews. According to one review on Sitejabber: 

“My husband and I both purchased glasses at the Huber Heights, Oh location. The representative was very helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. She didn’t try to push products on us but suggested what lenses would work best for our lifestyles. Will definitely return.”

Does America’s Best Offer Specialty Eye Exams?

There are no specialty eye exams offered at America’s Best. You may need to visit a facility or specialist for a specialty eye exam.

People with pre-existing health issues, such as diabetes, may need additional testing.⁶ If any signs of eye disease are detected, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist for further review.

America’s Best vs. Other Eye Exam Providers

The table below compares America’s Best to Warby Parker and Lenscrafters in terms of cost, unique offers, number of stores, and online presence.

Our Verdict on America’s Best Eye Exams

As the name suggests, America’s Best ranks among the top US optical chains. It’s a good choice if you want a budget-friendly eyewear retailer.

Their digital eye exams make scheduling and assessment more flexible and convenient for most customers. However, we recommend seeking specialized care elsewhere if you need more complicated procedures, like eye surgery, or have existing health conditions affecting your eyes.