About Target Optical
If you wear glasses, then you know how expensive and inconvenient it can be to buy new ones. I’ve worn glasses for years and have gone way too long without replacing them in the past because I’ve wanted to avoid the hassle.
In this article, I’m going to take a look at Target Optical. I’ve found it to be a convenient option for purchasing glasses online or at a Target store.
5 Things To Know Before Visiting Target Optical
Whether you need an eye exam, new glasses or contacts, Target Optical may be a retailer to consider. I found a huge selection of frame styles and colors on the Target Optical website as well as popular brands and competitive prices. RedCard holders can get a 5% discount on Target Optical products.
To see if there’s a Target Optical near you, visit the store’s location page and click on your state. If there isn’t a location nearby, you can visit Target Optical online to shop for contacts and glasses.
1. What’s Available at Target Optical?
Target Optical offers prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and contacts. If you don’t already have a prescription, Target Optical also offers eye exams and contact lens fittings through independent doctors of optometry.
The online store carries more than 400 eyeglass frames for men, women and children.
You’ll find styles from popular brands including Ray-Ban, Oakley, Armani Exchange, Vogue, Coach, Ralph Lauren and more. Target also offers its own designs for women (A New Day), men (Goodfellow & Co.) and kids (Cat & Jack).
Depending on your prescription and preferences, you may need a specific type of lens. Target Optical offers a variety of different lens materials for both single-vision and progressive prescriptions.
All of Target Optical’s single-vision lenses are offered in plastic (ComfortLight), premium polycarbonate (ComfortLight Active) and hi-index (ComfortLight Performance). IntelliBlue blue light & UV protection lenses are available for device-responsive eyeglasses, and transition lenses are available for light-responsive glasses in the same three materials.
Progressive lenses are offered with most of the lens material options in the company’s online catalog. No-line bifocals are available for $125 more than single-vision lenses, but I found that lined bifocal lenses aren’t currently available online.
For sunglasses, you can choose from SunVision, SunVision Active or SunVision Performance lenses. Active lenses are thin, lightweight, impact-resistant, scratch/glare-resistant and smudge-resistant. Performance lenses are also thin, lightweight, scratch/glare-resistant and offer high-definition clarity.
As far as contact lenses go, Target Optical carries most popular brands including Acuvue, Air Optix and Biofinity.
2. How Much Does a Target Eye Exam Cost?
If you have a Target Optical nearby and you need an up-to-date prescription for glasses or contacts, consider scheduling your eye exam there.
Still, you should call the nearest Target Optical center to get an exact price for the eye exam before scheduling. If you’re being fitted for contacts or renewing your contacts prescription, you could be looking at an additional fee.
While doctors in some states are employed by Target Optical, most eye exams are conducted by self-employed doctors who lease space in the store. And if you’re a RedCard holder, you can save 5% on Target Optical products but not services. You won’t get a discount on your eye exam or contact lens fitting with your RedCard.
You can book an exam online by entering your ZIP code. Once you take an eye exam at Target, you’ll receive a printout of your current prescription. You can then choose to buy your glasses from Target Optical or from another retailer.
3. How Much Do Glasses Cost at Target?
Frames vary in price based on the materials from which they’re made. Likewise, lens prices vary based on the features your prescription requires.
Target Optical offers frames starting just under $50, though you can find bigger price tags (up to $218) on high-end styles such as Calvin Klein and Coach. As of December 2021, there are more than 330 eyeglasses and sunglasses available for under $100.
In addition to frames, here’s how much you can expect to pay for lenses:
- Single vision clear lenses: $75-$150
- Single vision sun lenses: $100-$250
- Single vision Ray-Ban lenses: $210
- No-line bifocal clear lenses: $200-$275
- No-line bifocal sun lenses: $225-$375
- No-line bifocal Ray-Ban lenses: $310
All clear lenses can be upgraded to transitions for an additional $100. Target Optical also offers a one-year protection plan for $35.
If you take the time to comparison shop, you’ll find lower prices at online competitors like Zenni Optical and EyeBuyDirect. Target Optical’s prices are more comparable to Warby Parker for non-designer frames and single vision lenses. Frames at America’s Best are in the same price range, but you may find a better deal on lenses there.
Still, you’re likely to find a great price on a pair of glasses you love at Target Optical. The convenience of being able to try on potential frames in-person may also make the difference worth it.
Contacts begin as low as $28.45 per box at Target, but that price varies greatly depending on what brand you use. Be sure to check the prices at a few reliable online retailers to make sure you’re getting the best deal on contacts.
Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of your 5% discount on glasses or contact lenses if you’re a RedCard holder. Just keep in mind that this discount does not apply to eye exams or protection plans. Also, Target Optical purchases are not eligible for the RedCard extended return program.
4. What Insurance Does Target Optical Accept?
Target Optical lets you use your insurance benefits in-store and online for prescription glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and eye exams.
Target Optical accepts more than 50 different insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana and EyeMed. For a complete list of accepted insurance plans, visit Target Optical’s website. Note that while most insurance plans are accepted in-store and online, some are accepted only in-store.
To see if you have insurance benefits you can use at Target Optical, visit the website, click “Access your benefits” and fill out the short form. You just need to enter your name, date of birth and ZIP code. If the system is able to find you, you’ll see your eligibility status for vision benefits including contacts, frames, lenses and eye exams.
If you do have benefits available, you’ll just have to pay the out-of-pocket expense due when checking out. You can also use your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account on products and services.
5. How Long Does It Take To Get Glasses From Target Optical?
Target Optical offers free standard shipping on all glasses and contact lenses. If you choose this option, here’s how long you can expect to wait, once your prescription has been verified, before receiving your order:
- Prescription eyeglasses: 14 business days (7 for processing, 7 for shipping)
- Non-prescription sunglasses: 9 business days (2 for processing, 7 for shipping)
- Contact lenses: 7 business days (2 for processing, 5 for shipping)
If you need your order sooner, you can choose a faster shipping method for an additional fee. Keep in mind that the processing time can’t be accelerated. That means you’ll still have to wait at least eight business days for prescription glasses, three business days for non-prescription sunglasses and three days for contact lenses.
For more information on the shipping process and options, visit the company’s FAQ page.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I found Target Optical to be a great place to get an eye exam — online or in-store — and buy affordable prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. It’s especially an option to consider if you’re a frequent Target shopper and/or a RedCard holder.
For single vision frames and lenses, you can expect to pay as little as $125-$200. But I compared prices, and I was able to beat that price at other online retailers. It’s up to you to decide if the convenience is worth the difference in price.
To optimize your savings, be sure to see if you have any insurance benefits you can use, and pay with your RedCard to save 5% on products. Lastly, be sure to check out special offers on eyewear, contact lenses and more.
Before you get ready to place your order, make sure that you have a valid prescription nearby and know your pupillary distance.
Have you ever had an eye exam or bought glasses/contacts at Target Optical? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
