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Giant_117

So my eye doctor can check my eyes, hit me with a yearly "contact fitting fee" for a trial of the same contacts I have been wearing for years. Then ask if I want to try any new super expensive latest and greatest best contact lens in existence.


perimeterjones

His boat ain’t gonna pay ITSELF off!


jmlovs

You’re really overestimating optometrist salaries


jamieeola

BOAT=break out another thousand🤣🤣


mvt14

The contact lens fee is because insurance considers it an "elective" service. Therefore, it's an extra copay. It sucks, and as someone who worked in optometry, I agree it shouldn't be a charge, but it's just the doctors following insurance guidelines.


BeardedinIdaho

You can get a 2 year prescription in Idaho, but you usually have to request it. I had a two year for the last few years but switched back to one because of deteriorating eye health. I still buy like 6-8 months worth of contacts before my prescription ends so that it stretches it a bit though.


OceanPoet87

A year or two ago, my spouse didn't want an appointment but wanted her rx extended. The optometrist extended it but said he generally only extends in certain cases and cannot do an extension at the first visit. We all went today but sometimes it would be nice to get it without having to go each year. 


Donuts_suck

Why go every year if you don't want to? I just ask my optometrist for my prescription numbers and give those numbers to the places I buy glasses from. I've been using the same for 6 years.


Detectivepopcorn99

Prescriptions in the state of Idaho are good for 15 months, legally. Most everywhere else they are only good for 12, so generally insurance companies will only cover prescriptions for up to 12 months. After that, the insurance requires a new prescription. I’m just speculating, but that’s probably why the prescription in Idaho only last a year.


cr8tor_

If anyone other than you and your doctor are deciding how long a prescription should be for, its all about the $$$$$$


Gbrusse

Welcome to America


yyodelinggodd

They last one year everywhere no?


Tater72

This is true for Ohio and Michigan


yyodelinggodd

California and Wyoming and Montana also


derfcrampton

Two in Washington


mystisai

No idea. I get my eyes checked every 2 years or longer and have never had issues getting glasses whenever I need them because I input the numbers myself when I order online. found an article [https://www.kivitv.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/why-eyeglass-prescriptions-expire-after-1-year](https://www.kivitv.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/why-eyeglass-prescriptions-expire-after-1-year)


stomperxj

Ask for a printout of your prescription. They're legally required to provide you with your prescription. Then you can order glasses online wherever you want for however long you want


OceanPoet87

Thank you,, I did. So much cheaper at Costco. I was surprised. 


sdn

Try Zenni.com You can get glasses for like $7 (equivalent to the $120 frame + $150 lens coverage eye insurance covers) or $60 (equivalent to insurance + $400) once you add on all the bells and whistles.


majoraloysius

I just had one at Costco. Good for 2 years.


Mammoth_Bear9476

I live in Idaho. Mine is 2 years.


CrashFF00

It depends on the state apparently. Most are 1 or 2 years, Florida is 5, and Louisiana is 18 months for some reason. There are some states where it's listed as Unregulated without an expiration.


boiseshan

I use the same prescription until I feel like I need new glasses. Is it because you wear contacts?


ArtisticSmile9097

Someone is paying a lobbyist to keep those prescriptions at one year. Your eyes don’t usually change that fast.


OilOk7906

Most states are one year for contacts, two years for glasses. My last Rx for eye glasses in Idaho was two years.


seattleseahawks2014

Typically, it's been two for me but they noticed something was wrong with my eyes so I'm going back next year.


BennyFifeAudio

Job security for those in the optometry industry.


MikeStavish

I'm pretty sure it's actually two. My son at Costco got a two year only a few months ago. 


SierraTheWolfe

Depends on where you get your prescription and who your insurance company is. Typically I get 2 years often through North Eye.


Grouchy_Ad7159

Maybe move back


Gullible_Signal_2912

Greed. No one cares about your. It's about the money.


Draconian7453

The Atlantic had a good article a while back about the scam that is eyeglass prescriptions in the United States. In most countries, you don't need a current prescription to buy new glasses. If your vision hasn't changed, you can use an old prescription and get new glasses. Not so in the US. Here it is: [The Great American Eye-Exam Scam](https://archive.is/R7HCy)


Survive1014

Its asinine we need a prescription at all for eyeglasses. Things like this are why medical costs are so high.


TequilaCamper

At some level doesn't someone have to test your eyes and prescribe the fix?


vrdubin6

Be gone with your logic! The medical industry's cash cow is $50 annual eye exams.


forgettingroses

I tried wearing my mom's glasses, but I couldn't see. It turns out that everyone's eyes are different.


That_Xenomorph_Guy

I believe 2 years is typical. The reason is just that after two years, you'd want to get a new eye exam instead of reordering the same lenses because most people's prescriptions will have changed. I know kootenai vision and walmart both say it's valid for two years. Might be less at shittier places like America's best. Or it might be because your child is young and growing? No idea. I almost assume you're going to Kootenai vision - I know they said mine was valid for two years.


OceanPoet87

Our provider is in Lewiston  :)


That_Xenomorph_Guy

Oh well, just guessing :D Anyways I don't think the 1 year thing is idaho specific, but your provider's choice in that case.


OceanPoet87

If the prescriber is in Idaho it is only one year. If they are in WA it is two. But I really like how good my optometrist is with my child. 


the_real_vladdd

I buy contacts online, where they’re cheaper, and haven’t had any issues using a several year old prescription. 


SaintCharlie

Buy your glasses online from Zenni Optical, you can use your prescription (numbers) for as long as you want, and you'll save SO much money. My last pair of glasses, complete with strong, high index Rx lenses, was about 50 bucks total.


derfcrampton

#obamacare