How Much Is an Eye Exam at America's Best?

A standard eye exam at America's Best typically costs around $50 to $75, though the price can drop significantly when bundled with their popular two-pair glasses deal. That makes it one of the more affordable options for routine vision care in Phoenix, AZ.

But cost is only part of the picture. Understanding what that exam includes, whether your insurance applies, and when you might need a more comprehensive evaluation can save you money and protect your long-term eye health. This guide breaks down America's Best eye exam pricing, compares it to other providers, and helps you decide what level of care is right for you or your family.

What Does an Eye Exam at America's Best Cost?

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses positions itself as a budget-friendly option for vision care. Pricing can vary slightly by location, but their fee structure in the Phoenix metro area follows a consistent national model.

Standard Eye Exam Pricing

A standalone comprehensive eye exam at America's Best generally costs between $50 and $75. This is the base price for patients who are not purchasing glasses or contacts at the time of their visit. The exam is performed by an independent optometrist affiliated with the store, not by America's Best employees directly.

If you walk in without insurance and without purchasing eyewear, expect to pay closer to the higher end of that range. Prices may also shift slightly depending on the specific Phoenix-area location you visit.

Cost With the Two-Pair Deal

America's Best is widely known for its “two pairs of glasses plus a free eye exam” promotion, typically advertised starting at $69.95 total. Under this deal, the eye exam fee is included when you purchase two pairs of eyeglasses from a qualifying selection.

This bundle is one of the lowest-cost entry points for a vision exam and basic corrective lenses in the Phoenix market. However, the “free” exam applies only when you buy the glasses. If you need a specific frame style, lens coating, or progressive lenses, the final price will be higher than the advertised starting point.

Contact Lens Exam Fees

A contact lens exam costs more than a standard glasses exam because it requires additional measurements. At America's Best, a contact lens fitting and exam typically runs $99 to $130 without any bundled purchase. This exam includes the standard refraction plus a contact lens fitting, trial lenses, and a follow-up visit if needed.

Patients who wear both glasses and contacts should expect to pay for each exam type separately unless a promotion bundles them together.

What's Included in an America's Best Eye Exam?

Knowing the price is helpful, but understanding what you actually receive during the exam matters just as much. America's Best eye exams follow a standard optometric protocol.

Visual Acuity and Refraction Testing

Every exam includes a visual acuity test, which measures how clearly you see at various distances. The refraction portion determines your exact prescription for glasses or contacts. This is the core of any routine eye exam and is the primary reason most patients schedule a visit.

Eye Health Screening

The optometrist will also perform a basic eye health evaluation. This typically includes checking eye pressure (a glaucoma screening), examining the front structures of the eye with a slit lamp, and evaluating the retina. Some locations offer digital retinal imaging for an additional fee, usually around $30 to $40.

It is important to note that this screening is not the same as a medical eye exam. If the optometrist detects signs of cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or other conditions, they will typically refer you to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Prescription Updates for Glasses and Contacts

If your vision has changed, the optometrist will issue an updated prescription. By federal law, you are entitled to receive a copy of your prescription and can fill it at any retailer. You are not required to purchase eyewear at America's Best to receive your prescription.

Does Insurance Cover an Eye Exam at America's Best?

Insurance coverage can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. America's Best accepts several major vision plans, but coverage details vary.

Accepted Vision Insurance Plans

Most America's Best locations in Phoenix accept plans from EyeMed, Davis Vision, and some Medicaid/AHCCCS managed care plans. They also accept America's Best's own Eyecare Club membership, which is a paid membership program rather than insurance.

Coverage through employer-sponsored vision plans like VSP may not be accepted at all locations. Always call your specific store before scheduling.

Out-of-Pocket Costs Without Insurance

Without insurance, you will pay the full exam fee. For a standard eye exam, that means roughly $50 to $75. For a contact lens exam, expect $99 to $130. These prices make America's Best one of the more affordable uninsured options compared to private optometry practices, where a comprehensive exam can range from $100 to $250 or more.

How to Verify Your Benefits Before Your Visit

Before booking, call both your insurance provider and the America's Best location you plan to visit. Confirm that the store is in-network, ask about your copay amount, and check whether your plan covers a routine vision exam, a medical eye exam, or both. These are different benefit categories, and confusing them is one of the most common reasons patients receive unexpected bills.

America's Best Eye Exam Cost vs. Other Providers

Price matters, but so does what you get for that price. Here is how America's Best stacks up against other common options in the Phoenix area.

How America's Best Compares to Walmart Vision Center

Walmart Vision Center charges approximately $75 to $85 for a standard eye exam. Like America's Best, Walmart uses independent optometrists. The exam scope is similar. Walmart does not typically offer a bundled “free exam with glasses” deal, so America's Best often comes out cheaper for patients buying basic eyewear at the same time.

How America's Best Compares to LensCrafters

LensCrafters eye exams generally cost $80 to $120 or more, depending on the location and whether you add digital retinal imaging. LensCrafters tends to carry higher-end frame brands and offers more advanced lens technology. The exam itself is comparable in scope to America's Best, but the overall visit cost is higher.

How America's Best Compares to an Independent Optometrist

An independent optometry practice in Phoenix typically charges $100 to $250 for a comprehensive eye exam. The higher price often reflects a longer appointment, more thorough health evaluation, access to advanced diagnostic equipment, and continuity of care with the same doctor over time. Independent practices are also more likely to manage medical eye conditions in-house rather than referring immediately.

Are Cheap Eye Exams Worth It?

A low price tag is appealing, but it is worth asking what you might be trading off.

What Budget Eye Exams May Not Include

Most budget eye exams focus on determining your glasses or contact lens prescription. They may not include detailed evaluation of your peripheral vision, in-depth retinal imaging, or extended time to discuss symptoms like dry eye, eye strain, or headaches. Additional tests, if offered, usually come at extra cost.

When You Need More Than a Basic Exam

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, or if you are experiencing flashes, floaters, sudden vision changes, or eye pain, a basic retail eye exam may not be sufficient. These situations call for a comprehensive medical eye exam, which evaluates not just your prescription but the overall health of your eyes and their connection to systemic conditions.

Signs You Should See a Comprehensive Eye Care Provider

Consider scheduling with a full-service optometry practice or ophthalmologist if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden or gradual vision loss in one or both eyes
• Persistent eye redness, pain, or discharge
• Flashes of light or new floaters
• Double vision
• A family history of eye disease
• Diabetes or autoimmune conditions affecting the eyes
• You are over 60 and have not had a dilated eye exam in over a year

These symptoms go beyond what a routine vision screening is designed to catch.

How to Save on Eye Exams in Phoenix, AZ

Even if you choose a provider other than America's Best, there are several ways to reduce your eye exam costs in the Phoenix area.

America's Best Promotions and Membership Plans

The Eyecare Club membership at America's Best costs around $99 for three years and includes free eye exams for the duration of the membership, plus discounts on glasses and contact lenses. For patients who plan to return regularly and purchase eyewear on-site, this can be a strong value.

Seasonal promotions and coupons are also common. Check the America's Best website or call your local store before booking.

Community Vision Programs and Sliding-Scale Clinics

Phoenix residents without insurance may qualify for reduced-cost eye exams through community health centers. Organizations like the Arizona Lions Vision Center and Midwestern University Eye Institute offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Some federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Maricopa County also provide vision services.

Using Vision Insurance vs. Paying Out of Pocket

If your employer offers a vision plan, even a basic one, it almost always reduces your exam cost below what you would pay out of pocket at any provider. Most vision plans cover one routine exam per year with a copay of $10 to $25. If you do not have vision insurance, compare the out-of-pocket cost at America's Best against the Eyecare Club membership and local independent practices to find the best value for your specific needs.

What to Expect During an Eye Exam

If you have never been to America's Best or any eye care provider, knowing what happens during the visit can ease any uncertainty.

Before Your Appointment

Bring your current glasses or contacts, a list of medications you take, your insurance card (if applicable), and any notes about symptoms or vision changes. If you wear contact lenses, you may be asked to remove them before certain tests. Arrive a few minutes early to complete intake paperwork.

During the Exam

The exam typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. You will read letters on a chart, look through a series of lenses while the doctor fine-tunes your prescription, and undergo basic eye health checks. The optometrist may use a bright light to examine the front and back of your eyes. If dilation is recommended, expect your pupils to remain enlarged for 3 to 4 hours afterward, which can cause light sensitivity and blurry near vision.

After the Exam: Understanding Your Results

The optometrist will explain your prescription and discuss any findings. If everything looks healthy, you will receive your prescription and can shop for eyewear. If the doctor notices anything concerning, they will explain the next steps, which may include follow-up testing, a referral to a specialist, or monitoring over time.

Ask questions. A good eye care provider will take the time to make sure you understand your results and your options.

When a Routine Eye Exam Isn't Enough

A standard eye exam at America's Best or any retail optical is designed primarily for vision correction. There are situations where you need a different level of care entirely.

Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: Who Should You See?

An optometrist (O.D.) is a doctor of optometry trained to perform eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, diagnose common eye conditions, and in most states, treat certain eye diseases with medication. They are your first point of contact for routine vision care.

An ophthalmologist (M.D. or D.O.) is a medical doctor who completed medical school and a residency in eye surgery and disease. Ophthalmologists perform all the services an optometrist provides, plus they diagnose and treat complex eye diseases, perform eye surgery (including cataract, LASIK, and retinal procedures), and manage conditions that intersect with other medical specialties.

If you need a routine eye exam or a new prescription, an optometrist is the right choice. If you have been diagnosed with or suspect a medical eye condition, an ophthalmologist may be necessary.

Medical Eye Conditions That Require Specialized Care

Certain conditions go beyond the scope of a basic vision exam:

• Cataracts requiring surgical evaluation
• Glaucoma needing ongoing pressure management and monitoring
• Diabetic retinopathy requiring retinal treatment
• Macular degeneration (wet or dry) needing injection therapy or monitoring
• Retinal detachment or tears requiring urgent surgical intervention
• Strabismus (eye misalignment) in children or adults
• Corneal disease such as keratoconus

These conditions require diagnostic imaging, medical treatment, or surgery that a retail optical setting is not equipped to provide.

How Referrals Work When More Care Is Needed

If an optometrist at America's Best or any other practice identifies a potential medical issue during your exam, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist or a specialized eye care center. This is a normal and important part of the eye care system.

A referral does not mean something is wrong with the care you received. It means your optometrist is ensuring you get the right level of expertise for your specific situation. At a patient-centered practice, this referral process is coordinated and explained clearly so you know exactly what to expect next.

Why Choosing the Right Eye Care Provider Matters

Price is one factor in choosing where to get an eye exam. But the quality of your care, the thoroughness of your evaluation, and the relationship you build with your provider all affect your long-term eye health.

The Value of Patient-Centered Eye Care

A provider who takes time to listen to your symptoms, explain your results, and coordinate any follow-up care offers something a quick, low-cost exam cannot always deliver. For patients with chronic conditions, children who need ongoing monitoring, or adults over 40 whose risk for eye disease increases each year, continuity of care is especially valuable.

Choosing a provider based solely on the lowest price can mean shorter appointments, less personalized attention, and a higher chance of missed findings. That does not mean budget options are bad. It means understanding what you are getting and what you might need beyond a basic prescription check.

How Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center Supports Your Eye Health

At Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center in Phoenix, we provide comprehensive eye exams that go beyond a simple prescription update. Our optometrists evaluate your complete eye health, take time to explain findings in plain language, and coordinate directly with ophthalmology specialists when advanced care is needed.

Whether you are scheduling a routine exam, managing a chronic eye condition, or seeking guidance on the right type of provider for your situation, our team is here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your vision and eye health.

Conclusion

The cost of an eye exam at America's Best ranges from about $50 to $130 depending on the exam type and whether you bundle it with eyewear. Knowing what is included, how insurance applies, and when a basic exam falls short helps you make a smarter choice.

Not every eye care need is the same. Routine vision correction, medical eye conditions, and pediatric eye health each require different levels of expertise and attention.

At Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, we help Phoenix patients get the right care at the right time. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with us today and see the difference patient-focused care makes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is an eye exam at America's Best without insurance?

Without insurance, a standard eye exam at America's Best costs approximately $50 to $75. A contact lens exam runs higher, typically $99 to $130. The two-pair glasses bundle often includes the exam at no additional charge.

Does America's Best accept Medicaid or AHCCCS in Arizona?

Some America's Best locations in Arizona accept certain AHCCCS managed care plans, but coverage varies by store and plan. Call your local Phoenix location and your AHCCCS plan directly to confirm eligibility before scheduling.

Is the eye exam free with the two-pair glasses deal?

Yes, the eye exam is included at no extra cost when you purchase two pairs of glasses through the qualifying promotion, which starts at $69.95. The exam is only “free” as part of the bundle. Without the glasses purchase, the standard exam fee applies.

How often should I get an eye exam?

Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. Children, adults over 60, diabetic patients, and anyone with a known eye condition may need exams more frequently. Your eye care provider can recommend the right schedule based on your health history.

Can America's Best diagnose eye diseases?

The independent optometrists at America's Best can detect signs of common eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration during a routine exam. However, diagnosis and treatment of complex or advanced conditions typically require referral to an ophthalmologist or specialized eye care center.

What is the difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam?

A vision screening is a brief check, often done at a school or primary care office, that tests basic visual acuity. A comprehensive eye exam is a full evaluation performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist that includes refraction, eye pressure measurement, retinal evaluation, and assessment of overall eye health.

Should I see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for my eye problem?

For routine exams, prescription updates, and minor eye complaints like dry eye or mild irritation, an optometrist is the appropriate provider. For surgical evaluations, complex medical eye conditions, or symptoms like sudden vision loss, flashes, or severe pain, an ophthalmologist is the right choice. If you are unsure, start with an optometrist who can evaluate your situation and refer you if needed.