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BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- As it strives to continue to find ways to lower health care costs for its shoppers, Wal-Mart and 1-800 CONTACTS reached a deal earlier this year that they say will bring contact lenses to more people at lower prices.
The alliance combines WalMart's convenience and the care of the independent eye doctors it has in nearly 3,000 of its discount stores and Sam's Club units with 1-800 CONTACTS' high level of customer support.
Under the alliance patients will be able to order contacts from 1-800-CONTACTS from a Wal-Mart vision center or via the retailer's web site.
Executives say the efficiencies created by the partnership could save customers as much as $400 million over the next three years.
In addition, they say, the alliance could help improve people's visionary health.
For example, by being offered greater accessibility and savings on contact lenses, patients will find it easier to replace their lenses according to a schedule doctors recommend, resulting in better eye health.
According to a 2004 Federal Trade Commission report, a McKinsey & Co. survey showed that contact lens wearers of ten use lenses longer than prescribed by their eye doctor.
Many consumers in the survey specifically cited cost and 'purchasing them is inconvenient' as reasons for overwearing their lenses.
'Our $4 prescription program is proof that Wal-Mart is committed to meeting America's health care challenges, and our commitment to affordable eye care is no different,' says John Agwunobi, senior vice president and president for Wal-Mart's professional services division.
'Lowering costs and increasing convenience will make it easier for patients to follow their doctors' advice and replace their lenses as recommended,' he says.
For their part, 1-800-CONTACTS executives say the partnership with Wal-Mart will go a long way toward ensuring that people with vision problems get the proper care.
'The majority of contact lens wearers experience high prices and limited service,' chief executive officer Jonathan Coon says. 'This alliance can save these customers nearly 20% on their contact lenses while also offering the convenience of 24/7 live service from an associate.'
When the deal was announced in January the companies said they expected to integrate their stores, web sites and phone services this fall to allow customers to order contact lenses 'when they want, how they want, and have their lenses delivered quickly to wherever they want.'
