One of your friends paid $319 for a box of eight lenses at Pearle Vision, while another friend claims to have paid $15 for ten lenses at Wal-mart. If you're someone looking to buy color contacts, but the options seem confusing, then you're not alone. Not only are there discrepancies at various optometrists, but there are also online purchasing options you may be wondering about.

Before you buy your lenses, check in with your health insurance provider to see if vision coverage is included.

Next, you'll want to consider several different sources for purchasing color contact lenses.

Independent eye doctors vary greatly from place to place. However, some of these smaller locations can ship directly to you, order an annual supply at a time and charge discount contact prices on bulk orders.

You can also order contact lenses online from ClearViewContactLenses.com. You'll get great customer service from the staff that will be handling your orders, and you can choose from a number of name brands that you know you can trust.

Buyers beware when it comes to buying contact lenses online.

On the plus side, internet sites allow you to shop and buy 24/7 for your convenience, you can easily compare various prices and often times you'll be eligible for a special online price or rebate. However, you won't get your lenses immediately, you'll have to pay for the shipping charges in most cases.

When you're looking to buy color contacts, be sure to factor in rebates, which are common in the optical world. There are rebates from the sellers, manufacturers, insurance companies, rebates for first time lens wearers or rebates for people who've just had an eye exam. Most places only allow you to use one rebate and it takes a bit of configuring to see if you're getting the best deal or not. For instance, hypothetically speaking, JiffyLenses.com may offer eight boxes of AcuSight for $139.60, plus a $20 rebate. On the other hand, you may find another offer from MegaLenses.com for $132 - but with an additional $50 rebate if you get an eye exam. Before you buy your color contact lenses, ask yourself: What are my needs and how can I cut corners?