A Quick and Easy Solution to the Vision Prescription Renewal Process

Over the weekend, I suddenly realized my contact lens prescription was due for renewal. Prescriptions are only valid for one to two years before they expire, a standard protocol in the U.S. It boggles my mind that prescriptions expire so soon but it is what it is. The idea of revisiting the eye doctor and repeating a process which seemed like I just went through maybe a year ago seemed unnecessary and cumbersome. However, it's true that time has a way of slipping away unnoticed, and it had indeed been two years since I last went to see my ophthalmologist.

In an ideal world, every prescription should offer a five-year validity, except in cases of children and their evolving eyes, or new and noticeable struggles with vision-related issues- at least that’s my opinion. However, the reality for a routine prescription renewal paints a different picture. I get it and see it as both an eye health and vision safeguard and also a bit of a money making scheme. Complicating matters, my trusted eye doctor had relocated to another state, which meant I had to scout for a new eye care professional and delve into the labyrinth of my benefits plan to search for a suitable, accessible and in-network provider. I really didn’t want to go through that whole process again.

Amidst this conundrum, I stumbled upon a game-changer through a simple google search – MyRX Renewal (QuickRenew) via CVS Pharmacy. They were associated with a legit tech company called Luna in Utah. The premise that attracted me was I just had to pay $20 for a quick and easy prescription renewal. My thought was ok, perfect- that’s exactly the type of service I was hoping for but I just didn’t know it existed. I wondered what the catch was and if I’d qualify. To my delight, I did qualify and the experience was painless. 

I’ll outline my customer experience journey from discovery to completion and the associated pain points, feelings, and processes along the way:

Initial Concerns:

• Contact lens prescription expiration after only two years seemed inconvenient.

• Options for quick and easy renewals- is it possible to renew online? Can I avoid making an appointment, waiting, driving and parking at the office?

Challenges Faced:

• Current eye doctor relocated; needed to find a new one or explore benefits plan and provider options. In-network options were key!

• Going on a long vacation with an expired prescription, nearly out of contacts, and reluctant to undergo the entire eye exam process again.

Research and Discovery:

• Explored online alternatives for prescription renewal.

• Discovered CVS offering a $20 option for virtual eye prescription renewal.

• Created an account, answered basic questions, and took the online eye exam.

Effortless Renewal Process:

• Utilized iPhone for a simple step-by-step process.

• Followed detailed instructions, including eye measurements and a basic eye test.

• Completed a health questionnaire and eye irritation check using the phone's camera.

• Entered prescription details, including strength and preferred contact lens brand.

• Submitted a credit card payment of $20 through the secure online system.

Swift Results:

• Eye prescription verified, renewed and emailed by the certified ophthalmologist within ten minutes (I timed it and it was lightning fast!)

• Accessed and saved the new prescription on my devices for convenience.

Ordering Contacts:

• Placed an order for contacts on the preferred vision-related website, utilizing vision benefits for 2024.

Closing Thoughts:

This was a user friendly and innovative service experience. I would highly recommend it to others who find themselves having the same need and quick solution desired for a basic vision prescription renewal. I was impressed by the speed and convenience of the entire process. I don’t need to go through the prescription renewal process for another two years. I also appreciate the safeguards in place for addressing any unusual vision changes or eye irritations that may have come up along the way and may not have otherwise been considered. I would definitely use this service again in the future and I’m glad it exists.