Data as of Aug 25, 2026 · Based on 364 AI responses · See how Parse measures this
Online Contact Lenses
Parse
https://parse.gl
1-800 Contacts leads, named in 86% of answers, ahead of at 70% and at 59%.
| # | Brand | What AI says | Mention rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dominant online retailer, consistently cited for price matching and overall convenience. | 86% | |
| 2 | A strong second, frequently recommended for using vision insurance benefits. | 70% | |
| 3 | Rapidly rising as a one-stop shop for both contacts and eyeglasses. | 59% | |
| 4 | Lost ground to competitors but still cited for one-stop eyewear shopping. | 51% | |
| 5 | A consistent presence, often recommended for discounts and value pricing. | 41% | |
| 6 | 38% | ||
| 7 | 32% | ||
| 8 | Frequently recommended for users with VSP or | 28% | |
| 9 | 27% | ||
| 10 | Gained significant ground by focusing on competitive pricing and quick delivery. | 26% | |
| 11 | 26% | ||
| 12 | Leading manufacturer brand now commonly recommended alongside major online retailers. | 25% | |
| 13 | 21% | ||
| 14 | 20% | ||
| 15 | 15% | ||
| 16 | 13% | ||
| 17 | 11% | ||
| 18 | 11% | ||
| 19 | 10% | ||
| 20 | 9% | ||
| 21 | 9% | ||
| 22 | Top mention for users specifically searching for discount lenses. | 9% | |
| 23 | 8% | ||
| 24 | 8% | ||
| 25 | 6% |
Who wins on each AI
The same market, seen by two models.
Sources AI cited
forbes.com is the page AI reaches for most here, cited in 72% of analyzed answers.
Jumped from rank #7 to #3 between Oct 2025 and Mar 2026.
Dropped from rank #3 to #12 between Oct 2025 and Mar 2026.
Moved from rank #8 to #4 between Oct 2025 and Mar 2026.
“Generic recommendations for color contact brands like FreshLook.” → “Structured, shoppable results listing products with prices and retailer links.”
Fell from rank #6 to #13 between Oct 2025 and Mar 2026.
| Brand | ChatGPT Search | Google AI Mode | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 92% | 96% | ||
| 92% | 96% | ||
| 75% | 35% | ||
| 25% | 39% | ||
| 54% | 39% |
Across 364 AI responses, 1-800 Contacts is mentioned most, named in 86% of them, followed by ContactsDirect (70%) and Warby Parker (59%).
Parse measures each brand's mention rate — the share of answers naming it — across 364 AI responses to this market's buyer questions. Answers are collected daily and the ranking is published weekly.
Brands enter the ranking when AI answers mention them. Parse collects answers daily and publishes the re-measured set weekly, so new brands appear as AI starts recommending them.
1-800 Contacts remains AI's top recommendation for online contact lenses, holding the #1 position in a largely stable market. Meanwhile, retailers like
Warby Parker and
LensDirect have gained significant ground since late 2025 by positioning themselves as one-stop shops and value leaders, respectively.
AI responses consistently recommend both major optical retailers and specialty online stores like Lens.me and PinkyParadise for cosmetic lenses. Since late 2025, answers have increasingly included specific product lines from manufacturers like
Alcon and always emphasize the legal requirement for a prescription.
Brands mentioned
Where can I get color contacts?
AI responses consistently recommend both major optical retailers and specialty online stores like Lens.me and PinkyParadise for cosmetic lenses. Since late 2025, answers have increasingly included specific product lines from manufacturers like
Alcon and always emphasize the legal requirement for a prescription.
This prompt elicits a specialized set of answers focused on value retailers like Discount Contacts, , and . Google AI Overviews also consistently suggests using a price comparison tool like to find the best deals across multiple sellers.
Brands mentioned
where can i get discount contact lenses online?
This prompt elicits a specialized set of answers focused on value retailers like Discount Contacts,
Lens.com, and
LensDirect. Google AI Overviews also consistently suggests using a price comparison tool like
Lenspricer to find the best deals across multiple sellers.
The market map