For years, the contact lens industry has operated inside a pricing “black box.”
Many premium silicone hydrogel lenses retail for $50+ per box. And when you pay that price, a fair question is:
How much of that cost is the lens—versus distribution layers, retail markups, and overhead?
At moody+, we set out to make high-performance lenses more accessible. By combining a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) model with a high-capacity, quality-controlled manufacturing ecosystem, we can offer moody+ S-Series Oxygen Monthly starting at $29.99—without treating comfort and oxygen performance like a luxury.
Here’s how it works.
Where Your Money Goes in Traditional Retail
In a traditional retail model, your lens price often includes multiple layers:
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global brand overhead
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regional distributors
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retail store margins
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inventory handling and markups
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large-scale marketing costs
Each step adds cost—often without improving the lens itself.
DTC removes the middle layers.
When products ship directly from the brand to you, there are fewer handoffs and fewer markups.
Scale Lowers Cost Per Lens—Without Needing a “Premium Tax”
Manufacturing scale matters because it reduces cost per unit across:
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raw materials
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clean manufacturing operations
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automated QC and inspection
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packaging and logistics efficiency
In our supply chain ecosystem, production capacity reaches up to 72 million lenses per month, supported by 1,300+ staff across operations and quality processes.
Why it matters to you: higher volume can lower per-lens cost, making it easier to offer premium-grade silicone hydrogel technology at a more accessible price—without cutting corners where it counts.
Automation Supports Consistency (And Consistency Is Comfort)
Contact lenses are precision medical devices. At scale, consistency isn’t optional.
That’s why modern lens manufacturing relies on high-precision automation and controlled-process handling—from molding to packaging—to support:
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more consistent lens geometry and edge profiles
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stable packaging and sealing controls
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reduced unnecessary handling during production
The goal isn’t “robots for show.”
It’s to support repeatable comfort from lens to lens—so what you like about one box is what you get in the next.
Why This Matters for High-Oxygen Lenses (Dk/t Still Matters)
Premium comfort isn’t only about price—it’s about performance.
S-Series is designed around high oxygen transmissibility (Dk/t) to support a well-oxygenated cornea during wear—especially for people who experience dryness, redness, or “lens fatigue” late in the day.
Put simply: oxygen delivery is a key part of long-wear comfort.
By removing markups and improving operational efficiency, a DTC model makes it more realistic to choose a comfort-first lens regularly—rather than saving “the good lenses” for special occasions.
Value That Fits Real Life (Not Just a One-Time Trial)
A lens routine only helps if it’s sustainable.
That’s why we designed S-Series to be the “rest day” foundation in a balanced routine—so wearers can keep comfort consistent while still enjoying style days with colored lenses when they choose.
Better habits shouldn’t require premium markups.
The Takeaway
The difference isn’t “cheap vs premium.”
It’s how the system is built.
When you remove layers of markup and support consistent, large-scale manufacturing controls, high-oxygen silicone hydrogel lenses can be priced more fairly—without treating eye comfort like a luxury.
Ready to experience factory-to-door value?
FAQ
Is the quality lower because the price is lower?
Not necessarily. Price is often influenced by distribution and retail markups. A DTC model can reduce those layers while maintaining defined materials and quality controls.
How long does one box last?
Each box contains 3 monthly lenses—typically 90 days of wear for one eye with proper care and replacement as directed.
Why does automation matter in contact lens manufacturing?
Automation supports repeatable production and handling, which can help maintain consistent lens shape, edges, and packaging controls—important for comfort and reliability.
Data Note
Manufacturing scale and capacity figures are based on partner/supplier documentation and internal operational records as of Jan 2026. Product performance and comfort vary by individual physiology, wear time, and environment.
Article Integrity
Written by: moody+_official
Medically reviewed by: Optometry Advisor
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Follow your eye care professional’s guidance. Daily wear only; do not sleep in lenses.