• March 20, 2009

Wal-Mart Stores, which sparked industry-wide pandemonium when it introduced $4 prescriptions several years ago, says it is sharply reducing the cost of contact lenses and children's glasses.

The Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer says it will partner with 1-800 CONTACTS, the world's largest retailer of contact lenses, to "help more Americans save as much as 12 to 50% on the costs of a yearly supply of contact lenses."

The company has also lowered prices on eyewear for children 18 years old and younger, with frames and lenses now available for $39, including a full year of damage protection.--Sarah Mahoney