Can I buy contact lenses for an astigmatism over the counter?

[Havana]

I wonder if I can buy contact lenses for astigmatism off the shelf. I just don't want to have an eye exam.

[Kerby]

Federal law prevents purchasing the contact lenses from the over-the-counter. Before you get contact lenses, you are required to get an eye exam from your optometrist. So you can't buy contact lenses over the counter, let alone the contacts for an astigmatism.

[Kerens]

It is against the law to sell you contacts without doctor's prescription and also there is no over the counter contact lenses. All prescription contact lenses are made based on your prescription.