Costco Optical Review: Options, Pros Cons, Is it Worth It? (2024)

You have many options for getting eye care today, both in person and online. You’re probably already familiar with Costco for bulk shopping, but you may not know they also offer comprehensive eye care services.

Read on to find out if Costco Optical is right for you and your eyes.

Costco Wholesale is a membership-based retail store that’s been around since 1976, when it was known by the name Price Club.

Costco offers about 4,000 products, compared with the 30,000 products most grocery stores have on hand. Their stock varies and is sold in bulk, generally at cheaper prices than standard grocery stores. In addition to groceries, Costco also sells clothes, electronics, home furnishings, and more.

Many Costco locations also have a Costco Optical inside, where you can get an eye exam and pick out eyeglasses. Costco Opticals are staffed by trained opticians who can help you pick out your glasses and answer questions about insurance, returns, and orders.

Each Costco Optical has an independent doctor of optometry who can give you a standard eye exam, just like at any eye doctor’s office.

Costco Optical pros

  • There are more than 500 Costco Opticals nationwide.
  • No Costco membership is needed for an eye appointment.
  • Costco Optical accepts most vision insurance plans.

Costco Optical cons

  • Costco Optical’s website is fairly vague. For instance, the website states they accept most insurance plans, but you have to call or go in person to find out which plans they accept.
  • No warranty information is available on Costco’s website.
  • A Costco membership is needed to purchases glasses or contacts.
  • Costco’s app is just a glorified version of their website, with no unique app-based features.

Costco Optical offers in-person eye exams from independent doctors of optometry. If you’re a Costco member, you can select from a wide range of contact lenses, brand-name designer eyeglass frames, and sunglasses. They also sell name-brand contact lenses, as well as eye care products like contact lens solutions.

As a Costco member, you can order glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and eye care products online.

Costco Optical offers a wide range of lenses, including HD progressive, polarized, Transitions photochromic, anti-blue-light, anti-reflective, and multifunctional lenses, as well as contact lenses and sunglasses.

A closer look at the Costco app

Costco does have an app, which I downloaded and perused. The app has an average of 2.4 out of 5 stars in the Apple App Store, based on more than 4,500 ratings. On the Google Play store, the app averages about 3 stars, based on more than 32,000 ratings.

The app’s Costco Optical info is identical to the information available on the website. Since the interface is identical to the website, there’s no real benefit of using one over the other.

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To purchase lenses or eye care products through Costco Optical, you must be a Costco member. The annual fee for a personal membership is $60. The Gold Star Executive Membership for businesses is twice as much, at $120.

If you’re not already a Costco member, visit the Costco website for info on memberships.

The Costco Optical website doesn’t list the cost for an eye exam, but my research tells me it averages about $75 to $80. Be sure to call your local store for pricing options.

Since I’m not a Costco member, I couldn’t view the exact prices of their eyewear and eye care products. Based on my research, the average cost for a pair of frames and lenses is $184.

Much of Costco Optical’s website is frustratingly opaque if you’re not a member. To find out exact prices, sign in to their website with your Costco membership info, or visit a Costco Optical to check out products and prices in person.

Does Costco Optical take insurance?

Costco Optical’s website says they now take most vision insurance plans, but notes that discount plans are not eligible. To find out if your insurance is accepted, call or visit your local Costco Optical.

Does Costco Optical take VSP insurance?

Yes, according to VSP’s website. However, the VSP website notes that your allowance may differ. For more details, call the number listed on your VSP card or check with your local Costco Optical.

Does Costco Optical take Medicare?

Costco may accept some Medicare plans, but it depends on your specific plan. Costco’s website doesn’t explicitly state whether they accept Medicare. To find out if your Medicare plan is accepted at Costco, call the Medicare number listed on your insurance card and call your local Costco Optical.

To place a Costco Optical order online or in person, you must be a Costco member. If you’re not already a member, you’ll need to join.

If you’re ordering prescription contact lenses, you’ll need your prescription handy. You can place an order through the website or the app.

Products eligible for flexible spending account (FSA) payments are noted on the website.

To place an order on the website, take the following steps:

  1. Sign in to your Costco account.
  2. Select the contacts you wish to purchase.
  3. Enter your prescription, if applicable.
  4. Enter your shipping info.
  5. Enter your payment info.
  6. Place your order.

If you prefer to order in person, you’ll need to visit your local Costco Optical during store hours. There are more than 500 Costco Opticals in the United States, as well as several locations in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Mexico, Iceland, and Spain.

If you order glasses for in-person pickup, Costco states they will take about 7 days to process. If you order glasses delivered to your home, it’ll also take 7 days to process plus an additional 7 to 14 days to ship.

When checking review websites, I found mixed reactions to the shipping time. Many of the negative reviews mention that the glasses took longer than stated to arrive.

Costco Optical’s return policy is a little more complicated than that of similar retailers. There’s no standard satisfaction guarantee, but you can get lenses replaced if there’s an issue with your prescription. The time frame for replacing your eyeglass lenses is 60 to 90 days, depending on your Costco Optical location.

Make sure to ask your local Costco optician for details before ordering. If you need to change your lenses, you must schedule an appointment with the eye doctor on-site.

The return policy for contact lenses is more straightforward. As long as the package isn’t opened or damaged, you can return your contacts at any time for a full refund. Keep any paperwork that comes with your contacts order, and follow the included instructions to make a return.

First and foremost, Costco is a wholesale club that lets customers buy all sorts of groceries and home goods. Customer ratings at places like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot reflect a wide variety of customer experiences, not just with Costco Optical.

  • Better Business Bureau (BBB): Costco’s BBB page shows that the company has an A+ rating and an average of 1.48 out of 5 stars with more than 210 customer reviews. BBB doesn’t appear to rate Costco and Costco Optical separately.
  • Trustpilot: Review aggregator website Trustpilot shows similar Costco reviews — an average of 1.5 out of 5 stars and more than 1,400 reviews. Like the BBB, Trustpilot doesn’t have a separate page for Costco Optical, so keep in mind that these ratings are based on Costco as a whole.
  • Reddit and Google: Find the name of your local Costco’s doctor of optometry and then search their name in your city’s subreddit or in Google reviews. This should give you an idea of the doctor’s reputation. You can also post on Reddit asking for the experiences of your neighbors at Costco Optical.

In 2013, a man in California filed a class action lawsuit against Costco. He believed he was sold glasses at a higher cost due to Costco Optical functioning as a “joint operation.” The lawsuit was initially dismissed, but that dismissal was reversed in 2018, meaning the plaintiff could reopen his case.

In 2021, Costco agreed to pay $525,000 to settle a suit that claimed the company failed to refund consumers for the costs of cancelled Costco executive memberships. Terms of the settlement state the eligible consumers can recover a free year of a Costco membership or a cash payment of up to $15.

You have many options for in-person and online eye care. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • Target Optical: Like Costco Optical, Target offers in-person eye exams and a wide range of name-brand eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contacts. Learn more about Target Optical.
  • Local independent retailers: Take to Google, Reddit, and Facebook, or crowdsource your friends to find local shops that sell eyeglasses, contacts, and sunglasses.
  • Online retailers: Check out this Healthline article that covers the top eight places to buy glasses online.
  • Local eye doctors: Get your eyes examined the old-fashioned way by going to an optometrist in your area. You can find the best local eye doctor by searching Reddit or Google, or asking your friends. Find an eye doctor near you.

Costco Optical appears to be a decent option for affordable and quick in-person eye exams, especially if you have a Costco membership. If you opt to go elsewhere, note that you have a plethora of options available to you.

Ash Fisher is a writer and comedian living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. When she’s not having a wobbly-baby-deer day, she’s hiking with her corgi, Vincent. Learn more about her on her website.

Costco Optical Review: Options, Pros Cons, Is it Worth It? (2024)

FAQs

Does Costco Optical have a satisfaction guarantee? ›

If you are not completely satisfied with your Costco.com contact lens order, simply return your order to the Optical Department of any Costco location. There's no need to wait in the general returns line at the warehouse.

Is Costco or LensCrafters better? ›

Generally, Costco Optical will offer you a better price than LensCrafters when you buy glasses or contact lenses. However, depending on what your vision insurance plan covers, you may be less satisfied overall with the quality of the product.

How much does Costco charge for progressive lens? ›

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Lenses at Costco?
Lens PricesSingle VisionProgressive
RX-able.com$28/pair$58/pair
Costco$91/pair$160/pair
*In most cases, Rx-able.com edges new lenses in your frame within 24 hours of receiving your frame.
Dec 2, 2020

What lens does Costco use for progressive lenses? ›

Kirkland Signature™ HD Progressive Lenses:

Includes Anti-Reflective Treatment. Custom made lens for your prescription and selection. Offers a larger reading area and less distortion than standard lenses. Quality and value.

What if I'm not happy with my glasses at Costco? ›

Whether or not you have used your lenses, you can simply take them directly to Costco Optical and request a refund. You can return contact lenses in store at a Costco Optical location or online through Costco.com.

Can prescription glasses be returned at Costco? ›

WHAT IS THE RETURN POLICY ON PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES? Costco has a 100% member satisfaction guarantee. If the prescription eyeglasses are unsatisfactory for any reason, you may return them to the Optical Department in your local Costco Warehouse for a repair, replacement, or refund.

What is the number 1 glasses company? ›

Luxottica Group S.p.A. is an Milan-based eyewear conglomerate and the world's largest eyewear company.

Is Walmart Optical better than Costco? ›

These retailers got high marks from readers, with Costco, our top-rated eyeglass retailer, edging out Walmart in several areas, including the quality of frames and lenses and follow-up service. But readers were not impressed by the selection of frames, especially at Costco.

What lens company does Costco use? ›

The Kirkland Signature lenses are produced by the world's leading lens manufacturers such as Essilor, Hoya, and Zeiss. Costco is a leading retailer of eyeglass lenses, and it offers a range of high-quality lenses from some of the world's leading manufacturers.

Are expensive progressive lenses worth it? ›

2. Progressive lenses cost a bit more than other multifocal lenses. Compared to bifocals and trifocals, progressives may seem like an expensive option. But given their convenient, streamlined design and the fact that they correct vision at so many distances, most wearers find the price to be worth it.

How much should a pair of progressive lenses cost? ›

Average cost of progressive lenses

Compared to the slightly lower cost of bifocal lenses, the average consumer pays between $150 and $250 for their progressive lenses. For this price range, you should be able to purchase a decent set of progressive lenses.

Are premium progressive lenses worth it? ›

premium progressive lenses? If the price is a factor, opt for standard progressive lenses. However, if you have a complicated prescription or need customized lenses, premium progressive lenses are the better option. Either way, the new glasses will help get your vision back on track.

What is the difference between Varilux lenses and progressive lenses? ›

Varilux S Series provides all of the benefits of other Varilux lens designs while virtually eliminating the “off-balance” feeling sometimes experienced by progressive lens wearers. Varilux S Series lenses also eliminate distortion and provide greater edge-to-edge clarity than any other progressive lens.

What lens shape is best for progressive lenses? ›

Lens shape is important, too. Progressive wearers should avoid aviators and cat-eyes because both can cut off the bottom portion of the prescription, resulting in a loss of reading vision. Instead, they should look for shorter frames with rounded edges such as horn-rimmed, retro wingtip, circular, and oval ones.

What is the difference between progressive and premium progressive lenses? ›

What is the difference between the premium progressives and standard progressives? Our high-definition premium progressives feature wider intermediate and reading areas of the lens than standard progressives. Peripheral (side) distortion is reduced by up to 40% compared to the standard design.

How long to wait for glasses at Costco? ›

How long does it take to get glasses from Costco? If you order glasses for in-person pickup, Costco states they will take about 7 days to process. If you order glasses delivered to your home, it'll also take 7 days to process plus an additional 7 to 14 days to ship.

Can you negotiate for eyeglasses? ›

Negotiate

If you find better prices as you search, call or visit the store where you originally discovered your favorite frames and ask it to match your lowest price.

How long to wait for glasses from Costco? ›

It takes 5–7 business days from the time you order them. You can get your prescription and order your glasses all in the same day.

Can you bring your own frames to Costco? ›

Yes, you can bring your own frames to Costco. So bring your current frames or snag a deal a pair from several online retailers such as Warby Parker, Zenni Optical, or Frames Direct. Still, keep in mind, you can also receive a discount at Costco when you purchase multiple frames for the same person all on the same day.

Can I return my glasses if I don't like them? ›

Some optical stores and online sellers guarantee your satisfaction with your eyeglasses — even if you simply don't like them — by offering a refund or a store credit for the amount you paid for them. If so, you usually must return the glasses within a specified period of time (for example, within 30 days of purchase).

Can I put old lenses in new frames? ›

You can put old lenses in new frames in most cases, as long as the new frames are the same ones you used to have. An eye care professional will just need to make sure your prescription doesn't restrict the type of eyewear you use so that you don't have issues down the line.

What's the most expensive glasses brand? ›

Here are the Top 10 Most Expensive Sunglasses:
  • Bulgari Flora – $59,000.
  • Maybach The Diplomat I – $60,000.
  • Luxuriator Style 23 Canary Diamond – $65,000.
  • CliC Gold 18 Carat Gold Sport – $75,000.
  • Cartier Panthere – $159,000.
  • Shiels Jewellers Emerald – $200,000.
  • Dolce & Gabbana DG2027B – $383,609.
  • Chopard De Rigo Vision – $408,000.
Jan 12, 2023

Which are the best glasses to buy? ›

Top Eyeglass Brands
  • Tom Ford.
  • Ray-Ban.
  • Prada.
  • Oliver Peoples.
  • Oakley.
  • Giorgio Armani.
  • Hugo Boss.
  • Chanel.
Dec 13, 2022

What are the benefits of Costco Optical? ›

Costco Optical sells brand name and Kirkland Signature glasses and contacts at a discount. Costco Optical accepts most vision insurance plans and you can see an independent optometrist, saving you both time and money. Costco Optical was ranked as the best place to buy eyeglasses according to Consumer Reports.

Is Sam's Club Optical cheaper than Costco? ›

If you take the time to comparison shop, you'll likely find lower prices at online competitors such as Zenni Optical and EyeBuyDirect. Still, the prices at Sam's Club will most likely beat those at Warby Parker, Target Optical and even Costco.

How much does Costco charge for lenses? ›

How Much Are Contact Lenses at Costco?
Contact LensQuantityPrice
Costco Kirkland Signature Lenses180 lenses per box$117.99
Apr 4, 2023

Who makes Kirkland Signature lenses? ›

Kirkland Signature Premium Daily Disposable (Same as MyDay Daily Disposable) are Store Brands contact lenses. They are made of Silicone Hydrogel and are manufactured by CooperVision.

Which lenses are better Zeiss or Essilor? ›

ZEISS BlueGuard is able to block up to 40% of harmful blue light while Essilor Blue UV Capture is able to block at least 20%. ZEISS BlueGuard is able to block more harmful blue light as compared to Essilor Blue UV Capture.

Are Costco lenses glass or plastic? ›

(Washington; CEO: W. Craig Jelinek). In previous years, Costco has mainly offered polycarbonate ophthalmic lenses, which are the standard in the U.S. market.

What is the main drawback of progressive lenses? ›

Progressive lenses also have some disadvantages. They can be more expensive than bifocals or trifocals. These lenses also require a larger frame size to accommodate the multiple corrective zones. Also, because of how they work, progressive lenses can cause peripheral blurriness.

Are bigger frames better for progressive lenses? ›

', the answer is yes. Here's why: Bigger lenses ensure you have ample coverage for each prescription. Most types of progressive lenses fit better in large frames, so you'll need bigger lenses to go with them.

Do some people never get used to progressive lenses? ›

Progressive lenses can be difficult to get used to initially, and you may experience distortion in your vision until you get used to them. It can take anywhere between a week to a couple of months to adapt and get used to progressive lenses.

Why are my progressive lenses so expensive? ›

Progressive lenses are significantly more expensive than single or multi-focal glasses because of the extra time that goes into creating a lens with multiple prescriptions and no lines.

What is the average age for progressive lenses? ›

Indeed, progressive lenses are commonly prescribed for those in their 40s. This is because most people around this age develop presbyopia, which is an age-related change in how the eyes work when reading or seeing near objects. Reading prescriptions are often required, and can start as early as the late 30s.

What size frame is best for progressive lenses? ›

“The ideal lens height or frame depth that's required to experience clear and comfortable vision is at least 28mm,” Chua says.

Should I wear progressive lenses all the time? ›

Progressive lenses are meant to be worn all day. So, though there may be some discomfort at first, stick with it – consistent wear will speed up the adjustment process. Wear them full-time for about two weeks and after completely adjusting to them, you can wear them only as needed, if preferred.

Why are progressive lenses so hard to get used to? ›

For many people, progressive lenses may take a little 'getting-used-to' time. Multiple powers are included in one lens, so some people can feel dizzy because they're looking through the wrong part of the lens. Some wearers feel a seasick sensation while they're moving.

Are progressive lenses really better than bifocals? ›

Progressive lenses provide a transition from near, intermediate, and far vision prescription. As compared to bifocal lenses, progressives provide a wider zone of clear vision to make activities like computer use and reading easier for the wearer.

Which is better Varilux or Crizal? ›

Crizal provides safer, more comfortable nighttime driving. Night vision can be problematic for people with astigmatisms and can deteriorate for all of us as we age. Sometimes eyes don't adjust between bright light and darkness as quickly as they need to.

Is Varilux worth the extra money? ›

Varilux lenses are worth the money if you want the best in prescription eyewear. As the first progressive lens ever developed, Varilux lenses offer the most advanced technology for multifocal lens wearers in terms of clarity, comfort, and visual performance.

What progressive lenses does Costco use? ›

Our Kirkland Signature HD progressive lenses use the latest in lens manufacturing technology to deliver high definition vision at any distance. With sharper vision in all conditions members purchasing Kirkland Signature HD lenses will receive an unprecedented degree of customization.

Are progressive lenses thicker? ›

Progressive lenses, which are thinner and lighter, require a higher degree of expertise and technology than single-vision lenses or bifocals, making them more expensive. They usually have a smoother transition, which makes them cost more, too.

Which progressive lenses have the widest field of vision? ›

With a 40% wider field of vision than a typical progressive lens, the LC-HD Enhanced View progressive lens gives you better vision across the entire lens, resulting in improved transition near or far.

What are the three levels of progressive lenses? ›

There are a few different types of progressive lenses available, offering various features depending on your lifestyle and visual requirements. We offer three types of progressive lenses: Standard, Premium and Elite. Your optometrist will talk you through all the options to see which one suits you best.

Are progressive lenses better for your eyes? ›

Progressive lenses are indeed good for your eyes by preventing eye strain when you view objects at various differences. If you have a refractive error, such as farsightedness, they're a great go-to since they provide a painless transition into different fields of view.

Which progressive lenses have the least distortion? ›

DEFINITY™ Lenses provide the widest intermediate zone and least amount of peripheral distortion of any progressive lens. DEFINITY™ Lenses provide a much wider intermediate zone than Conventional Progressive lenses. DEFINITY™ Lenses have significantly less peripheral distortion than Conventional Progressive lenses.

Can prescription glasses be returned? ›

Usually, an optical store will offer a refund or replacement for the following reasons: There's a manufacturer defect such as a frame that breaks. They will be replaced or your money will be refunded. The prescription is clearly wrong, due to a mistake in how your eyes were measured or the in how the lenses were made.

What is the satisfaction guaranteed policy at Costco? ›

A: If you purchase an item that is defective or with which you are not satisfied, you may return it for a full refund.

What is Costco member satisfaction policy? ›

Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

On Membership: We will cancel and refund your membership fee at any time if you are dissatisfied.

Does Target optical have a satisfaction guarantee? ›

Just happiness. If you're not happy with your order for any reason, we'll give you a full refund within 90 days of purchase – no questions asked . We even pay for the return shipping!

Why do I see blurry with my new glasses? ›

Experiencing blurriness or some distortion with new prescription glasses, whether they're your first eyeglasses ever or are an updated power of lens, is a common occurrence. Relax. Your eyes are simply adjusting to a new way of seeing after previously compensating for less-than-perfect vision.

How do I know if my glasses prescription is wrong? ›

If you experience any of these symptoms for an extended period of time, after the adjustment period, your prescription may be incorrect:
  1. Extreme blurring of vision.
  2. Lack of focus.
  3. Poor vision when one eye is closed.
  4. Excessive eye strain.
  5. Headaches or dizziness.
  6. Vertigo or nausea, unrelated to a medical condition.

Why are my new glasses worse than my old ones? ›

Answer: Some people may experience a distortion of their peripheral vision after receiving a new glasses prescription. This is a fairly common occurrence that can be a result of the adjustment period as your eyes get used to the new prescription.

Is there a lawsuit against Costco? ›

Costco Sued Over Advertising

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the warehouse club in California. The suit revolves around claims Costco has made about its house-brand tuna.

Do Costco executive members get better deals? ›

Executive Members earn an annual 2% Reward on qualifying purchases at Costco, Costco.com, and Costco Travel. Plus, additional benefits are available on our suite of Costco Services. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will cancel and refund membership fees at any time if a member is dissatisfied.

What happens if you return too much at Costco? ›

Too many returns to Costco and your account is likely to be flagged. Once flagged, you run the risk of losing membership privileges.

How much do you have to spend at Costco to justify the executive membership? ›

How much you'd need to spend to make Costco Executive Membership worthwhile. In order to receive $60 in reward dollars and recoup the $60 more that an Executive Membership costs, one must spend $3,000 over the course of the year at Costco on eligible purchases, an average of $250 a month.

How lenient is Costco return policy? ›

With few exceptions, Costco has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Simply bring the product to any Costco warehouse and our Member Services Team will be happy to assist you*. It helps if you have the receipt or original product packaging, but it may not be necessary to process your return.

Does Costco have a customer loyalty program? ›

However, the secret to Costco's success is in its ability to move products in large volume and its membership program, which earns further profit and drives customer loyalty. And it works incredibly well. According to the retailers Q4 2022 reports, renewal rates for its membership program are remarkably high.

Do you get 5% off at Target Optical? ›

Target Optical eye exams and protection plans (Target Optical products, such as glasses and contact lenses, do receive the 5% discount)

Will insurance cover lost glasses? ›

But yes, home insurance does cover broken glasses and other personal property big and small—however, this is usually only if there's a direct link between the condition of the home and the incident leading to injury or property damage.

What is the guarantee on glasses at Walmart Vision Center? ›

If you break or damage eyewear within the first year of purchase, you can return it to Walmart, Sam's Club, or your VSP provider for replacement or repair. Some warranties on eyewear are longer than one year.

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