Asides from being a retail store with a principle for selling in bulk to its members, Costco members and non-members can enjoy the comprehensive but affordable eye-care services offered at the various Costco Optician centers. However, there are certain factors you need to consider before deciding whether Costco Optical is the right place for you. Read on to find out all we know about Visiting Costco Optical guide.
Both Costco members and non-members can make an appointment for an eye exam at a nearby Costco Optical. However, only members can order their given prescriptions through Costco Optical. Non-members have to place an order for their given prescriptions via a different retailer.
Visiting Costco Optical guide!
10 things you should know when visiting Costco optical
- Not all Costco stores have an optical department. Before visiting a nearby Costco store for their eye-care services, you want to be certain that the store has an optical department. You can either call the store ahead to make inquiries or input your state, ZIP, or city in this Costco Warehouse Finder
- Anyone can make an appointment for an eye exam at Costco Optical. Costco is typically a “members only” kind of store, and both members and non-members can make an appointment for an eye exam at a nearby Costco Optical.
- Non-members cannot place a given glasses prescription using Costco. While anyone can visit Costco optical for an eye appointment, only Costco members can order their eyeglasses prescription using Costco. Non-members would have to take their prescriptions to a different retailer.
- Costco accepts major insurance plans. A good number of vision insurance plans are accepted at Costco. According to Cheapism, these are some of the visions insurance plans accepted at Costco:
- Blue Shield
- EyeMed
- United Healthcare
- VSP
- Spectra, etc.
- Costco optical does not provide for appointment setting online. To set an eye appointment at Costco, you will need to call your nearby Costco store. Using the automated menu, you will need to navigate to the optical department after which you will speak to a staff, who will set up an eye appointment for you.
- Some Costco optical department offers walk-in appointment. Although this is not usually the case, some Costco Optical departments offer a walk-in appointment to customers, especially when there are not many scheduled appointments. However, it is usually best to call ahead to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
- All Costco opticians are licensed professionals. At Costco, you can be sure that your eyes are in good hands as Costco optical only employs licensed professionals in its Optical department. Although these individuals in most cases are independent contractors and not employees of Costco
- There are different brands of lenses, frames, and contacts available at Costco. Costco optical boasts a wide range of frames, lenses, and contacts for its members to choose from. From designer frames like Burberry, Tod’s, and Fendi, to other regular frames, including polarized lenses, designer sunglasses like Swarovski, Oakley, Balmain, and many more.
- Costco eye-care services are cheaper than most. Although the prices for eye exams are not listed on the Costco websites, Cheapism notes that according to online reports, eye exams at Costco optical cost about $75 – $80. This puts Costco’s optical prices at a cheap rate when compared to a host of other retailers offering the same services. However, it is better to call ahead and ask directly what your eye exam would cost.
- Delivery of prescribed lenses or frames at Costco may be slow. While some customers have commented on Costco’s fast delivery of prescriptions, others have complained about the slow delivery time. Hence, if you are looking to use your prescribed lenses, contacts, or frames as quickly as possible, you might want to reconsider using Costco.
Many know Costco for being a bulk-selling grocery store, however, with its optical department, anyone can enjoy standard eye care at a relatively affordable price.
Conclusion
So is Costco Optical a good deal? Yes.
Despite being known for selling groceries in bulk to members, Costco’s optical department offers a comprehensive yet inexpensive eye-care service to any interested person. They offer their members a robust range of lenses, contacts, and frames to choose from. By employing only licensed opticians, they ensure that both you and your eyes are in safe hands. If this is not a good deal, we do not know what is.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Costco optical affordable?
According to Cheapism, online reviews show that Costco’s Optical price for eye exams and frames is relatively cheaper when compared to other retailers offering the same services.
- Do I have to become a Costco member before using Costco Optical?
Non-members can also enjoy the eye care services offered at Costco Optical. However, only Costco members can order prescriptions via Costco.
