How to Schedule and Prepare for a Costco Eye Appointment

What to expect when you book an eye exam at Costco

Costco operates optical departments in most of its warehouses, and you can schedule an eye appointment directly through the optical center at your local club. You do not need to be a Costco member to have an eye exam performed — the exam itself is open to non-members — but you will need a membership to purchase glasses or contacts from the Costco optical department afterward.

The eye exams at Costco are conducted by licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists who are independent contractors. This means the doctor is not a Costco employee, though they work inside the warehouse. The exam typically includes a vision test, eye pressure measurement, and an assessment of your eye health. The appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to completion.

Costco does not charge a separate fee to the warehouse for the exam itself — you pay the optometrist or ophthalmologist directly. The cost varies by location and provider, but generally ranges lower than independent eye care offices because Costco negotiates rates with the eye care professionals who work there.

Key Takeaways

• You can book a Costco eye appointment by calling your local warehouse optical department or visiting Costco.com to check availability at your nearest location.
• Non-members can have an eye exam at Costco, but you need a membership to purchase eyeglasses or contact lenses from the optical department.
• The eye exams are performed by independent licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists, not Costco employees, and you pay them directly rather than Costco.
• Bring your current glasses or contact lens prescription if you have one, your insurance card if your vision plan covers eye exams, and a valid ID to your appointment.
• Costco optical departments typically have same-day or next-day availability for exams in many locations, though busy times may require scheduling further ahead.

How to schedule an appointment at your local Costco optical center

The fastest way to book is to call the optical department at your local Costco warehouse directly. The phone number is listed on Costco.com — search for your warehouse location, and the optical center number will appear on that location's page. When you call, tell the staff member whether you are a member or non-member, and they will tell you what appointment slots are open.

Some Costco locations also allow you to check availability and book online through Costco.com, though this option is not yet available at all warehouses. If your location does not offer online booking, the phone call remains the most direct route. Expect to wait on hold during peak hours, typically midday and early evening on weekdays.

When you call or book online, have your phone number and email address ready. The optical center will confirm your appointment time and may ask whether you are a new patient or an existing one. If you are a new patient, they may ask a few basic health questions over the phone, such as whether you have any eye conditions or take medications that affect your vision.

What to bring and what to prepare before your exam

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. If you have vision insurance that covers eye exams, bring your insurance card so the optical center can verify your coverage and process any benefits you are may have access to to. If you do not have insurance, ask about Costco's cash prices when you arrive.

If you currently wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them with you. The optometrist will use your current prescription as a starting point and may compare your old glasses to your new prescription to see how your vision has changed. If you wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses as well, because you will need to be able to see clearly during parts of the exam when contacts must be removed.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in. The optical center will ask you to complete a brief health history form that covers your medical background, current medications, and any eye problems you have noticed. Answer these questions as completely as you can — information about diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of eye disease helps the optometrist assess your eye health more accurately.

Understanding your exam results and prescription

After the exam, the optometrist will discuss the results with you and write out your prescription. This prescription is yours to keep and use anywhere — you are not required to purchase glasses or contacts from Costco, though many people do because of the competitive pricing. The prescription will include your lens power for each eye, your astigmatism correction if needed, and your pupillary distance (the distance between your pupils), which is necessary for ordering glasses.

If the optometrist finds any eye health concerns — such as signs of glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration — they will explain what they found and may recommend that you see an ophthalmologist for further evaluation or treatment. Costco optical centers perform exams but do not treat eye diseases; if treatment is needed, you will be referred to a specialist outside Costco.

Ask the optometrist for a copy of your exam results if you want to share them with another eye care provider. Some people keep a record of their prescription history to track changes in their vision over time.

Costco glasses and contact lens ordering after your exam

Once you have your prescription, you can order glasses or contact lenses at the Costco optical department. Costco members receive pricing that is typically 20 to 40 percent lower than independent optical shops for the same frames and lenses. If you are not a member, you can still use your prescription elsewhere, or you can purchase a Costco membership to buy from the optical department.

Glasses ordered at Costco usually take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, though some locations offer rush processing for an additional fee. Contact lenses can sometimes be ordered the same day if the prescription is in stock, or they may need to be ordered from the manufacturer, which typically takes 3 to 7 business days.

Costco offers a 60-day return or exchange policy on glasses and contacts, so if your prescription does not feel right or the frames do not fit properly, you can return them within that window. This policy applies whether you are a member or non-member at the time of purchase.

Insurance coverage and payment at Costco optical

Many vision insurance plans cover eye exams at Costco, and some also cover a portion of the cost of glasses or contacts. When you call to schedule your appointment, ask whether your insurance is accepted. Bring your insurance card to your appointment so the optical center can verify your coverage and explore any benefits you have.

If your insurance does not cover the exam, or if you do not have vision insurance, Costco's cash prices for exams are generally lower than independent providers. Prices vary by location and provider, but you can ask for the cost when you call to schedule. Some Costco members also have vision coverage through their employer's health plan, which may or may not be accepted at Costco — check your plan documents or call your employer's benefits department to confirm.

Costco accepts most major credit cards, debit cards, and Costco Cash cards for payment. If you are paying out of pocket, ask about any discounts for paying in full at the time of service.

When to reschedule or cancel your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule, call the optical department as soon as possible. Most Costco optical centers do not charge a cancellation fee, but they appreciate advance notice so they can offer the slot to another customer. If you miss an appointment without canceling, some locations may ask you to reschedule before they will book you again.

If you are sick on the day of your appointment — especially if you have an eye infection, pink eye, or a contagious illness — call to reschedule. The optometrist will not be able to perform a thorough exam if your eyes are inflamed or infected, and rescheduling protects other patients and staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Costco membership to have an eye exam?

No. Non-members can have an eye exam at Costco, and you pay the optometrist directly for the exam. However, if you want to purchase glasses or contacts from the Costco optical department after your exam, you will need to be a member.

Can I use my Costco eye exam prescription at another optical shop?

Yes. Your prescription belongs to you, and you can take it to any optical retailer — online or in-person — to order glasses or contacts. You are not required to purchase from Costco, though many people do because of the pricing.

How often should I have an eye exam?

Most people without eye conditions should have an exam every one to two years. If you have diabetes, glaucoma, or other eye health concerns, your optometrist may recommend more frequent exams. Ask the optometrist when you should schedule your next appointment.

What if I wear contact lenses — can I get an exam for contacts at Costco?

Yes. The optometrist will perform a contact lens fitting as part of the exam if you request it. This fitting determines the correct lens size and curvature for your eyes. You can then order contacts from Costco or elsewhere using that fitting information.

Are Costco eye exams covered by insurance?

Many vision insurance plans cover eye exams at Costco, but not all. Bring your insurance card to your appointment, or call the optical department before you schedule to confirm that your plan is accepted. If your plan is not accepted, you can still have the exam and pay out of pocket.