How to Schedule a Costco Eye Exam and What to Bring

How to book a Costco eye exam appointment

Costco optical departments schedule eye exams through their in-warehouse optical centers. You can call your local Costco optical department directly to book a time, or walk in during business hours to ask about same-day or next-available appointments. The phone number for the optical department is usually listed on Costco.com when you search for your warehouse location.

You do not need a Costco membership to have an eye exam performed at Costco, though you will need one to purchase glasses or contacts there. When you call, tell the scheduler how soon you need to be seen and whether you have vision insurance — this helps them estimate how long your visit will take and what paperwork to have ready.

Wait times vary by location and season. Urban warehouses and those near retirement communities often book several weeks out, while smaller locations may have openings within days. If your preferred time is full, ask when the next opening is and whether you can join a cancellation list.

Key Takeaways

• Call your local Costco optical department directly to schedule; the number appears on Costco.com under your warehouse location.
• You do not need a Costco membership for the eye exam itself, only to purchase eyewear afterward.
• Bring your current glasses or contacts prescription, insurance card, and photo ID to your appointment.
• Exams typically take 30 to 45 minutes and include vision testing, eye pressure measurement, and a basic eye health screening.
• If you need a new prescription, you can fill it at Costco optical or take it to another retailer.

What documents and information to bring

Bring a photo ID and your current insurance card if you have vision coverage. Costco optical accepts most major vision plans, and the scheduler can tell you whether yours is accepted when you call to book.

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring your current prescription or your most recent pair of glasses. The optometrist will use this as a starting point and will test whether your vision has changed. If you do not have your prescription handy, the optometrist can still perform a full exam and write you a new one.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete a patient intake form. This form asks about your medical history, any eye problems you have noticed, and medications you take — information that affects how the optometrist approaches your exam.

What happens during a Costco eye exam

A Costco eye exam is a standard comprehensive vision exam. The optometrist will test your distance and near vision using an eye chart, measure the pressure inside your eyes to screen for glaucoma, and examine the health of your retina and optic nerve using a retinal camera or dilating drops.

The exam includes a refraction, which is the test that determines your current prescription for glasses or contacts. You will look through a machine called a phoropter while the optometrist shows you different lens combinations and asks which is clearer. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

At the end, the optometrist will discuss any findings, answer questions about your eye health, and provide you with a written prescription. You can use this prescription to order glasses or contacts at Costco or take it to another retailer — by law, the prescription is yours to use wherever you choose.

Costco optical pricing and insurance

Eye exam costs at Costco vary by location but typically range from $60 to $100 for a comprehensive exam without insurance. Costco members often receive a small discount on the exam fee. If you have vision insurance, your plan may cover the exam in full or require a copay of $10 to $25.

When you call to schedule, ask about the exam cost and whether your insurance is accepted. Some vision plans require you to use in-network providers, while others reimburse you for out-of-network exams. The optical department staff can usually tell you what your out-of-pocket cost will be before your appointment.

If you do not have vision insurance, Costco optical sometimes offers discounts on exams for members or runs promotional pricing during certain times of year. Ask the scheduler whether any discounts are currently available.

Filling your prescription at Costco or elsewhere

After your exam, you will receive a written prescription valid for one year. You can order glasses or contacts at the Costco optical department, or you can take the prescription to any other eyewear retailer — online, local independent shops, or national chains.

Costco optical prices for frames and lenses are generally competitive, and members receive discounts on eyewear purchases. If you order online through Costco.com, you can have glasses shipped to your home or pick them up at the warehouse. Contacts ordered through Costco are also shipped to your address.

If you choose to use your prescription elsewhere, make sure the retailer has your pupillary distance (PD) — the distance between your pupils. The Costco optometrist will measure this during your exam and include it on your prescription, or you can ask for it separately.

What to do if you wear contacts

If you wear contact lenses, your eye exam at Costco includes a contact lens fitting. The optometrist will measure the curve and diameter of your eye to determine which contact lens parameters work best for you. This fitting is included in the exam fee and takes an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

You will receive a separate contact lens prescription that specifies the brand, power, curve, and diameter. This prescription is also valid for one year and can be filled at Costco or any other contact lens retailer. Some vision insurance plans cover contact lenses separately from glasses, so check your benefits before ordering.

If you have never worn contacts before, the optometrist or a staff member will teach you how to insert, remove, and care for them. Costco optical can order trial pairs so you can practice before committing to a full box.

Scheduling around your work or school

Costco optical departments are typically open during warehouse hours, which are usually 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, though hours vary by location. Many locations offer early morning or evening appointments to accommodate working schedules.

If your local Costco has limited evening hours, ask the scheduler about weekend availability or whether they have a cancellation list you can join. Some warehouses in busy areas maintain a separate optical department with extended hours.

Plan for your appointment to take 45 minutes to an hour if you are a new patient or if you need a contact lens fitting. If you are only renewing a glasses prescription and have no new concerns, the visit may be shorter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can have an eye exam at Costco optical without a membership. However, you will need a membership to purchase glasses or contacts there. If you do not have a membership and want to buy eyewear at Costco, you can purchase a membership at the warehouse or online.

Can I use my vision insurance at Costco optical?

Most major vision plans are accepted at Costco optical, including VSP, EyeMed, and Aetna. Call your insurance company or check your plan documents to confirm Costco is in-network. When you call to schedule your exam, tell the scheduler your insurance plan and they can confirm coverage and your copay amount.

What if I need glasses or contacts urgently?

Costco optical can sometimes fill glasses orders within one to two business days if you order in-warehouse. Contacts are typically shipped within a few days. If you need eyewear the same day, ask whether the optical department has frames in stock that can be fitted when ready, or consider visiting an independent optical shop nearby.

Can I take my Costco prescription to another eyewear store?

Yes. Your prescription is yours to use at any retailer. You can order glasses or contacts online, at a local shop, or at a national chain. Make sure you have your pupillary distance (PD) if you are ordering contacts or glasses online, as some retailers require it.

What if my prescription has not changed since my last exam?

Even if your vision has not changed, you still need a current prescription to purchase new glasses or contacts. Prescriptions are typically valid for one year from the exam date. If your prescription is expired, you will need a new exam before ordering new eyewear.