How to Schedule and Prepare for a Costco Optometry Appointment

How to book a Costco optometry appointment

Costco optometry departments let you book appointments online, by phone, or in person at your warehouse. The method depends on which Costco location you use — not all warehouses offer the same booking options.

To book online, visit Costco.com and navigate to the optical services section, then select your warehouse location. You'll see available time slots for eye exams, contact lens fittings, and other services. If your warehouse doesn't offer online booking, call the optical department directly. The phone number appears on your Costco membership card or on the warehouse locator on Costco.com. You can also walk into the optical department during business hours and ask the staff to schedule you.

Costco optical departments typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-ins, though appointment slots usually fill faster than same-day availability. Booking ahead — even a few days in advance — gives you more time options and reduces wait time on the day of your visit.

Key Takeaways

• You can book a Costco optometry appointment online through Costco.com, by calling your warehouse's optical department, or by visiting in person.
• Not all Costco locations offer the same booking methods, so check your specific warehouse's options before you plan to schedule.
• You do not need to be a Costco member to have an eye exam at Costco Optical, though you will need a membership to purchase glasses or contacts there.
• Bring your current glasses or contact lens prescription, insurance card, and a photo ID to your appointment.
• Costco optometrists perform standard eye exams and write prescriptions you can use anywhere, not just at Costco.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring your current glasses or contact lens prescription if you have one, even if it's old. The optometrist will use it as a starting point. Bring your insurance card — Costco Optical accepts most major vision insurance plans, and the staff can tell you what your coverage includes before the exam begins.

Bring a photo ID. Costco uses it to verify your identity and pull up any previous eye exam records they have on file. If you're a new patient, the optical department will ask you to fill out a health history form, so arriving 10 to 15 minutes early gives you time to complete it without rushing.

If you wear contact lenses, wear your current pair to the appointment unless the optometrist's office specifically asked you not to. They may want to check how well your current lenses fit your eyes.

Costco optometry services and what each exam includes

Costco Optical offers comprehensive eye exams, contact lens fittings, and frame and lens sales. A standard eye exam includes vision testing, eye pressure measurement, and a dilated eye exam to check the health of your retina and optic nerve. The exam takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on whether additional testing is needed.

The optometrist will write a prescription for glasses or contacts that you can use at any optical retailer, not just Costco. If you need a contact lens fitting, that's a separate service — the optometrist measures your eye's shape and curvature, then has you try on sample lenses to find the right fit and power. Contact lens fittings typically take longer than glasses exams and may require a follow-up visit.

Costco Optical also offers services like dry eye treatment consultations, computer vision syndrome assessments, and presbyopia (age-related focusing difficulty) evaluations. Ask the staff which services your location provides when you book.

Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs

Costco Optical accepts most major vision insurance plans, including VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision, and many others. Coverage varies by plan — some cover the full exam cost, others require a copay, and some cover only part of the exam. Call your insurance company or bring your card to the appointment so the optical staff can check your benefits before the exam.

If you don't have vision insurance, Costco Optical charges a flat rate for eye exams that varies slightly by location, typically between $60 and $100. This price is lower than many independent optometry practices. The exam fee does not include glasses or contacts — those are priced separately based on the frames and lenses you choose.

Costco members receive discounts on frames and lenses purchased through Costco Optical. Non-members can have an eye exam at Costco but cannot purchase eyewear there without a membership.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to reschedule, contact the optical department at your warehouse as soon as possible. Call the number on your membership card or use the online booking system if your location offers it. Most Costco optical departments ask for at least 24 hours' notice to reschedule without penalty, though policies vary by location.

If you need to cancel, the same process applies — call or use the online system. Canceling in advance opens the time slot for other customers and helps the optical staff manage their schedule.

What to expect during your eye exam

When you arrive, check in at the optical department desk. You'll be called back to the exam room, where the optometrist or technician will perform preliminary tests — these usually include a vision screening and eye pressure measurement. Then the optometrist will perform the full exam, which involves looking through a phoropter (the machine with different lens options) while you read letters on a chart to determine your prescription.

The optometrist will also dilate your pupils using eye drops so they can examine the back of your eye. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes to wear off, and your vision will be blurry and you'll be sensitive to light during that time. Bring sunglasses or plan to rest your eyes before driving.

After the exam, the optometrist will discuss the results with you, answer questions, and provide a written prescription. You can use this prescription to order glasses or contacts from Costco or any other retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Costco Optical performs eye exams for both members and non-members. However, you must be a member to purchase glasses or contacts at Costco. Non-members can take their prescription elsewhere to buy eyewear.

How long does a Costco eye exam take?

A standard eye exam takes 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to completion. Contact lens fittings take longer and may require a second appointment. Arrival time plus wait time can add another 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the department is.

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

Yes. Costco optometrists write prescriptions that are valid at any optical retailer. You own the prescription once it's written, and you can use it to order glasses or contacts from any provider.

What if I have an eye condition like glaucoma or diabetes?

Tell the optometrist about any eye conditions or health issues during your appointment. They may recommend additional testing or refer you to an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor) if your condition needs specialist care beyond what an optometrist provides.

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

Yes, you can book an appointment for a family member or friend if you have access to the online system or call on their behalf. The person being examined will need to provide their own health history and ID at the appointment.