How to Schedule and Prepare for a Costco Vision Appointment

How to schedule a Costco vision appointment

You can schedule a Costco vision appointment by calling your local Costco optical department directly or by visiting the Costco website and using their online scheduling tool. The phone number for the optical department is usually listed on Costco.com under your warehouse location — search for your zip code, select your warehouse, and look for the optical department phone number on that page.

When you call or book online, have your Costco membership number ready. You will need to tell the scheduler what type of appointment you want: an eye exam, contact lens fitting, or glasses adjustment. Most Costco optical departments can schedule routine eye exams within one to three weeks, though availability varies by location and season.

If you are a new patient at that Costco optical department, you may be asked to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to fill out a health history form. Returning patients can often book back-to-back appointments if they need both an exam and to pick up glasses or contacts on the same day.

Key Takeaways

• Call your local Costco optical department or use Costco.com's online scheduler to book an appointment — you will need your membership number.
• Bring your current glasses or contact lens prescription if you have one, along with your insurance card if your vision coverage is separate from your Costco membership.
• The eye exam itself typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and includes a refraction test, eye pressure check, and retinal screening.
• Costco optical departments do not require you to buy glasses or contacts there, though many people do because the prices are often lower than other retailers.
• If you wear contacts, a separate fitting appointment may be needed after your eye exam, and that fitting is usually charged separately from the exam fee.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring your current glasses or contact lens prescription if you have one, even if it is old. The optometrist will use it as a starting point and will update it during your exam. If you do not have a recent prescription, that is fine — the optometrist will perform a full refraction to determine your current prescription from scratch.

Bring your insurance card if you have vision coverage through an employer plan or a separate vision insurance policy. Costco optical accepts many major vision plans, and the optometrist's office can tell you at check-in whether your plan is accepted. If your insurance covers part of the exam cost, you will pay only your copay or coinsurance at the time of your visit.

Bring a valid photo ID and your Costco membership card. If you are a new patient, arrive about 10 minutes early to complete the health history form, which asks about your medical history, current medications, and any eye problems you have noticed.

What happens during a Costco eye exam

A typical Costco eye exam lasts 30 to 45 minutes and includes several standard tests. The optometrist will start by asking about your vision concerns, any changes you have noticed, and your medical and family history. They will then perform a refraction — the test where you look through a machine and choose between two lenses while reading an eye chart — to determine your current prescription.

The optometrist will also measure your eye pressure using a tonometer, which is a quick, painless puff of air or a gentle contact with your eye. They will check your eye alignment and how well your eyes work together, and they will dilate your pupils with eye drops to examine the back of your eye and retina. Dilation takes about 20 to 30 minutes to wear off, so plan to wear sunglasses if you are driving home.

At the end of the exam, the optometrist will give you a written prescription for glasses or contacts, or both. This prescription is yours to keep and use anywhere — you are not required to purchase glasses or contacts from Costco, though you may choose to.

Costco optical pricing and what is included

Costco does not publish a single price for eye exams because costs vary by location and whether you have vision insurance. A typical exam without insurance ranges from $60 to $100 at most Costco locations, though some warehouses charge more. If you have vision insurance, your copay or coinsurance will depend on your specific plan.

The exam fee covers the refraction, eye pressure test, retinal screening, and the written prescription. It does not include glasses or contact lenses — those are sold separately. If you decide to purchase glasses from Costco, the price depends on the frame and lens options you choose, and Costco typically offers frames starting around $50 to $70 before lens costs.

If you wear contact lenses and need a fitting, that is usually charged as a separate fee on top of the eye exam. A contact lens fitting at Costco typically costs $50 to $100, depending on your location and the complexity of your prescription. The fitting includes the trial lenses and follow-up appointments to make sure the fit is correct.

Costco vision coverage for members

Costco membership does not include vision coverage — the eye exam and any glasses or contacts you purchase are separate costs. However, Costco's optical department is open to all members, and you do not need a separate vision insurance plan to use it.

If you have vision insurance through your employer or a standalone plan, Costco optical accepts many major carriers including VSP, EyeMed, and others. At check-in, tell the staff which vision plan you have, and they will verify your coverage and tell you what your out-of-pocket cost will be. Some plans cover the full exam cost, while others cover a portion and you pay the difference.

If you do not have vision insurance, you will pay the full exam fee out of pocket. Costco's prices for exams and eyewear are often competitive with other retailers, and Costco members sometimes receive additional discounts on frames and lenses purchased at the optical department.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to reschedule your appointment, call the optical department at your local Costco as soon as you know you cannot make it. Most Costco optical departments ask for at least 24 hours notice to reschedule without a cancellation fee. If you cancel with less notice, some locations may charge a small fee, though policies vary.

You can also reschedule through the Costco website if you booked online, though calling is often faster because you can speak to someone directly and confirm your new appointment time right away. If you are running late on the day of your appointment, call the optical department to let them know — they may be able to hold your slot or work you in later that day.

What to expect after your appointment

After your exam, you will receive a written prescription that is valid for one to two years, depending on your state and the optometrist's recommendation. You can use this prescription to purchase glasses or contacts from Costco or from any other retailer. If you choose to buy from Costco, you can place an order for glasses the same day, and they are usually ready in one to two weeks.

If you purchased contacts or glasses, Costco will schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure they fit correctly and that you are seeing clearly. For contacts, this follow-up is usually included in the fitting fee. For glasses, Costco will adjust them for free if needed during the follow-up visit.

If the optometrist found any eye health concerns during your exam — such as high eye pressure, signs of glaucoma, or other conditions — they will discuss these with you and may refer you to an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor) for further evaluation. Costco optometrists perform routine exams and can prescribe glasses and contacts, but they do not perform eye surgery or treat complex eye diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you must be a Costco member to use the optical department. You do not need a special vision membership — your regular Costco membership is enough. If you do not have a membership, you can purchase one at the warehouse or online before scheduling your appointment.

Can I get an eye exam at Costco if I do not want to buy glasses there?

Yes. The eye exam is separate from any purchase of glasses or contacts. You will receive a written prescription that you can take anywhere and use at any retailer. You are never required to buy eyewear from Costco.

How long does a Costco eye exam take?

A typical exam takes 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish. If you are a new patient, add 10 to 15 minutes for the health history form. If you also need a contact lens fitting, that is a separate appointment that usually takes another 30 to 45 minutes.

Does Costco optical accept my vision insurance?

Costco optical accepts many major vision plans including VSP and EyeMed, but not all plans. Call your local Costco optical department or check your insurance card to see if Costco is listed as an in-network provider. You can also call your insurance company to ask whether Costco is covered.

What if I need glasses urgently?

Costco can usually schedule an eye exam within one to three weeks. If you need glasses sooner, ask the optical department whether they have any same-day or next-day frame and lens options available. Some locations offer rush processing for an additional fee, though this varies by warehouse.