How Much For An Eye Exam At Costco

How Much Does An Eye Exam Cost At Costco

According to the official Costco website, all optical centers, aside from the selection of eyeglasses and lenses you can purchase, are owned and operated by a local independent doctor of optometry, which simply means these doctors can set the price of their eye exam as they are just using Costco as their landlord, essentially leasing the space out of the building.

As these locations are independently owned, the prices, from what we researched are quite similar across the board, often around $50 to $80 for a basic eye exam to as much as $125 for a contact lenses exam, but to be certain, we highly recommend you call your local Costco location to see what an exam cost or even visit in person as almost all locations will display the prices on a large billboard near the vision center entrance.

Vision insurance may be accepted, depending on the location you visit. Even if they do not accept insurance, you may still be eligible to receive a reimbursement based on your insurance company policy. As it is considered out of network for most insurance companies, you may be able to receive a portion of your payment back.

NOTE: Do keep in mind these prices can be lower if a coupon and/or special offer is available the time of your prescription. Use this as an estimate only.

Getting Your Eye Exam At My Eyelab

The eye exam process includes a thorough evaluation of your visual health. Whether you wear eyeglasses or contacts, we offer eye exams for both.

1. Patient Medical History

You can fill out your patient optical and medical history in-store on our digital tablet or in the comfort of your home by creating your online account. Filling it out at home only takes about 15 minutes and speeds up the process in-store. Click to log in or create My Account.

2. Pre-Screening Tests

Our technician will guide you through five screening tests to better understand your visual health. The complete eye exam will also look for early signs of serious eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts.

Below are the 5 Pre-Screening Tests included in your exam:

• Retinal Evaluation

After administering the tests, you will be guided to a private and sanitized room to test your prescription with an Acuities & Refraction Exam. This exam is performed virtually through our telehealth technology.

3. Slit Lamp Examination

This assessment is also performed by our technician, as required. Its goal is to evaluate the health of the front of the eye where cataracts and dry eye syndrome can develop.

4. Final Review & Prescription

An independent licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist will evaluate your test results in order to create your vision assessment and write your new prescription.

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Overview: Eye Exams & Costs

The average cost of an eye exam is about $95. However, they can vary from about $50 to $250.

Unfortunately, about 30 million people in the United States dont have health insurance. Additionally, many insurance plans do not include vision benefits.

An annual eye exam will help keep you up-to-date with your vision care. Routine eye exams will help detect vision problems such as eye strain, astigmatism, myopia , hyperopia , and other age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration. They can also help monitor your overall health and detect symptoms of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health problems.

However, there are still several options for people who dont have insurance but need an eye exam. You can go to your local eye optometrist or visit an eye doctor in a large chain store like Walmart, Target, or Costco. Many retail vision providers will charge less than $100, while independent eye doctors may charge more. An eye exam’s average cost without insurance is around $200 for a new patient and $100-$150 for an established patient.

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Optometrists At Costco Versus Elsewhere

Eye doctors at Costco arent usually employees of the company. Instead, theyre known as independent doctors of optometry. The term doctor of optometry is just another name for an optometrist.

In a retail setting like Costco, an independent doctor is one who is associated with a particular store but practices on their own. This is how most retail stores work with eye doctors in the U.S.

For the most part, independent doctors set their own prices, which is why Costcos eye exams arent the same price at every club. But these doctors have an understanding that customers expect a lower exam price, so they are usually priced on the affordable side.

Costco Carries A Wide Variety Of Designer Sunglasses

Ray-Ban sunglasses at Costco.com

In addition to a wide range of eyeglasses brands, Costco Optical offers a variety of top names in sunglasses including Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, Oakley and more. The Ray-Bans you see above start at $84.99.

Costco Optical also offers the following designer sunglasses along with Kirkland Signature options:

Costco also offers its own brand of contact lenses. The Kirkland Signature Daily Disposable 90-pack costs $58.99 per box and includes 90 disposable lenses.

Meanwhile, you can see how Costcos prices compare to a variety of other sellers, including 1-800 Contacts, Lens.com and LensDirect.com, in our comparison here.

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The Time Spent At A Costco Eye Exam

On average, it takes about 30-minutes to one hour to complete an eye exam at Costco. As you can imagine, numerous factors impact the amount of time a patient spends in the office for their vision tests.

To add to the convenience, you can purchase lenses, frames, and contact lenses in-store after your eye exam. However, the option to buy online is also available.

If you plan to purchase your corrective products in-store, the length of the appointment can take considerably longer. Plan to spend an hour or two in the Vision Center for the entire process if you are buying prescription glasses or contact lenses.

How Do Costco Prices Stack Up

According to a recent study by Consumer Reports, people who bought eyeglasses at Costco had an average out-of-pocket cost of $184.

In many cases this number was hundreds of dollars less than what respondents paid at stores like Lens Crafters or a boutique eyewear store.

Costco also has an ongoing promotion that gets you $30 off ANY additional pair of eyeglasses when you buy 1 complete pair of prescription eyeglasses.

The $30 savings is a good deal if you want to have a spare pair lying around.

The study also concluded that Walmart and Sams Club have very competitive prices as well.

Also, a Costco Optical employee on this Reddit thread said that Costco only marks up frames, contacts, and lenses at 1% over cost.

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How Much Is An Eye Test At Costco In Uk

If youre uninsured or dont have insurance that covers eye exams, you can still get an eye exam at Costco. A standard eye exam at Costco costs $50 without insurance, but prices can vary depending on the provider.

Costco eye exams can be a great way to keep your vision on point. With the help of an experienced Costco optometrist, you can ensure that your eyes are healthy and functioning properly. In addition, Costco offers a wide variety of eyewear options so that you can find the perfect pair of glasses or contacts for your individual needs. Whether you need a new prescription or just want to update your look, Costco is a great place to start your search.

Can I Bring My Own Frames To Costco

Yes, you can bring your own frames to Costco. So bring your current frames or snag a deal a pair from several online retailers such as Warby Parker, Zenni Optical, or Frames Direct.

Still, keep in mind, you can also receive a discount at Costco when you purchase multiple frames for the same person all on the same day.

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What Happens At Childrens Eye Doctor Appointments

A childs eye exam is close to an adults eye exam. After checking in at the front counter, you and your child will meet the Independent Doctor of Optometry, who will lead the exam. The optometrist will take you both into an exam room, where theyll have your child sit in a chair and discuss any vision concerns.

After your conversation, the optometrist will perform several routine eye tests, including a vision test using a child eye test chart or toddler eye exam chart, depending on your little ones age. The full eye appointment can take between an hour tdo an hour and a half. At the end, the eye doctor may prescribe glasses.

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Coverage In British Columbia

In British Columbia, the BC Medical Services Plan covers any expenses related to medical emergencies, including trauma, injuries, ocular diseases and vision impairment. However, MSP does not cover the cost of routine eye exams or eyewear.

For residents aged 65 and over, the BC Seniors Pharmacare program will help cover the cost of some ocular medications. Children aged 19 and under may also be covered by the BC Childhood Eye Health Examination Program.

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How Much Are Eye Exams At Costco

· How Much Is an Eye Exam at Costco? A Costco eye exam will generally run you somewhere in the neighborhood of $75 or $80, depending on where you live. Most major insurance is accepted. Costco Optical employs independent doctors of optometry who are located within the store or next to it in most states.

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important

Comprehensive eye exams are an important part of preventive care for your eyes. Many common eye problems are easy to manage if caught early. But if left undetected and untreated, some eye disorders could lead to macular degeneration or blindness.11

With Humana Vision, members get a comprehensive eye exam through participating providers once every 12 months with a $15 copay. The cost of vision insurance through Humana depends on your location and age. to find price estimates for where you live.

*Humana Vision plans are not available in all states.

Explore Vision

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A Closer Look At The Costco App

Costco does have an app, which I downloaded and perused. The app has an average of 2.4 out of 5 stars in the Apple App Store, based on more than 4,500 ratings. On the , the app averages about 3 stars, based on more than 32,000 ratings.

The apps Costco Optical info is identical to the information available on the website. Since the interface is identical to the website, theres no real benefit of using one over the other.

To purchase lenses or eye care products through Costco Optical, you must be a Costco member. The annual fee for a personal membership is $60. The Gold Star Executive Membership for businesses is twice as much, at $120.

If youre not already a Costco member, visit the Costco website for info on memberships.

The Costco Optical website doesnt list the cost for an eye exam, but my research tells me it averages about $75 to $80. Be sure to call your local store for pricing options.

Since Im not a Costco member, I couldnt view the exact prices of their eyewear and eye care products. Based on my research, the average cost for a pair of frames and lenses is $184.

Much of Costco Opticals website is frustratingly opaque if youre not a member. To find out exact prices, sign in to their website with your Costco membership info, or visit a Costco Optical to check out products and prices in person.

Type Of Eye Care Provider

There are three main types of eye care providers that people consider when scheduling an eye exam.

Retail stores: Your CostCos, Targets, Sams Clubs, Walmarts, and more. These stores dont specialize in eye care, but often have optical departments connected to them that offer eye exams.

Due to their arrangements with big names in retail, these departments tend to represent the most affordable option for an eye exam. Sams Club leads the pack with exams that cost around $45$50, whereas you can expect to pay about $70 or more at the bulk of the other retail contenders.

Optical chains: Unlike retail stores, optical chains do specialize in eyestheir sole purpose is to administer eye care and sell eyewear. As the chain in the name implies, they have several locations throughout the country.

Not every optical chain operates the same way. An optometrist at an optical chain location might work entirely independently from the retail armessentially stationed next-door to itor they might have a close business partnership with the eyewear shop.

Warby Parker is an exceptional case: we handle almost every aspect of the eye care experience, from conducting your exam to the designing, manufacturing, and selling of our signature glasses frames. Rather than relying on middlemen or a slew of other glasses companies, were with patients for every step of the process, and we have more than 100 brick-and-mortar stores across the country.

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Costco Eye Exam Cost & Optical Prices

Costco also has an independent Costco Eye Doctor. If you are unsure if you have vision problems because your eyes are not in pain, the optometrist has them checked. The eye doctor can detect these problems using effective methods and a comprehensive eye exam. Costco recommends taking this exam once a year.

Costco Optical: A Great Choice For Eyeglasses Eye Exams Contacts And More

Costco Optical was named the best place to buy eyeglasses, according to a 2019 Consumer Reports survey of more than 65,000 CR members.

What youre getting at Costco is a good price, and hopefully, really good customer service, says money expert Clark Howard.

The warehouse club chains optical department earned winning marks on price, service after the sale, quality of frames and lenses and more.

Here are details on what to expect if you shop at Costco Optical.

Image from Costco.com

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Have Questions Speak To An Agent

Speak to a licensed health insurance agent during business hours for help understanding your options and enrolling in coverage.

IHC Specialty Benefits, Inc., 5353 Wayzata Blvd, Ste. 300, St. Louis Park, MN, 55416 , is an independent licensed insurance agency. THIS IS A SOLICITATION OF INSURANCE BY IHCSB. Contact may be made by an insurance agent/producer or insurance company. Product availability may vary based on state. Neither IHCSB are affiliated with, connected to, or endorsed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, including the federal Medicare program. For complete listing of products, contact 1-800-MEDICARE or visitmedicare.gov. This website is operated by IHCSB and is not the Health Insurance Marketplace . In offering this website, IHCSB is required to comply with all applicable federal law.

My Costco Optical Review

The Costco Vision Center and glasses review below was completed by Vicki, cofounder of Women Who Money. She used a Costco Eye Center for an eye exam and four new pairs of glasses.

After tiring of squinting , I knew it was time to get an eye exam. I typically use local vision centers but remembered they were available at Costco also.

This was the first time I used the Costco Vision Center, and I wanted to share my initial experience in 2019 and my update two years later .

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Does Costco Optical Take Eyemed Insurance

Fewer people know that Costco also offers a variety of services, including optical care. If you have EyeMed insurance, you may be wondering if you can use it at Costco Optical. The answer is yes! Costco is considered an in-network provider for EyeMed, which means that you will receive the same level of benefits for your optical care as you would if you went to a doctor or optometrist who is in EyeMed’s network.

In other words, you’ll pay the same copayment or coinsurance for your eye exam and glasses or contact lenses, and you’ll be able to take advantage of any special deals or discounts that EyeMed offers.

Is It Possible To Make An Appointment At Costco Optical Without Health Insurance

To book an appointment at Costco Optical, you can either call the number of your local independent doctor of optometry or the Costco Warehouse directly. Costco Optical does not accept walk-in appointments, so it is always important to make sure that you have a scheduled appointment whenever you need to be seen by an optometrist.

Costco Optical is open 7 days a week and offers convenient hours on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm and on weekends from 9 am to 4 pm. Whether you want to schedule your appointment during the workweek or over the weekend, you can easily find a time that works best for you at Costco Optical.

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Costco Vision Center And Eyeglasses Review

You might know Costco as a membership warehouse club chain, providing brand-name, quality merchandise at favorable prices.

But do you know about all the specialty departments and exclusive member services they provide at hundreds of locations worldwide?

In this article, we’ll be describing and reviewing Costco’s Optical Department and eyeglasses.