Another Trip to Costco Optical

June 5th, 2009 · 40 Comments

If you’ve never been to Costco’s optical department, and need glasses or contacts, you really should check it out. They have very competitive prices on contact lenses and extremely good prices on high quality glasses. I went last year to get a new pair of glasses and it was the best result I’ve ever received. My glasses were perfect the first time, which is good since they order them and it takes at least a week to get them to the store.

It’s been a while since Dave has gotten new glasses, so I finally talked him into getting them recently. We were both in need of contact lenses too. So, after going to our eye doctor and getting our prescriptions renewed (Dave’s eyes actually got better which completely seems unfair to me), we went to the optical department at Costco.

Dave's new Costco glasses

Dave really likes the way my completely frameless glasses look and wanted something similar. After looking and looking, and trying on everything that was frameless or even mostly frameless Dave found a pair that worked for his face and felt nice on too. Funny enough, he picked out the exact same pair that I got; we didn’t realize this until his actually arrived and we got them home. Oh well, maybe no one else will notice. Though, this makes comparing the price from last years purchase really easy. Dave’s were $10.00 higher because he got the Transitions lenses (these are the ones that darken when out in the sun) and I didn’t. The total price for the frame and lenses was $199.96. Here’s how the cost breaks down for his glasses:

Transistions polycarbonate lenses: $79.99
Anti-Reflective treatment: $29.99
Lens edge polished: $9.99
Totally Rimless frame: $79.99

The lenses are a very lightweight material and are good because they are scratch resistant and also have a UV coating. The anti-reflective treatment is really a necessity for Dave because he works at a computer all day, so this will make it a little less stressful on his eye. He also went with the Transitions lenses because he wears his glasses quite a bit and it’s nice to have that sunglasses-like protection for your eyes when in bright sunlight. Now, these aren’t the lenses from the 70s that looked funny and weren’t all that great because they changed tint so slowly and would even get tinted when it certain interior lighting conditions. These are actually pretty quick about the transition from clear to a nice grey tint (in Dave’s case, though you can get brown too) that looks just like sunglasses, and then back again when not in the sun. I must admit, I kind of wish that I had gotten them too now since they don’t look so bad anymore. The edge polishing is the last expense that might need explained. This is something that is only necessary if your lenses won’t have a frame of some sort around the edges. They polish the edges which gives the lenses a cleaner look (especially if you have a very strong prescription) when in a rimless frame; makes the edge less noticeable.

We ordered Dave’s new glasses on May 23rd and they arrived on June 1st, just 10 days later (including weekends), so it was really pretty quick. He’s really happy with the new eyewear. And they look and fit perfectly.

We also ordered a year’s supply of contact lenses for us both. Costco was having a rebate offer on 8 boxes of lenses, where you get a $30.00 rebate; a little more than one box free basically. We both got Accuve Oasys lenses. I would highly recommend them for computer users because they are the moistest lenses and really do keep eye fatigue to a minimum when looking at a computer screen all day long. In any case, each box of 6 lenses is $25.83, which is less than the eye doctor charges for them. Someone that I know who works in an ophthalmologist’s office, says she buys her lenses at Costco too because they are easily the best deal in town. To qualify for the rebate we each needed to buy 4 boxes for each eye, thus totaling 8 boxes (for each of us), which cost $206.64. And then each of us will get a $30.00 rebate, so the amount will be just $176.64 for our lenses. And the good news is that if we need to change our prescription within a year but still have unopened boxes of lenses, we can exchange them for the new strength. Which is very cool of Costco, I think.

The pricing here is specifically for the Accuvue Oasys, they have a few other brands and can possibly order other ones too, but the prices range from $13.85 to $30.00 for the various types of contact lenses they stock in the store. I wonder what the super low cost ones are, I didn’t notice them in the case. The majority of lenses seem to be priced around $18 – $26 per box.

You can find out a little more about Costco Optical on their website, unfortunately, they don’t have their frames online for you to browse. You can also read more about how Costco Optical stacks up to its competitors in the March 2008 edition of the Costco Connection.

Tags: Health & Beauty

40 Responses so far ↓

1 Rickie M. // 2009.06.05 at 11:25 am

I got a pair of prescription sunglasses from them recently and everything was first-rate. Even with having insurance, it is often cheaper to go to Costco without it than to go to a regular optometrist with the insurance since the regular optometrists have such a huge markup on the frames and additional services.
2 Colleen // 2009.06.05 at 3:27 pm

The cheapest contacts at $13.85 a box are the Acuvue 2 lenses. I bought them from Costco Optical myself just a couple months ago. The nice thing was that with such a great price, I could keep the cost of a full year of Acuvue 2 lenses under the max benefit for cosmetic contact lenses my vision plan offers, which meant I had money left in my pocket to buy glasses later.

My husband uses Acuvue Oasys, and at the time we filled the prescription at Costco they were offering a store coupon for those lenses ON TOP OF the $30 rebate, so it was a terrific deal!
3 Marco // 2009.06.08 at 4:47 pm

I just purchased new prescription glasses from Costco and I am really happy with them. I have an HSA Card which acts as a credit card. You can actually use the card to cover your prescription needs but you must call the bank who gives you the “credit card” to get a PIN number from them. Worked like a charm for me.
4 Maria // 2009.06.13 at 11:27 am

Went with Hubby for his and was so impressed that after 2 years of pain that three other very expensive opth and neuro-opth told me was not related to my eyes I decided to make an appointment. Guess what? I needed reading glasses! I’m back to reading two books a week (could barely get through four in a year) and I am finally ready to go back to work. Didn’t cure the whole problem but fixed about 80% of it! The price was great and the Doctor cared enough to listen. I’m a walking ad for Costco Optical!
5 Kimberly // 2009.06.16 at 1:26 pm

Hey Maria, glad you got your situation all figured out & the doctor was so good. Now you can buy lots of good books at Costco, of course.
6 Pat // 2009.07.30 at 2:54 pm

I’ve been re-using my expensive Calvin Klein frames for a few years, and I get the lenses replaced at Costco. I just replaced them last month and it costed a total of about $128. I dropped off the frames on Saturday, and picked them up on Thursday. I got the anti-reflective coating ($30) and high index lenses (80). They charge $18 for using your own frames. So cheap. Last year, I brought in my other frames to the opt., he charged $50 for using my frames and the total came out to more than $300. Even with insurance coverage, I had to shell out a lot out of pocket.
7 Kimberly // 2009.07.31 at 9:36 am

Thanks for the tip on reusing frames, Pat. Good to know that you can do that at Costco for such a small fee; I didn’t know you could.
8 Nomie // 2009.09.16 at 12:38 pm

Does anyone know what the cost is for Costco polarized lenses?
9 Debbie // 2009.09.30 at 9:17 pm

I just bought two pair of new glasses from Costco on 9-23. The polarized polycarbonate lenses in brown were $54.99 in addition to the cost of the frames which I paid $59.99 for. The polycarbonate clear lenses were $43.99.
10 KAREN // 2009.10.03 at 11:25 am

WAS THIS WRITTEN BY A COSTCO CEO? LOL!!!
11 Dave // 2009.10.03 at 5:06 pm

@Karen, this whole site is the personal blog of a happy Costco customer.
12 Robin // 2009.10.04 at 3:23 am

When I got my last glasses at Costco I also used a wire frames I’d never worm because another optometrist has put in bad lenses.

I was told the service charge is because they have templates for the frames they carry, but have to special cut the lenses if you use your own frames.

I remember a while back reading an article in Consumer Reports that gave Costco’s optometry department high ratings.
13 Donna // 2009.12.10 at 12:02 pm

My daughter wants contacts and the optometrist wants $175 just for the fitting. We already got the exam which was covered by insurance. Does anyone know whether Costco has that service and how much it costs?
14 Kimberly // 2009.12.10 at 2:36 pm

Donna, a lot of Costco locations have optometrists that can perform things like exams and fittings for contacts. It just depends on whether that is available at your location or not. You can find information about the Costco optical department on their website, including which locations have optometrists here: http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePage.aspx?ProductNo=11173263. These are independent doctors, that are not Costco employees though.
15 Bob // 2010.02.01 at 3:30 pm

I have never had a WORSE optical experience than the one I just had at Costco. The optomistrist didn’t LISTEN and it took me three appointments (visits) just to get my eyes checked because he didn’t LISTEN. Turns out my eyes didn’t change and the optomistrist still screwed up the presription. Then when I wen to pick up my $500 order of two pair of glasses and two boxes of contacts, they never adjusted the glasses. The process took over four weeks which I considered unacceptable. I will only go back to get one of the glass prescriptions corrected so I can see with my new ones as well as I can with my old ones.
16 Kimberly // 2010.02.02 at 9:20 am

I’ve never used the optometrists that are associated with a Costco location. Of course, they don’t work for Costco and aren’t really part of the Costco in any way either, as I understand it.

Sorry to hear that you had such a lousy experience though.
17 Ginger // 2010.04.14 at 12:42 pm

Hi Bob, I’m very sorry to hear about your experience. I am a licensed optician at Costco Optical. We do strive to make our members happy, and we will make every effort to resolve any issues or concerns you may have. Our doctor’s of optometry are independant however, Costco will listen! I’m not exactly sure what happened in your situation (not enough info posted). It sounds like maybe the doctor had changed your Rx? If this is the case, then naturally we will need to remake your lenses (Dr remakes are done at no charge to our members as a courtesy) and this can explain why it took longer..? Sometimes this can happen and (by all means) we are not perfect, but we do want to correct any mistakes and keep our member’s happy! I can’t explain why they didn’t adjust your eyeglasses to fit you, but they should have. Unless a friend/family member picked your eyeglasses up for you, therefore we cannot adjusted them to fit without your being there. Regardless, if your not happy with the service you received at the eye doctor/optical dept call or stop in to speak to a warehouse mgr and/or optical manager. Hope this info helps.
18 Lisa // 2011.01.17 at 3:32 pm

I just called my local Costco and the person said Costco stopped selling rimless frames, probably because the lenses cracked all the time and Costco had to replace them for free.
19 Kimberly // 2011.01.18 at 7:04 am

@Lisa – I thought they had stopped selling them because I couldn’t find any rimless frames the last time I was there (in the US). Neither my husband or I have had any problems with cracks or breakage of the lenses and we wear them all the time. I can’t imagine what people are doing with them to break them. I guess if you throw them down on the unprotected edges you might chip them.
20 Sophia // 2011.01.19 at 12:52 am

well, costco is the best for contacts, but others, i got doubt. My optometrist charge me $89 for my exam. Since i have VSP, the price drops to $69. Cheaper than costco but “professional” service. As for glasses, go to zenniopticals.com. their glasses are from $6.95 and 4.95 shipping for the entire order. polycarbon +$9.00, color +$4.95, anti-reflexive coating +$4.95. those are the only ones i use, other services, go to their website. My came out around $30-$40. I know, I am cheap. can’t help it. I am a broke student
21 Carol // 2011.02.17 at 9:48 pm

After 43 fabulous years of vision – I need glasses! I visited by preferred provider and the Dr. determined my need. My insurance absolutely sucks, so I am turning to Costco as it appears from the previous posts that the prices are lower even without my insurance. The really bad thing is that the Dr. office is holding my prescription hostage until the insurance pays their share of my bill. I think it is a ploy for me to buy at their clinic – but I will refuse this – mostly for spite, but because it seems I can get a reasonable deal at Costco even without insurance. Since this is my first experience, I assume that I bring my prescription to the counter and they will help me pick out frames that will accomodate my needs? Do they have people that will help a newbie? So far my costs from the eye doc would be $236.00 PLUS the cost of the frames. Ouch! I just want to be sure that the Costco folks will help a person who has only worn sunglasses – Also, does the purchase count toward the 2% cash back?
22 Es // 2011.05.24 at 6:07 pm

The optometrist was very nice. Glasses kind of pricey since I got a brand name. Glasses vendor( not sure what to call them) manager extremely rude . I do not look forward to seeing her again. Will avoid her for the nice lady.
23 Bill // 2011.05.30 at 2:19 am

I had been happy with the one in Sacramento 2 years ago and had a 10AM appointment – the first of the day. Because of traffic and parking I got in at 10:05 and he was seeing another patient.

He had apparently double-booked my time slot so I left.

That’s the last time I will be going there.
24 Maka // 2011.06.01 at 12:00 pm

I visit the optical store at Costco in Greensboro, NC. Although I don’t buy eyeglasses from the store, I go there to get my reading glasses adjusted from time to time. The sales associate does a wonderful job in adjusting them for me free!! She is always happy to do it and never once complains! It is indeed nice to work with such wonderful people!
25 Fan // 2011.07.10 at 11:16 pm

Maka, why don’t you have the dealer whom you purchased your glasses from adjust them. Seems unfair to freeload off Costco when you didn’t patronize them with your purchase. Although Costco is more than generous, what does that say about you? Just sayin.
26 Carla // 2011.07.26 at 11:50 am

Really Bad Glasses at Costco

I bought a 3 pack of reading glasses at Costco and they were amazingly bad. One pair I wore once and the ear pieces came unscrewed and fell off. A second pair the ear piece just hangs loosely. The third pair still works for now.

Previously, I bought a five pack and 2 of the 5 glasses were bad. In one case a lens fell out and wouldn’t stay in. In the other case the nose pads fell off leaving sharp points.

Both sets of glasses were made in China.

It makes you feel so ripped off, because I’m not going to drive miles to get back $25, but I’m never going to buy this junk again.
27 Kat // 2011.08.17 at 12:43 am

Curiousity if anybody knows if optical purchases count towards your executive rebate? Doesn’t overly matter either way Costco is way cheaper than using my insurance(really almost anywhere is cheaper and better than the requisite lenscrafters). Thanks for the info!
28 Kimberly // 2011.08.17 at 3:54 am

@Kat – An optical purchase should be covered by the 2% reward for executive members. They do have a list of specific things that aren’t covered that you can find here: http://shop.costco.com/en/Services/Executive-Rewards/Terms-and-Conditions.aspx.
29 Debby // 2011.08.27 at 9:22 pm

Acuvue Oasys: I have purchased these contacts for many years from my eye doctor with absolutely no problems. This year I decided to save about 50″% by purchasing them through Costcos. A huge mistake to say the least.

These 30 day contacts in which I could normally extend well past, are not the same contacts and quality as that of your physician. I am fortunate if I can get them to last a week much less a month. This last box of 6 lasted only 4 days as three of them ripped within minutes of each other.

My guess is that they are getting cheap immitations from the same place as Contacts.com gets theirs. Stay away from contacts at Costcos is all I can say.
30 Debby // 2011.08.27 at 9:32 pm

PS, I forgot to mention that my Oasys contacts are not the same prescription strength as that of my doctor’s office either. Strange, the box says they are the same but they most definately are not. My eyes haven’t changed and I ordered them within a couple of weeks of my exam.
31 Eddy // 2011.09.01 at 4:44 pm

me and my fiance both purchased transition lenses and i’ve did the research online, and we both have had our glasses for quite some time, we rotate from glasses to contacts on a regular so there in fine shape…..we both started seeing cracks on our lenses not in them but you can tell it was the coating, its more like little bubbles……so my fiance took hers in because the were causing her so much trouble and she was told that they were doing that because of the sun and that there was nothing that they can do about it……but excuse me, isn’t that what the transition lenses are for???……mine now have gotten so bad that when i take my glasses off, my vision is completely out of wack, and i can no longer take it anymore, so i’m going to go in and speak with someone on this matter, because there is no way that anyone’s lenses should be doing this, i also researched it online and it is a know problem……i also called and left a message with Kathy or Kim at the corporate office but have yet to hear back from her…..so i guess we’ll see what happens when i go in……hopefully it will be a pleasant experience and the issue is resolved….
32 cyd- salt lake city // 2011.11.15 at 8:36 pm

I’m taking my prescription glasses back to Costco I’ve had them 6 weeks & a couple of weeks ago I noticed cracks all around the edge of the lenses. I’m so irritated, I have my glasses that I purchased at Shopko optical 5 yrs ago & they are in great shape. I know it’s not my fault I take very good care of my glasses. I hope this is something that just happened and doesn’t continue to happen. I will keep you posted. I have the plastic Lucky frames, lenses are the most expensive without the darkening when you go in the sunlight.
33 James Twitchell // 2012.01.03 at 9:28 am

I too am having trouble with the lens surface cracks. They start to show up after several months and get really bad after a year. Have been told this is not covered and they will do nothing to help me. It’s definatly some coating that cracks, would love to know EXACTLY what the cause is!
34 Kimberly // 2012.01.08 at 6:17 am

@James – I haven’t had any problems with my lenses cracking and have had my glasses for almost 4 years and my husband has had his for almost 3 years. Dave’s glasses are frameless also. After about a year of having his glasses he had a problem with the Transitions lenses that looked like that coating was peeling off the lenses but Costco did end up replacing the lenses for him and he hasn’t had that problem with the new pair, not even a little hint of it. Maybe we can figure out what the bad coating is if we can eliminate what you have differently than mine. I have the thin polycarbonate lenses with: UV coating, scratch resistant coating, and the anti-reflective coating. Then Dave has the Transitions polycarbonate lenses with the same coatings, so his big difference is just that he has the Transitions lenses.
35 Julie ! // 2012.01.15 at 7:09 pm

So I just ordered glasses yesterday 1-14-12 , and they didn’t tell me when it will be done and if it is going to be delivered in my mail box or do we pick it up . Please Answer ! Thanks !
36 Kimberly // 2012.01.15 at 7:23 pm

@Julie – You’ll need to go in to the store to pick them up. They also do a fitting to make sure that they are correct and sit on your face properly too. It’s about 7 – 10 days for them to get the finished glasses back but make sure to call them before you go in to pick them up….just to double check.
37 Amy // 2012.01.27 at 9:15 pm

The contact lenses at Costco are bought directly from the various manufacturers, all of whom have a longstanding relationship with the company. Acuvue Oasys is a 14 day lens according to both the manufacturer and the FDA, so y0ur problem is possibly related to habitually wearing them for 30+ days. Virtually every patient I’ve ever seen who complains about repeated lens tearing is a chronic overwearer.
38 Linda // 2012.02.04 at 1:28 pm

I am very disappointed in Costco Optical. I chose them because my husband had purchased glasses there. I got mine right after Thanksgiving. The day after Christmas I went to put them on and found a stress crack in the lens. I returned to Costco and they replaced the lens leaving me without glasses for a week. Almost a month to the day at the end of January I found another stress crack in the lens. I again returned to Costco and was told that the polycarbonate lens had a tenancy to do that in some frames. I could either have it replaced and the frame not as tight around the lens (which meant the lens could come out) or upgrade to the hi-index lens for an extra $30.00. I chose to upgrade and waited the week. When they called and I went to pick them up, the lady started cleaning them and then looked at me with a funny look. It seemed that there was a severe scratch on the lens that had not been caught at the lab or when they were received at the store – so again, I am waiting another week for a replacement lens. I am hoping that when I do get them back this solves the problem but I can say that I will never purchase glasses there again and have told everyone I know. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT after spending so much money.
39 Stanley // 2012.03.08 at 1:55 pm

Hi i wa thinking to replace my regular plan glasses with transition/photocromatic ones…can anybody advise me on this and please let me know the cost if i use my own frame.
40 Stanley // 2012.03.08 at 1:56 pm

Sorry , i misspelled its regualr plain glasses