3 Perks of Buying Glasses and Contacts at Costco (2024)

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Costco truly offers a one-stop shop for your vision needs.

Key points

  • Costco Optical sells brand name and Kirkland Signature glasses and contacts at a discount.
  • Costco Optical accepts most vision insurance plans and you can see an independent optometrist, saving you both time and money.
  • Costco Optical was ranked as the best place to buy eyeglasses according to Consumer Reports.

If you're in the market for new glasses or contacts, you may be wondering if Costco is a good place to buy them. After all, it sells pretty much everything else a household needs! If you're looking for the best deals possible, Costco may be the place to go. Here are just a few of the reasons why buying your eyewear there is such a good idea.

1. You'll get a great deal

Costco is known for selling their products at a discount, especially when it comes to their Kirkland Signature products. It also sells designer eyeglass frames, sunglasses brands, contacts, and other eye care products at a lower price than other retailers on glasses and contacts.

Currently, Costco's 32 ounce Clear Care Plus Cleaning & Disinfecting Solution is $24.99. The same product at Amazon sells for $39.69, a cost of almost 60% more. Costco states on its website that its high-definition lenses are clearer, thinner, and better quality, plus they come at no additional cost. If you wear glasses or contacts regularly, buying them at Costco and stocking up can save you money in the long run.

2. One-stop shop

At Costco, you can have your eyes examined in addition to perusing a wide selection of glasses and contacts. Costco Optical accepts most vision insurance plans and you can schedule an exam with its independent Doctor of Optometry. If you have a prescription from your optometrist, it can be filled at a Costco location near you. This can save you both time and money, as you won't need to make a separate appointment with an optometrist.

You also don't need to be a member to get an eye exam. But you will have to be one to buy glasses and contacts there. Costco also sells brand-name designer frames and sunglasses, standard lenses, and the latest technology in high-definition lenses.

3. Customer service

Another perk of buying glasses and contacts at Costco is that you can take advantage of the company's excellent customer service. Costco Optical was named the best place to buy eyeglasses according to a recent Consumer Reports survey. If you have any problems with your purchase, you can simply return the product to Costco for a full refund. You won't get this same level of customer service at most other optical retailers.

You can also try before you buy. Most Costco locations have an optical department where you can try on different frames and find the perfect pair for you. Just because you need glasses or contacts doesn't mean you have to break the bank. Costco offers a variety of optical products and services, including glasses, contact lenses, and even eye exams.

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3 Perks of Buying Glasses and Contacts at Costco (2024)

FAQs

3 Perks of Buying Glasses and Contacts at Costco? ›

What you're getting at Costco is a good price, and hopefully, really good customer service,” says money expert Clark Howard. The warehouse club chain's optical department earned winning marks on price, service after the sale, quality of frames and lenses and more.

Is it worth it to get prescription glasses at Costco? ›

What you're getting at Costco is a good price, and hopefully, really good customer service,” says money expert Clark Howard. The warehouse club chain's optical department earned winning marks on price, service after the sale, quality of frames and lenses and more.

What are the benefits of Costco vision? ›

Costco Optical sells brand name and Kirkland Signature glasses and contacts at a discount. Costco Optical accepts most vision insurance plans and you can see an independent optometrist, saving you both time and money. Costco Optical was ranked as the best place to buy eyeglasses according to Consumer Reports.

Is Costco a good place to get contacts? ›

Costco is the best place to order contacts overall due to its wide selection, discounted bulk prices, customer service, and unrivaled return policy. They also have the best deals for the Kirkland Signature brand. Costco's return policy is unmatched.

How does getting glasses at Costco work? ›

Yes, you need to be a member to purchase glasses or contacts at Costco Optical centers. However, you do not need to be a member to make an appointment with our in-house optometrist. For more information, visit our dedicated optical site here. Or, locate your local optical center at a Costco warehouse location near you.

Are prescriptions really cheaper at Costco? ›

In an era of skyrocketing prescription costs, Costco routinely has low prices on medications. If you're looking to cut the cost of your prescriptions, the warehouse club can be a great place to start, and you don't necessarily have to pay an annual membership fee to save.

Is Costco or Walmart cheaper for prescription glasses? ›

Costco charges $130 for high-definition progressive lenses, which, as with all Costco lenses, include an anti-reflective coating. That's about half what you'd pay at many walk-in stores. But if you need basic, plastic single-vision lenses, you can pay as little as $29 at Walmart, about half as much as at Costco.

What are the best benefits at Costco? ›

Costco offers health, dental, and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a 401(k) match. Costco pays 80% of the cost of insurance premiums for part-time employees and 90% for full-time employees. Many online reviewers compare the Costco employee benefits to Starbucks benefits.

What are the extra benefits of Costco membership? ›

Executive Members earn an annual 2% Reward (up to $1,000) on qualified Costco, Costco.com and Costco Travel** purchases, as well as greater discounts on Costco Services, such as lower prices on check printing and identity protection, and free roadside assistance for vehicles covered through the auto insurance program.

How much are progressive lenses at Costco? ›

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Lenses at Costco?
Lens PricesSingle VisionProgressive
RX-able.com$28/pair$58/pair
Costco$91/pair$160/pair
*In most cases, Rx-able.com edges new lenses in your frame within 24 hours of receiving your frame.
Dec 2, 2020

How long does it take to get prescription contacts at Costco? ›

Please allow 1-4 days for processing once your prescription has been received by the pharmacy. After your order has been processed, it can be delivered to your home in 6-14 days.

Is it cheaper to get glasses or contacts? ›

Eyeglasses generally are cheaper than contact lenses over the long term. You don't need to replace glasses as often (unless you break them!) and if your prescription changes over time, you may be able to keep your current frames and just replace the lenses.

Will Costco adjust glasses for free? ›

Costco will repair or adjust your glasses whether you bought them at Costco or elsewhere. If the repairs needed are minor, Costco offers the services for free.

What is the guarantee on Costco glasses? ›

Non-prescription glasses (such as sunglasses or over-the-counter reading glasses) are not custom made and are therefore protected by Coscto's 100% satisfaction guarantee return policy. These types of glasses can be returned at any time for any reason.

Is Costco Optical cheaper than LensCrafters? ›

Generally, Costco Optical will offer you a better price than LensCrafters when you buy glasses or contact lenses. However, depending on what your vision insurance plan covers, you may be less satisfied overall with the quality of the product.

What is Costco prescription fee? ›

Pharmacy Average Dispensing Fee Charged Costco $4.46 Express Scripts Pharmacy (ESI) $9.00 London Drugs $9.62 DRUGStore Pharmacy.

Is Costco or CVS cheaper? ›

CVS: Prices. When it comes to pricing, Costco has lower prices across the board, including on prescription medications. Costco offers a wide range of generic and brand-name drugs at discounted rates, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money on their prescriptions.

Are prescriptions cheaper at Walgreens or Costco? ›

When it comes to pricing, Costco has a clear advantage over Walgreens. Like their other products, Costco has lower prices across the board. In addition, you don't need to pay for a membership to enjoy the perks of Costco's savings and get your prescription filled at Costco.

How can I pay less for prescription glasses? ›

Below, we review five ways to save money when shopping for prescription glasses.
  1. Buy prescription glasses online. ...
  2. Compare prices, discounts, and promos. ...
  3. Use your HSA or FSA to buy prescription glasses. ...
  4. Sign up for a vision plan and use its discounts. ...
  5. Take advantage of BOGO glasses discounts.
Nov 16, 2022

What is the average price of progressive lenses? ›

Average cost of progressive lenses

Compared to the slightly lower cost of bifocal lenses, the average consumer pays between $150 and $250 for their progressive lenses. For this price range, you should be able to purchase a decent set of progressive lenses.

Who makes Costco eyeglass lenses? ›

The Kirkland Signature lenses are produced by the world's leading lens manufacturers such as Essilor, Hoya, and Zeiss. Costco is a leading retailer of eyeglass lenses, and it offers a range of high-quality lenses from some of the world's leading manufacturers.

Is the $120 Costco membership worth it? ›

The Costco Executive Membership is worth the money for every Costco customer,” he said. “The main benefit of the membership is it provides a 2% reward on all Costco purchases.” Depending on your spending habits, he said you might be able to earn enough rewards to cancel out the membership cost.

What position at Costco pays the most? ›

Staff Pharmacist

How do I get a free Costco membership? ›

Costco doesn't offer free or discounted memberships, but rest assured that the cost of membership can be recovered quickly thanks to massive price savings once you start shopping.

Can I have 3 people on my Costco membership? ›

A total of two people can be on a Gold Star Membership (either regular or Executive): one Primary Member and one free household member who is over 18 and lives at the same address.

What discounts do Costco members get? ›

No annual fee. 2% cash back on Costco and Costco.com purchases. 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases. 4% cash back at Costco Gas, and EV charging.

How much do you need to spend at Costco to make membership worth it? ›

How much you'd need to spend to make Costco Executive Membership worthwhile. In order to receive $60 in reward dollars and recoup the $60 more that an Executive Membership costs, one must spend $3,000 over the course of the year at Costco on eligible purchases, an average of $250 a month.

Are premium progressive lenses worth it? ›

premium progressive lenses? If the price is a factor, opt for standard progressive lenses. However, if you have a complicated prescription or need customized lenses, premium progressive lenses are the better option. Either way, the new glasses will help get your vision back on track.

Are progressive lenses more expensive than regular lenses? ›

Progressive lenses cost a bit more than other multifocal lenses. Compared to bifocals and trifocals, progressives may seem like an expensive option. But given their convenient, streamlined design and the fact that they correct vision at so many distances, most wearers find the price to be worth it.

Is $200 expensive for glasses? ›

The average price for new glasses is between $200 and $300.

You can shop for the best price if you don't have insurance to help pay for them.

How much does Costco charge for contact lens fitting? ›

A routine eye exam is $90. A contact lens exam is $120 or $140 depending on the complexity of your fit, and we charge $40 to train new contact lens wearers.

Who makes Kirkland contact lenses? ›

Kirkland Signature Premium Daily Disposable 90 PK (Same as MyDay Daily Disposable 90PK) are Daily Disposable contact lenses. They are made of Silicone Hydrogel and are manufactured by CooperVision.

How much do contact lenses cost? ›

Table of Contents. Generally, they cost between $20 and $30 a box. Most people with average prescriptions should be able to get a year's worth of contact lenses for $200 to $500. The price range for contacts can feel broad, but they have a highly variable price tag depending on a lot of factors.

Can you use insurance with Costco contact lenses? ›

Costco Optical now accepts most vision insurance plans. Please ask your local Costco Optical department for details. Discount plans are not eligible.

Can you order lenses only at Costco? ›

Yes, Costco Optical now offers a variety of contact lenses online exclusively for Costco members!

What brand is Kirkland daily contacts? ›

Costco's Kirkland "Premium Dailies Disposable" or just "Daily Disposable" contact lenses are manufactured by CooperVision. "Kirkland Signature 1-day disposable" lenses are actually CooperVision MyDay one-day disposable contact lenses which are re-branded (or privately labeled) by Kirkland Signature.

Do you get better vision with glasses or contacts? ›

However, when wondering, 'Contact lenses vs. glasses: which provides better vision? ', contacts are usually the answer. Since they go on your eyes, they offer superior front and peripheral vision.

Do contacts give you 20 20 vision? ›

Contact lenses, like eyeglasses, can improve visual acuity beyond 20/20, with some contact lens wearers reporting acuities of 20/10 when wearing their contacts. Approximately 45 million Americans wear contact lenses, making them the second most popular form of vision correction.

Why can I see better with contacts instead of glasses? ›

They produce a more “natural” field of vision.

Because they sit on the surface of your eyes and move with them, contact lenses provide seamless vision correction. Their benefits extend to your peripheral vision and they won't have the same types of visual disruptions that glasses do, such as reflections or fogginess.

How long does it take to get glasses at Costco? ›

It takes 5–7 business days from the time you order them. You can get your prescription and order your glasses all in the same day. Are the "best buys" at Costco consistent each week or do you have to watch for them?

Can I bring my own glasses 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.

Will Costco put new lenses in old frames? ›

You can bring in any old Rx frame for Costco to update but you'll be charged a small fee for it, can't remember the amount but there is a fee. ... The lens center that Costco uses may not be able to update the lenses for whatever reason like size or shape.

Can I return my contacts to Costco? ›

If you are not completely satisfied with your Costco.com contact lens order, simply return your order to the Optical Department of any Costco location. There's no need to wait in the general returns line at the warehouse.

How long are prescription glasses guaranteed? ›

Guarantee vary from product to product and can even vary for the components. Usually lenses have one year, frames one or two years, accessories one year warranty. But it is possible to extend it by paying an extra fee if it is worth.

Do glasses warranty cover loss? ›

- Current prescription must be valid at the time of replacement of lenses. - Warranties do not cover lost or stolen eyeglasses.

Are glasses and contacts cheaper at Costco? ›

You'll get a great deal. Costco is known for selling their products at a discount, especially when it comes to their Kirkland Signature products. It also sells designer eyeglass frames, sunglasses brands, contacts, and other eye care products at a lower price than other retailers on glasses and contacts.

Who is cheaper for glasses Costco or Walmart? ›

But if you need basic, plastic single-vision lenses, you can pay as little as $29 at Walmart, about half as much as at Costco. These retailers got high marks from readers, with Costco, our top-rated eyeglass retailer, edging out Walmart in several areas, including the quality of frames and lenses and follow-up service.

Are Costco glasses cheaper than LensCrafters? ›

Price. The median cost for glasses at Costco was $186, while the median price at LensCrafters was $369. (That cost is based on members who didn't have insurance.) The warehouse club chain also scored well on the quality of the frames it sells and follow-up service, according to consumer website Clark.com.

How long does it take for Costco to prepare prescription glasses? ›

It takes 5–7 business days from the time you order them. You can get your prescription and order your glasses all in the same day. Are the "best buys" at Costco consistent each week or do you have to watch for them?

What if I am unhappy with Costco glasses? ›

Whether or not you have used your lenses, you can simply take them directly to Costco Optical and request a refund. You can return contact lenses in store at a Costco Optical location or online through Costco.com.

How much do Costco progressive lenses cost? ›

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Lenses at Costco?
Lens PricesSingle VisionProgressive
RX-able.com$28/pair$58/pair
Costco$91/pair$160/pair
*In most cases, Rx-able.com edges new lenses in your frame within 24 hours of receiving your frame.
Dec 2, 2020

How much does a good pair of eyeglasses cost? ›

Because of this, glasses prices for corrective eyewear can cost anywhere from $50 to $1,000 or more. On average, prescription glasses cost around $200, though insurance can determine the final price.

What vision plans are accepted at Costco? ›

I decided to dig a little deeper and discovered that Costco accepts the following insurance plans:
  • VSP.
  • EyeMed.
  • Davis Vision.
  • VBA Vision.
  • FEP BlueVision.
  • MES Vision.
  • United Healthcare.
  • Spectera.
Sep 26, 2022

Can I get glasses at Costco without an exam? ›

You can buy glasses without getting an eye exam at Costco Optical. Though most people have their eyes examined and then pick out frames at the same location, there's no obligation to do both at Costco Optical.

Can I bring my own glasses 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.

Can you negotiate for eyeglasses? ›

Negotiate

If you find better prices as you search, call or visit the store where you originally discovered your favorite frames and ask it to match your lowest price.

Is it better to get progressive lenses? ›

If you only have a hard time seeing things up close, you might just need reading glasses, which you use whenever you read or use the computer. However, if your vision is blurry enough that you can't see near or far things, a progressive set of lenses might be a better option.

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