Can you get an eye exam, glasses, or contact lenses at Costco in the United States? This guide explains Costco Optical eye exams, membership requirements, eyeglasses, contact lenses, vision insurance, prescriptions, progressive lenses, high-index lenses, and current price references.
Costco Optical USA Guide｜Eye Exams, Glasses, Contact Lenses, Membership, Insurance & Prices
If you live in the United States and need a new eye exam, prescription glasses, or contact lenses, Costco Optical is one option worth considering.
Costco does more than sell eyeglasses.
Many Costco warehouses have an Independent Doctor of Optometry located inside or next to the store, where customers can schedule a comprehensive eye exam. After receiving a prescription, Costco members can shop for glasses at Costco Optical or order contact lenses through Costco.
However, first-time customers can easily get confused.
A Costco eye exam, buying glasses from Costco Optical, and ordering contact lenses through Costco are actually separate services, and the rules for membership, insurance, and prescriptions are not exactly the same.
Here is what to know before you go.
Costco Optical USA Quick Guide
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Can you get an eye exam at Costco? | Yes, many locations have an Independent Doctor of Optometry |
| Do you need Costco membership for an eye exam? | Usually no |
| Do you need membership to buy Costco glasses? | Yes |
| Do you need membership to buy contact lenses? | Yes |
| Can you bring a prescription from another doctor? | Yes, as long as it is valid |
| Does Costco offer progressive lenses? | Yes, usually through the in-store Optical Department |
| Does Costco offer Transitions lenses? | Yes |
| Does Costco offer high-index lenses? | Yes |
| Does Costco Optical accept insurance? | Many locations accept certain vision insurance plans |
| Can online orders use vision insurance directly? | Costco currently states that online orders do not directly accept vision insurance |
| How long do glasses usually take? | Costco states many in-store orders take about 5–7 days |
Can You Get an Eye Exam at Costco?
Yes.
Costco provides information about comprehensive eye exams through Independent Doctors of Optometry located at or near many Costco warehouses.
This distinction is important.
The optometrist is generally not a Costco employee, which means:
-
Eye exam prices can vary
-
Insurance acceptance can vary
-
Appointment procedures can vary
-
Contact lens fitting fees can vary
Even two Costco locations in nearby cities may charge different prices for an eye exam.
Do You Need a Costco Membership for an Eye Exam?
Usually no.
Costco U.S. customer service states that customers do not need a Costco membership to visit an Independent Doctor of Optometry.
That means you may be able to:
Visit the independent optometrist
↓
Get an eye exam
↓
Receive a prescription
without becoming a Costco member.
However, if you want to purchase eyeglasses or contact lenses from Costco afterward, Costco membership is generally required.
How Do You Book a Costco Eye Exam?
Appointment procedures vary by location.
The easiest method is:
-
Find your nearest Costco warehouse.
-
Check whether it has an Optical Department and Independent Optometrist.
-
Call the optometrist directly.
-
Ask about available appointment times.
-
Confirm the price and whether your vision insurance is accepted.
If you do not have insurance, you can ask:
How much is a comprehensive eye exam without insurance?
If you wear contact lenses, also ask:
How much is a contact lens exam and fitting?
Is an Eye Exam the Same as a Contact Lens Exam?
Not exactly.
This is one of the most common points of confusion for people getting an eye exam in the United States for the first time.
A standard comprehensive eye exam is generally used to evaluate your vision and provide an eyeglasses prescription.
If you want to wear contact lenses, you may also need:
Contact Lens Exam
Contact Lens Fitting
Contact lenses require additional measurements and prescription information that may include:
-
BC
-
DIA
-
Cylinder
-
Axis
-
ADD
-
Contact lens brand
If your goal is to buy contact lenses, tell the optometrist during booking:
I also need a contact lens prescription.
That can help prevent having to schedule another appointment later.
Eyeglasses Prescriptions and Contact Lens Prescriptions Are Different
This is important.
An eyeglasses prescription cannot automatically be used to buy contact lenses.
A contact lens prescription may include:
OD / OS
Power / Sphere
BC
DIA
Cylinder
Axis
ADD
Brand
In the United States, the contact lens brand is generally part of the prescription.
That means you normally cannot simply use your nearsightedness prescription to choose any contact lens brand you want.
Can You Bring a Prescription From Another Doctor to Costco?
Yes.
If you already have a valid prescription from:
-
An optometrist
-
An ophthalmologist
-
Another optical store
-
A private eye clinic
you usually do not need to repeat your eye exam at Costco.
You can bring your valid eyeglasses prescription directly to Costco Optical and choose your frames and lenses.
This can be especially convenient for people who already have a regular eye doctor or whose insurance requires them to see another provider.
What Types of Glasses Does Costco Optical Offer?
Costco Optical offers a broad range of prescription eyewear options.
Common choices include:
-
Single Vision
-
Progressive Lenses
-
Prescription Sunglasses
-
Polarized Lenses
-
Transitions Photochromic Lenses
-
High Index Lenses
-
Designer Frames
-
Anti-Reflective Lenses
Costco currently promotes anti-reflective treatment with prescription lenses, and some Costco.com prescription lens packages also include features such as high-index 1.60 material, scratch resistance, and UV filtering.
Can People With Strong Prescriptions Use Costco Optical?
Yes, depending on the prescription.
If you have a stronger prescription, ask about High Index Lenses.
High-index lenses can often be made thinner than standard lenses at the same prescription strength.
At the Optical Department, you can ask:
Do you recommend high-index lenses for my prescription?
The optical staff can help you determine whether they are appropriate based on your prescription and frame size.
Does Costco Offer Progressive Lenses?
Yes.
If you need both distance and reading correction, Costco Optical offers progressive lens options.
For progressive, bifocal, or more complex prescriptions, visiting an in-store Costco Optical Department is usually more practical than ordering online.
Costco.com currently focuses mainly on single-vision and selected non-prescription eyewear options.
Does Costco Offer Transitions Lenses?
Yes.
Transitions photochromic lenses darken outdoors and become clearer indoors.
They can be convenient for people who spend time outside and do not want to carry a separate pair of prescription sunglasses.
Available options may vary by Costco Optical location.
How Long Does It Take to Get Costco Glasses?
Costco currently states that many in-store Optical orders take approximately 5–7 days.
Actual timing can vary depending on:
-
Prescription
-
Lens type
-
Prescription strength
-
Progressive lenses
-
High-index lenses
-
Special processing
-
Inventory
If you are traveling, moving, or leaving the United States soon, avoid ordering glasses only a few days before departure.
Does Costco Adjust Glasses?
Yes.
Costco Optical offers free adjustments.
If your glasses become:
-
Too loose
-
Too tight
-
Uncomfortable around the nose
-
Uneven
-
In need of temple adjustment
you can ask the Optical Department for assistance.
Costco also states that its optical staff may help adjust certain frames even if they were not purchased at Costco.
This can be useful for people living in the United States long term.
Can You Buy Contact Lenses at Costco?
Yes.
Costco offers contact lenses through both:
In-store Costco Optical
and
Costco Contacts Online.
Costco currently describes contact lenses as a Costco-member purchasing benefit, so membership is generally required.
Do You Need Another Eye Exam to Buy Contact Lenses at Costco?
Not necessarily.
If you already have a valid Contact Lens Prescription, you can use it.
Costco Contacts Online allows customers to provide prescription information and upload a prescription when needed.
A common process is:
Get an exam from your own optometrist
↓
Receive a Contact Lens Prescription
↓
Log in to Costco Contacts
↓
Select the prescribed brand and product
↓
Upload or verify the prescription
↓
Complete the order
You do not have to get your contact lens exam at Costco.
What Contact Lens Brands Does Costco Sell?
Costco carries many major contact lens brands and types.
Availability may include products from:
-
ACUVUE
-
CooperVision
-
Alcon
-
Bausch + Lomb
-
Daily Disposable Lenses
-
2-Week Lenses
-
Monthly Lenses
-
Astigmatism Lenses
-
Multifocal Lenses
Brands, package sizes, inventory, and promotions can change.
Who Should Consider Buying Contact Lenses at Costco?
If you are already a Costco member and regularly wear the same prescribed brand, Costco is worth including in your price comparison.
It can be particularly useful for people who buy:
-
Daily disposable lenses
-
Toric lenses for astigmatism
-
Large quantities
-
Six months or one year of lenses at a time
-
Regular replacement supplies
Even relatively small differences in box prices can add up for frequent contact lens users.
Does Costco Accept Vision Insurance?
Many Costco Optical locations accept selected vision insurance plans.
Costco currently lists certain plans that may include:
-
VSP
-
UnitedHealthcare / Spectera
-
Davis Vision
-
Superior Vision
-
NVA
-
Avesis
-
VBA
However, there is an important distinction.
Costco Optical and the Independent Doctor of Optometry are separate businesses.
That means:
Costco Optical may accept your insurance
while
the optometrist performing your eye exam may not.
It is best to confirm insurance separately with both.
Can You Use Vision Insurance on Costco.com?
Costco currently states that Costco.com does not directly accept vision insurance for online prescription glasses or contact lens purchases.
If you want to use insurance benefits, visiting an in-store Costco Optical Department may be easier.
Some eligible optical and contact lens expenses may also qualify for FSA or HSA reimbursement, depending on your individual plan.
First-Time Costco Optical Process
If you do not currently have a prescription, this is a simple way to start.
Step 1｜Find a Costco Optical Location
Locate your nearest Costco warehouse and confirm whether it has an Optical Department and Independent Optometrist.
Step 2｜Schedule an Eye Exam
Ask about:
-
Eye Exam Price
-
Contact Lens Exam Price
-
Insurance acceptance
-
Appointment availability
Step 3｜Complete Your Eye Exam
If you only need glasses:
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
If you also need contact lenses:
Ask about a Contact Lens Exam / Fitting.
Step 4｜Get Your Prescription
Make sure you receive the prescriptions you need.
These may include:
Eyeglasses Prescription
and
Contact Lens Prescription.
Step 5｜Choose Glasses at Costco Optical
You can compare:
-
Frames
-
Single Vision
-
Progressive Lenses
-
High Index Lenses
-
Transitions
-
Prescription Sunglasses
Step 6｜Place Your Order
Costco Optical staff will take the necessary measurements and complete the order.
Step 7｜Pick Up Your Glasses
Costco states that many in-store orders take around 5–7 days.
When you pick them up, you can also ask the optical staff to adjust the fit.
If You Only Need Contact Lenses
The process can be even simpler.
Valid Contact Lens Prescription
↓
Log in to Costco Contacts
↓
Choose the prescribed brand
↓
Enter prescription information
↓
Upload or verify the prescription
↓
Complete the purchase
5 Things First-Time Costco Optical Customers Often Confuse
1. An Eye Exam Is Not the Same as Buying Glasses
The eye exam is generally billed separately.
The Independent Optometrist and Costco Optical are also separate businesses.
2. You Usually Do Not Need Membership for the Eye Exam
But you generally do need Costco membership to purchase eyeglasses or contact lenses from Costco.
3. An Eyeglasses Prescription Cannot Automatically Be Used for Contact Lenses
A Contact Lens Prescription is separate.
4. Contact Lens Prescriptions Include the Brand
In the United States, buying contacts involves more than simply matching your nearsightedness power.
Brand, BC, DIA, and other specifications matter.
5. Insurance Accepted by Costco Optical May Not Be Accepted by the Eye Doctor
Always check both separately.
Who Is Costco Optical Good For?
Existing Costco Members
It can be very convenient.
You can combine an eye exam, eyewear shopping, and contact lens price comparisons with regular Costco visits.
Families Who Need Several Pairs of Glasses
Costco can also be useful for families.
If multiple family members need exams or prescription glasses, having Optical services in the same place as regular shopping can simplify the process.
Regular Contact Lens Users
Costco is worth comparing.
If you buy contact lenses throughout the year, even a small per-box price difference can become meaningful over time.
People With Strong Prescriptions
Ask about High Index Lenses.
Costco offers several prescription lens options, making it possible to compare different lens packages in person.
Tips Before Visiting Costco Optical
-
Costco eye exam prices are not standardized nationwide.
-
The Independent Optometrist and Costco Optical are separate businesses.
-
You usually do not need Costco membership for the eye exam, but membership is generally required to purchase Costco Optical products.
-
If you wear contacts, make sure you receive a Contact Lens Prescription.
-
If you already have a valid prescription, you do not necessarily need another Costco eye exam.
-
Progressive lens customers should consider visiting an in-store Optical Department.
-
If you want to use vision insurance, confirm acceptance with both Costco Optical and the optometrist.
-
Check that your prescription is still valid before ordering online.
-
Contact lens brand, BC, DIA, and other specifications should match your prescription.
-
Prices, insurance participation, frames, lenses, and inventory can vary by location and over time.
Final Thoughts: Costco Optical Can Be a Convenient Option for Eye Exams, Glasses, and Contacts in the U.S.
If you are already a Costco member, Costco Optical can be a convenient addition to your regular U.S. shopping routine.
If you need a new eye exam, you can schedule an appointment with an Independent Doctor of Optometry.
If you already have a prescription, you can go directly to Costco Optical and shop for frames.
And if you regularly wear contact lenses, Costco Contacts Online can be another place to compare prices and reorder your prescribed lenses.
The most important thing is to understand the difference between the three services:
Eye Exam is the medical vision exam.
Costco Optical is where members purchase prescription glasses.
Costco Contacts is where members purchase contact lenses.
They are connected to the Costco shopping experience, but membership requirements, fees, insurance, and prescription rules are not identical.
Once you understand that distinction, getting new glasses or reordering contact lenses in the United States becomes much easier.
Image Sources: Costco Wholesale, Costco Optical, Costco Contacts official websites and publicly available information.
Disclaimer:
This article provides general consumer and lifestyle information about Costco Optical, Costco Contacts, and eye exams in the United States. It does not constitute medical advice. Independent Doctors of Optometry operate separately, so eye exam fees, contact lens fitting fees, insurance participation, and services may vary by location. Eyeglass prices, contact lens prices, lens options, inventory, membership policies, and promotions may also change. Always confirm current information directly with Costco, your local Costco Optical Department, your optometrist, and your vision insurance provider.
FAQ
Can You Get an Eye Exam at Costco in the United States?
Yes. Many Costco locations have an Independent Doctor of Optometry who offers comprehensive eye exams.
Do You Need a Costco Membership for an Eye Exam?
Usually no. You can generally visit the independent optometrist without Costco membership, although membership is required to purchase Costco eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Can You Bring a Prescription From Another Doctor to Costco?
Yes. As long as the prescription is valid, you can bring it to Costco Optical to purchase prescription glasses.
Does Costco Offer Progressive Lenses?
Yes. Progressive, bifocal, and other more complex prescriptions are usually best handled at an in-store Costco Optical Department.
Does Costco Offer High-Index Lenses?
Yes, Costco offers high-index lens options for qualifying prescriptions. Ask the optical staff which option is appropriate for your prescription.
Can You Buy Contact Lenses at Costco?
Yes. Costco members can purchase contact lenses through Costco Optical or Costco Contacts Online.
Do You Need a Prescription to Buy Costco Contact Lenses?
Yes. You need a valid Contact Lens Prescription that matches the prescribed brand, power, BC, DIA, and other required specifications.
Does Costco Accept Vision Insurance?
Many Costco Optical locations accept selected vision insurance plans. However, the Independent Optometrist may participate in different insurance networks, so confirm both separately.
How Long Does It Take to Get Glasses From Costco?
Costco currently states that many in-store Optical orders take approximately 5–7 days, although special prescriptions or lens types may take longer.
Costco Eye Exam, Glasses & Contact Lens Price Guide
Costco eye exam prices are not standardized nationwide.
Because Independent Doctors of Optometry operate separately, pricing depends on the city, doctor, type of exam, and insurance coverage.
Recent public price surveys from different U.S. Costco locations have commonly placed a basic comprehensive eye exam at approximately:
US$79–110
A Contact Lens Exam / Fitting may increase the total cost, with some locations commonly falling around:
US$110–150
These are not official nationwide Costco prices.
Always contact the Independent Optometrist at your specific location for an exact quote.
Costco Contacts Online prices also vary by brand, package size, rebates, and promotions.
Examples of Costco’s publicly listed online pricing checked in August 2026 included:
| Contact Lenses | Price Reference |
|---|---|
| 1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST 30-pack | About US$35.98 |
| 1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST 90-pack | About US$69.29 |
| ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day HydraLuxe 90-pack | About US$93.49 |
| ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day for Astigmatism 90-pack | About US$115.99 |
| ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day 90-pack | About US$104.99 |
| ACUVUE OASYS 2-Week 12-pack | About US$77.87 |
| ACUVUE OASYS 2-Week 24-pack | About US$124.49 |
The final cost of prescription glasses depends on the selected frame, prescription, single-vision or progressive design, high-index material, Transitions lenses, and other lens options.
All prices may change because of location, promotions, membership offers, insurance, taxes, product updates, and Costco pricing changes. Always confirm the current final price with Costco Optical, Costco Contacts, and the Independent Optometrist at your location before purchasing.
