Did you know Costco Optical can save you money on eyecare? That’s right, the optical department offers affordable eye exams, contact lenses, and new frames. Here’s everything you need to know to save a bundle of money.
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What Is Costco Optical?
Just like anything at Costco, there are savings to be had. However, the Optical Department takes these savings one step further.
Savings Exceed Membership Cost
On the fence about getting a Costco Membership? New eyeglasses in the optical department will pay for it…and then some. Respondents to Consumer Reports’ survey reported a median out-of-pocket cost of $184 for glasses.
According to the same survey, the median price for a chain like LensCrafters is $369. That means one pair of Costco glasses can save around $200. That will pay for your $60 Costco Membership (or even the high-tier Executive Membership at $120) and then some.
Small Profit Margins
How is it so affordable? Costco’s policy is that nothing in the store is sold at over 15% above cost. Other eyeglass retailers, meanwhile are jacking up the margin.
Recently, Costco advertised lowering its single-vision lens prices by an additional 16%. Some competitors like BJ’s will sometimes offer sales that may beat Costco’s prices.
Constently Low Prices
But, with Costco, you don’t have to wait for a sale to shop consistently low prices. And if you’re like me, chances are you’ve been putting this off and need new glasses, stat.
Bulk Pricing
Want to save even more? You will get $30 off additional pairs of glasses when you buy one complete pair of prescription eyeglasses at Costco. Yes, even glasses are cheaper in bulk!
The transaction must be in the same day and the subsequent pairs must be for the same person. It’s also not available online, so head into your local Costco to take advantage of the deal.
Costco Optical Offers Affordable Vision Exams
Costco hires independent doctors of optometry that are located in or next to your local Costco. They also accept most vision insurance plans. Make an appointment online or walk in to get a complete vision exam for around $70.
Eye exams can be as much as $250 in a private eye doctor’s office. That said, you don’t have to use Costco’s eye doctors. Just bring in your subscription from your eye doctor and have it filled with your choice of frames at Costco.
There Are an Array of Specialty Lenses
Costco sells the most cutting-edge lenses in the industry. Shop for HD Progressive Lenses, Polarized Lenses, Transitions Photochromic Lenses, Blue Anti-Reflective Treatment, Anti-Reflective Treatment, and Multi-functional Lenses.
Progressive Lenses
Instead of your single-vision lenses which correct for only one distance, or bifocals with a separating line, HD progressive lenses deliver high def vision at any distance.
Kirkland Signature HD Progressive Lenses use the latest technology including anti-reflective treatment custom-made with your prescription.
Anti-Glare
For outdoor use, polarized lenses protect against glare and block 100 percent of UV rays. You can choose from a silver, gold, or blue mirror coating for no additional cost. (Or of course just regular tints.)
Transitions
Don’t want to carry around two sets of glasses? Transitions go from clear lenses to sunglasses as soon as you step outdoors. And in light or overcast transitions, Transitions Drivewear offer high contrast that minimizes glare.
Anti-Reflective
Stare at a screen all day? Anti-reflective lenses sharpen visual performance and reduce eye fatigue at night. Upgrade for blue light reflection to reduce glare and reflection from your devices.
Costco Sells Signature and Designer Frames
Costco’s brand, Kirkland signature, offers some of the cheapest eyeglass frames and sunglasses. For example, shop stylish aviator polarized sunglasses for less than $30.
But if you want the real deal, Costco sells an array of designer frames. Here are some of the top names you can get at Costco:
- Badgley Mischka
- Balmain
- Bolle
- Furla
- Oakley
- Ray-Ban
- Vera Wang
- XOXO
These are only some of the brands Costco Optical carries. Like any other product, their inventory rotates to give shoppers the best prices, so visit your local optical center to see what’s in stock near you.
Costco Sells Brand Name Contact Lenses
In addition to eyeglasses, the warehouse club offers affordable prices on leading contact brands. Stop in for an eye exam or bring your current prescription to save money on contacts. Then, swing to your nearest Costco location for pick up.
- 1-Day Acuvue Moist Multifocal 30-pack: $44.99/box
- Biofinity Toric 6-pack: $49.98/box
- Frequency 55 Aspheric 6-pack: $22.87/box
- Air Optix for Astigmatism 6-pack: $43.96/box
- SofLens daily disposable for Astigmatism 30-pack: $22.97/box
*Prices listed are valid at the time this article was published, but are intended only as an example. Visit costco.com for more brands and current prices.
Grab Other Eye Care Products While You’re There
In addition to frames and contacts, Costco also sells products like lens cleaning tissues, contact solution, and eye drops for a steal. For the best price, shop Kirkland Signature brand.
48 ounces of Kirkland Signature Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution is only available in store but offers the best deal. Or, stick with your favorite brand like Biotrue, Re-Nu, and Clear Eyes.
Keep your eyes peeled (pun intended) for manufacturer savings promotions of $5 or more on certain brands. Costco won out of its competitors as the best place to buy eyeglasses.
It has consistently low prices and a great selection of frames. While some retailers like Sam’s Club and Walmart has competitive prices as well, its frame selection is disappointing in comparison.
Plus, Costco optical has a built-in eye doctor where you can get an affordable eye exam. Then, fill your eyeglass or contact lens prescription on site.
And along with great prices, Costco Optical got high marks for great service from the Consumer Reports survey. The chain was noted for its follow-up service after the sale.
And like everything at the warehouse giant, optical comes with Costco’s satisfaction guarantee. So if you aren’t happy, you can bring them back.
Should You Shop at Costco Optical?
If you’re like most people, you love Costco. Not only can you get bulk quantities of goods you probably don’t need, but you can save money doing it. Costco Optical provides compelling value.
They do this by challenging the historically high price of eyeglasses and brings savings direct to members. If you like saving money, then you should definitely shop at Costco Optical.
