How to Schedule and Prepare for a Costco Optometry Appointment

How to book a Costco optometry appointment

You can schedule a Costco optometry appointment by calling your local Costco Optical department directly or by visiting the Costco website and using their online scheduling tool. The phone number for your warehouse's optical department is listed on Costco.com — search for your location and select the optical center. Most warehouses have dedicated optical phone lines separate from the main warehouse number, which gets you through faster.

When you call or book online, have your Costco membership number ready. You do not need to be a member to receive eye care at Costco Optical, but members typically pay lower prices for exams and materials. If you are not a member, you can still schedule an appointment; the staff will quote you the non-member price when you call.

Appointment availability varies by location and season. Busy times — September through November and January through March — fill up faster. If your preferred time slot is not available, ask about the waitlist or check back in a few days, as cancellations open up regularly.

Key Takeaways

• Call your local Costco Optical department directly or book online through Costco.com; the optical center phone line is separate from the main warehouse number.
• Bring your current glasses or contacts prescription, insurance card, and photo ID to your appointment.
• A standard eye exam at Costco Optical takes 30 to 45 minutes and includes vision testing, eye pressure measurement, and a retinal exam.
• Your exam results are valid for one to two years, depending on your age and eye health, and you can use your prescription to purchase glasses or contacts anywhere.
• Costco Optical offers same-day or next-day glasses and contacts in most locations, though specialty prescriptions may take longer.

What to bring to your optometry appointment

Bring your current glasses or contact lens prescription if you have one, even if it is several years old. The optometrist will use it as a starting point and update it during your exam. If you wear contacts, bring your current contact lens box or bottle so the staff can see your prescription details and base curve.

Bring your insurance card and a photo ID. Costco Optical accepts most major vision insurance plans, and the staff will verify your coverage when you arrive. If you do not have vision insurance, ask about Costco's cash prices — they are typically lower than independent optical shops, and members receive additional discounts.

If you have a history of eye conditions — glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or dry eye — bring any previous test results or letters from your eye doctor. This helps the optometrist understand your baseline and watch for changes.

What happens during a Costco optometry exam

A standard eye exam at Costco Optical takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will start with a vision screening — reading letters on a chart at different distances — and then move to the refraction, where the optometrist uses a machine called a phoropter to find your precise prescription. You will look through different lens combinations and tell them which is clearer.

The optometrist will measure your eye pressure using a tonometer, a quick puff of air or gentle contact on the eye surface. They will also dilate your pupils with drops so they can examine the retina and optic nerve at the back of your eye. Dilation takes about 20 minutes to wear off, and your vision will be blurry and light-sensitive during that time — plan to wear sunglasses if you are driving home.

If you wear contacts, the optometrist will measure your cornea's curve and diameter to ensure a proper fit. They may also perform additional tests if you report dry eyes, floaters, or other concerns. At the end, you will receive a written prescription and a summary of your eye health.

Understanding your prescription and exam results

Your prescription will list your sphere (overall focusing power), cylinder (astigmatism correction if needed), axis (the angle of astigmatism), and pupillary distance (the distance between your pupils). These numbers are the same whether you buy glasses or contacts at Costco or elsewhere — your prescription is yours to use anywhere.

The optometrist will also note the health of your eyes: whether you have 20/20 vision or need correction, whether you have any signs of cataracts, macular degeneration, or other conditions, and whether your eye pressure is normal. If they find something that needs follow-up — such as elevated pressure or a spot on the retina — they will explain it and may refer you to an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor who performs surgery) for further evaluation.

Your exam results are valid for one to two years. In most states, you can use your prescription to order glasses or contacts from any retailer, online or in-store. Costco Optical offers competitive pricing on both, and members receive discounts on frames and lenses.

Costco Optical's glasses and contact lens options

After your exam, you can order glasses or contacts at Costco Optical or take your prescription elsewhere. Costco's frame selection includes designer brands and house brands, and prices for single-vision lenses typically range from moderate to mid-range depending on lens type and coatings. Progressive lenses (for bifocals) cost more but are available same-day or next-day in most locations.

For contacts, Costco carries major brands including Acuvue, Bausch + Lomb, and Alcon. You will need a separate contact lens exam if this is your first time wearing contacts or if your contact prescription differs from your glasses prescription — this takes an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Costco's contact lens prices are typically lower than independent optical shops, especially for bulk orders.

If you order specialty items — progressive lenses with unusual prescriptions, or custom contact lens fittings — delivery may take one to two weeks. The staff will give you a timeline when you order.

Insurance, costs, and membership discounts

Costco Optical accepts most major vision insurance plans, including VSP, EyeMed, and many employer plans. When you arrive, the staff will verify your coverage and tell you what your out-of-pocket cost will be. If your insurance does not cover the full exam, you pay the difference.

Without insurance, a standard eye exam at Costco Optical costs less than at most independent optical shops. Costco members receive an additional discount on frames and lenses — typically 10 to 15 percent off the listed price. If you are not a member, you can still use Costco Optical, but you will pay the non-member price.

Costco does not bill insurance directly for glasses or contacts; you pay out of pocket and then submit the receipt to your insurance for reimbursement if your plan covers materials. Ask the staff for an itemized receipt so your insurance company can process the claim.

What to expect after your appointment

If you ordered glasses, they will be ready in one to three business days for standard prescriptions, or up to two weeks for progressive or specialty lenses. Costco will call you when they are ready for pickup. When you pick them up, the staff will adjust the fit and make sure you are comfortable wearing them.

If you ordered contacts, they will arrive within a few days to a week, depending on your prescription and the brand. You will receive a call when they are in stock. If this is your first time wearing contacts, the staff will show you how to insert, remove, and care for them before you leave.

If you have any problems with your glasses or contacts after pickup — they do not fit right, the prescription feels off, or the lenses are scratched — contact Costco Optical. Most adjustments and minor repairs are free, and they will remake glasses or contacts if there is a manufacturing error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Costco membership to get an eye exam?

No. You can receive an eye exam at Costco Optical without a membership, but you will pay a higher price than members. Members typically save $20 to $40 on an exam and receive discounts on frames and lenses. If you plan to buy glasses or contacts there, membership may pay for itself.

Can I use my Costco prescription at another optical shop?

Yes. Your prescription belongs to you, and you can take it to any optical retailer — online or in-store — to order glasses or contacts. However, Costco's prices are often competitive, especially for members.

How long does dilation last after my exam?

Dilation typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes, though it can take longer if you have light-colored eyes. Your vision will be blurry and you will be sensitive to light during this time. Wear sunglasses and avoid driving if possible. If you need to drive, wait at least 30 minutes after dilation before leaving.

What if I have an eye condition like glaucoma or diabetes?

Tell the optometrist about any eye conditions or medications you take when you arrive. Costco Optical can perform standard monitoring for many conditions, but if you need specialized care or surgery, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist. Your regular eye exams at Costco can still track your eye health between specialist visits.

Can I get a rush on my glasses or contacts?

Most Costco locations offer same-day or next-day service for standard prescriptions. Ask the staff about rush options when you order — there may be an additional fee for expedited service, depending on your prescription and the location.