How to Schedule a Costco Eye Exam Online

You cannot book a Costco eye exam entirely online, but you can start the process and check availability without visiting the warehouse

Costco's optical department does not offer a fully online booking system. You must call your local Costco optical center or visit in person to schedule an appointment. However, you can find your nearest Costco, check whether it has an optical department, and sometimes see limited availability information through the Costco website before you call.

The fastest way to book is to call the optical department directly at the warehouse phone number. Costco does not route eye exam appointments through a central online system, so each location manages its own schedule. This means wait times and availability vary widely by location.

Key Takeaways

• Call your local Costco optical center directly — there is no online booking system for eye exams across all Costco locations.
• You can find your nearest Costco and its phone number on Costco.com, then ask for the optical department when you call.
• Bring your Costco membership card and a valid photo ID to your appointment; non-members can pay out-of-pocket for exams.
• Eye exam appointments typically take 30 to 45 minutes, and you should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete paperwork.
• Costco optical centers are usually open during warehouse hours but may have shorter hours on some days, so confirm before you call.

How to find your local Costco optical center and its phone number

Go to Costco.com and use the warehouse locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the results will show you nearby Costco locations. Click on the warehouse address to see its full details, including phone number and hours.

Not every Costco has an optical department. The locator will tell you whether your nearest location has one. If it does not, you may need to travel to a larger warehouse in your area. Call ahead to confirm the optical center is open before you make the trip.

What to say when you call to book an appointment

Call the main Costco warehouse number and ask to be transferred to the optical department. Tell them you want to schedule an eye exam and ask what times are open in the next one to two weeks. Have your Costco membership number ready if you have one, though it is not required to book.

Ask the optical staff how far in advance they schedule appointments. Some locations book two to three weeks out; others may have openings sooner. If the time you want is not available, ask when the next opening is and whether you can be added to a cancellation list.

What to bring and what to expect at your appointment

Bring your Costco membership card and a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). If you are a non-member, you can still have an eye exam at Costco and pay out-of-pocket; the cost is typically lower than at independent optometry offices, though prices vary by location.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to fill out a health history form. The exam itself takes 30 to 45 minutes. The optometrist will check your vision, eye pressure, and eye health. At the end, you will receive a copy of your prescription, which you can use to order glasses or contacts anywhere — you are not required to buy from Costco.

Costco optical hours and scheduling around warehouse closures

Optical departments operate during regular warehouse hours, but some locations have shorter hours on certain days. Many Costco warehouses close on major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day), so the optical center will be closed those days too.

If you need an eye exam on short notice, call multiple Costco locations in your area. Larger warehouses often have more optical staff and may have same-day or next-day openings. Smaller locations may have longer wait times.

What happens after your eye exam

You will receive a written copy of your prescription immediately after the exam. This prescription is valid for one year and can be used at any glasses or contacts retailer — Costco, online retailers, independent optometrists, or chain stores like LensCrafters or Warby Parker.

If you want to order glasses or contacts through Costco, you can do so in the optical department or online through Costco.com. Costco's prices for frames and lenses are often competitive, but you are free to take your prescription elsewhere. Keep your prescription copy in a safe place in case you need it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Non-members can have an eye exam at Costco and pay out-of-pocket. However, you must be a member to purchase glasses or contacts from Costco after your exam. Membership costs vary, so ask the optical staff for current pricing if you are interested in joining.

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

Yes. Call the optical department and provide the person's name and preferred appointment times. They will need to bring a photo ID and complete a health history form when they arrive. If they are a minor, a parent or guardian should accompany them.

What if I need an eye exam but do not have time to call?

Some Costco locations accept walk-ins for eye exams, though wait times can be long. Call ahead to ask whether your location takes walk-ins and what the typical wait is. Scheduling by phone is faster and guarantees your time slot.

How much does a Costco eye exam cost?

Prices vary by location, but Costco eye exams are typically $60 to $100 without insurance. If you have vision insurance, bring your card to your appointment — many plans cover part or all of the exam cost. Ask the optical staff about your specific plan when you call to book.

Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment online?

No. You must call the optical department directly to reschedule or cancel. Call as soon as you know you need to change your time so the slot can be offered to another person.