How to Book and Prepare for a Costco Optical Eye Exam

What to expect when you schedule an eye exam at Costco

Costco Optical runs its own in-warehouse eye exam departments at most locations. You book directly with the optical department at your local Costco, not through a central phone line or website. The exam itself takes 20 to 30 minutes and covers vision testing, eye pressure measurement, and a look at your eye health — similar to what you'd get at an independent optometrist's office.

One key difference: Costco optometrists are independent contractors, not Costco employees, so they're licensed to prescribe glasses and contacts in their state. You don't need a Costco membership to have an eye exam, though you do need one to buy glasses or contacts from their optical department afterward. If you only want the exam and plan to fill your prescription elsewhere, membership isn't required.

Key Takeaways

• Call your local Costco optical department directly to book — there's no online booking system or central number.
• Bring your current glasses or contacts, your insurance card if you have vision coverage, and a photo ID.
• The exam costs between $60 and $130 depending on your location and what testing is included; some vision insurance plans cover part of it.
• You don't need a Costco membership for the exam itself, but you'll need one to buy frames or lenses from their optical department.
• Appointment availability varies widely by location — busy warehouses may have a wait of one to three weeks.

How to find your Costco optical department's phone number

Start by going to Costco.com and using their warehouse locator. Enter your zip code and select your nearest location. On that warehouse's page, you'll see a phone number for the main warehouse. Call that number and ask to be transferred to Optical, or ask for the optical department's direct line.

Some Costco locations have a separate optical phone number listed on their warehouse page — if you see it, call that instead to skip the transfer. If you're already at the warehouse, walk to the optical department (usually near the pharmacy) and ask the staff to check availability while you're there. This can be faster than calling, especially if you're flexible about timing.

What information to have ready when you call

Have your preferred appointment dates and times ready, and let them know if you have a morning or afternoon preference. Tell them if you wear glasses, contacts, or both — this helps them block enough time. If you have vision insurance, have your insurance card nearby so you can give them your plan details; some plans require a referral or have specific coverage rules that the optical department needs to know about upfront.

Ask whether they need you to arrive early to fill out paperwork, or if you can do it online beforehand. Some Costco locations let you complete a patient history form on their website before your appointment, which cuts down your arrival time. Confirm the cancellation policy — most require 24 hours' notice, but this varies by location.

Documents and items to bring

Bring your current glasses or contacts (or both if you wear both). The optometrist uses them as a reference point for your prescription and to check how well they're working for you. Bring your insurance card and a photo ID — the ID is required for any medical appointment, and your insurance card lets them bill your plan directly if you have vision coverage.

If you're a new patient at that Costco location, bring any previous eye exam records if you have them, especially if you've had eye surgery or have a history of eye disease. This isn't always required, but it helps the optometrist understand your eye health history. If you wear contacts, bring the box or case so they can see the brand and prescription.

What the eye exam includes

A standard Costco optical exam includes a visual acuity test (the familiar "which is better, one or two" chart), a refraction to determine your prescription, eye pressure testing (tonometry), and an examination of your eye health with a slit lamp and dilated eye exam. The optometrist will ask about your medical history, any eye problems you've had, and whether you have a family history of eye disease.

The exam does not include specialized testing like visual fields or OCT imaging unless you request it or the optometrist sees a reason to do it. If you need those tests, ask about them during the appointment — they may cost extra and may require a separate visit. The optometrist will give you a written prescription at the end, which you can use to buy glasses or contacts anywhere, not just at Costco.

Pricing and insurance coverage

Costco optical exam prices range from about $60 to $130 depending on your location and what's included. The variation exists because Costco allows each location some flexibility in pricing, and some locations offer additional testing. Call ahead and ask the specific price at your location.

If you have vision insurance through your employer or a plan you bought yourself, some or all of the exam cost may be covered. Bring your insurance card and ask the optical department whether they're in-network with your plan. Some plans cover the full exam cost; others cover a set amount (like $100) and you pay the difference. A few plans require you to see a specific provider — if that's the case, Costco Optical won't be covered. Ask your insurance company before your appointment if you're unsure.

What happens after your exam

The optometrist will give you a written prescription for glasses and contacts (if you need both). You can use this prescription to order glasses or contacts from Costco or from any other retailer — the prescription is yours to keep. Costco often has competitive pricing on frames and lenses, especially if you have a membership, but you're not obligated to buy from them.

If the optometrist finds something that needs follow-up — like high eye pressure, signs of glaucoma, or a retinal issue — they'll tell you and may refer you to an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor who can do surgery). This referral doesn't mean something is seriously wrong; it just means you need a specialist's evaluation. Don't panic if this happens — it's a normal part of eye care.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can have an eye exam at Costco Optical without a membership. However, if you want to buy glasses or contacts from their optical department after the exam, you'll need a membership. You can purchase a membership on the spot if you decide to buy from them.

Can I book my appointment online?

Most Costco locations don't offer online booking for optical exams. You need to call the optical department directly. A few locations may have online scheduling through their website — check your local warehouse's page — but phone booking is the standard method.

How long does the exam take?

The exam itself takes 20 to 30 minutes. Add 10 to 15 minutes for check-in and paperwork if you haven't filled it out beforehand. Plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the location from arrival to departure.

What if I don't have vision insurance?

You'll pay the full exam cost out of pocket, which is typically $60 to $130 at Costco. This is often cheaper than independent optometrists in the same area. Ask about the price when you call to book.

Can I get my prescription filled at a different store?

Yes. Your prescription belongs to you, and you can take it to any glasses or contacts retailer — online, at another optical shop, or anywhere else. You're not required to buy from Costco, though many people do because of their pricing and selection.