Guide and Review of Costco Optical
If you’re looking for quality glasses at an affordable price, Costco Optical is fantastic and I highly recommend all Costco members stop by to compare the quality and pricing. Not only does Costco offer a wide selection of frames and lenses, but most Costco warehouse locations also have experienced opticians on-site who can perform your examination. In this ultimate guide to Costco Optical, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the services they offer, brands and price points of prescription glasses from Costco and what insurance you can use for your rx optical lenses and frames at Costco.
The Optical department is yet another often overlooked high value Costco service. Before you ask. No, this post is NOT sponsored…I honestly just think their prices and selection are THAT good 🙂
Why I Always Buy My Prescription Glasses at Costco Optical
Before I dive in, let’s start with the basics. Costco Optical is part of Costco Wholesale so you DO need to be a Costco member to purchase frames and lenses. Most of these points will address all Costco locations – however – as always – before you place an order please ask, confirm and read to ensure your local warehouse does too!
Brands, Frames and Lenses for Prescription Glasses at Costco
Costco offers a wide selection of frames and lenses, including budget friendly frame options and designer frames from leading brands like Ray-Ban, Kate Spade, Gucci, Tory Burch, Cartier, Burberry, Chloe, and more. You can also find kids glasses from My Little Pony, Puma, Pez, and more. Costco even has their own flagship Kirkland Signature branded line of eyeglasses and sunglasses frames in it’s optical section!
Frames
Like all things Costco…the inventory in-store at Costco constantly changes. There are some frames (like their own Kirkland brand of eyewear) that are generally always there, but many (most?) of the frames turnover regularly, especially the high end designer frames. In my opinion, this is a positive…and true of most optical stores.
Most Costco locations carry considerably more traditional eyeglasses over sunglasses, but there are a number of pairs of sunglass options in-store. Additionally, any frames can be ordered with sunglass (tinted) lenses or with transition lenses. I do wish that Costco Optical carried more prescription sunglasses frame options, but I have always been able to find a pair…
Lenses
When it comes to lenses, there are a few options to choose from. Single vision lenses are the most common type of lenses, and they are designed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. If you need more correction, you can opt for bifocal or progressive lenses, which provide multiple focal points for different distances. Finally, you can also choose from a variety of lens materials, including polycarbonate, high-index, and more.
For sunglass lenses, you can choose from a brown or gray shade, and all the sunglasses are polarized.
Price Points for Adult Prescription Frames at Costco
There are tons of brand options, and they range from budget to fabulous…here are some examples of frames and how much they cost. The prices on these frames is just for the frames, the lenses are separate as it depends what you get (single vision is cheaper than progressive lenses, for example). The exact selection at any individual store will vary, these are just to give you an idea of what you might expect…
Adult optical frames at Costco tend to start around $60 and can get at high as $300 or more for the coveted designer frames like Cartier and Gucci. You’ll find loads of styles and brands that you know between $90 and $130. Gucci starts around $200.
Kate Spade, BCBG, Wittnauer, Ferragamo
The top frames are Kate Spade and cost $89.99, below are BCBG Generation for $89.99, the light pink are Wittnauer and cost $59.99 and the bottom eyeglasses frames are Ferragamo and cost $119.99.
Fendi, Jill Stuart, Karen Kane
The Fendi frames on top are $129.99, the Jill Stuart frames in the middle are $59.99, and the blue frames on the bottom are Karen Kane and cost $59.99.
Ferragamo, Carolina Herrera
Top red and gold Salvatore Ferragamo prescription frames from Costco (top) cost $99.99 and (bottom) blue and gold Carolina Herrera frames for $139.99.
Children’s Prescription Frames at Costco
You’ll also find a small but diverse selection of kids’ prescription glasses frames in the optical department at Costco. On average my store carries at least 20 styles, often more. I think the selection is great, and the price point is very fair! They have a number of options that are the type that bend and are extra durable.
The exact selection at any individual store will vary, these are just to give you an idea of what you might expect…
Pez, Shaquille O’Neal Crew
Pez branded kids optical glasses frames (top) are $49.99 and the Shaquille O’Neal Crew frames are $39.99.
Puma
Kids Puma RX frames at Costco start at $49.99.
In addition, they offer a wide range of services, including eye exams (details and doctor information varies by location), contact lens fittings, adjustments and more.
How Much Cheaper are Prescription Eyeglasses at Costco?
You can save a TON buying your prescription eyewear from Costco optical department…especially the pricier designer frames like Mont Blanc, Prada, Gucci, Saint Laurent, and more! You can more than pay for the annual cost of a Costco membership with just the savings on one pair of these – plus they take vision insurance plans including VSP!
Costco Optical Online Offers Huge Selection of $59.99 Frames
Costco recently launched an online optical store with [from our count] over 60 different prescription optical frames for $59.99 each and online ordering for contact lenses! Super convenient and a super deal! You read that right…you can shop for and place an order for these budget friendly affordable prescription RX glasses online.
Virtual Try On
The online RX glasses platform also features a virtual try on.
Personally, I think it’s important to see eyeglasses in person, on my actual face, in real life…but if you aren’t too picky (these are a super deal, good enough to justify not being too particular IMO!) or if you just know exactly what you like it might work for you!
Let us know if you try and how you think it works compared to the glasses in person!
Budget Friendly Frames Only Online [Currently]
All of the frames online are the $60 frames – so if you’re looking for the designer duds…head into your local Costco warehouse to peruse the big brand name frames.
No Kids Frames Online [Currently]
At this time, prescription glasses for children are only available in-store at Costco. We expect that a children’s online selection may be added, but as of August 2023…the Costco Online Optical store is only offering adults adult glasses.
Choosing The Best RX Optical Frames at Costco
While the deals on prescription frames are SUPER at Costco…the employees who work in the optical department are more facilitators than fashion consultants. I find local optical shops often give a lot of advise on shape, shade of lense, etc…but at Costco you’ll expect service with a smile…and a bit of a shrug if you ask if they look good, lol!! No complaints from me – I already know what shape works for me – just know before you go – if you need an outside opinion on which frames look best, I’d suggest you bring a friend.
When it comes to finding the right frames, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- First, consider your face shape. Different frames will look better on different face shapes, so it’s important to find a pair that flatters your features.
- Second, think about your lifestyle. If you’re an active person, you may need frames that are lightweight and durable.
- Third, consider the color and style of the frames. Choose a pair that expresses your personality, but that will complement the majority of your wardrobe and daily style.
Eye Exams
At Costco Optical, you can also get an eye exam to check your vision and make sure your prescription is up to date. The optometrists at Costco Optical are independent but housed inside of Costco. Generally, they are experienced and knowledgeable, and they provide basic general vision tests, screening, optical prescriptions, etc. They also take a variety of vision insurance.
2LDR
The good news is that Costco optical offers a really wide selection of frames and contact lenses at competitive prices, and I’m confident you’ll find a quality, affordable pair of glasses for your face shape and lifestyle!
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Costco Optical FAQs
How long does it take to get prescription glasses from Costco?
It generally takes one to two weeks for the glasses to arrive in-store from the time you order them. They generally tell you it will take longer than it really does.