Costco’s optical services are well-known for having a wide selection of glasses and eyewear at competitive prices. So, whenever Costco members decide it’s time for an eye check-up, they usually end up going to Costco.
But does Costco optical accept insurance?
As of 2023, Costco Optical accepts insurance from customers. However, while they do accept most vision and insurance plans out there, there are still some more things you need to know about Costco Optical’s relationship with insurances before you head to the store to get your eye checkup.
In this guide, we’ll be going through everything you need to know about using your insurance at Costco Optical such as when you can use it, the types of plans they accept, and other important information.
Table of ContentsShow
What Insurance Does Costco Accept For Vision Checkups?
If you plan to go to the Costco Optical center to get an eye checkup or glasses, they accept a wide range of different insurance plans to cover the costs. On top of that, customers who go to Costco Optical without insurance may also enjoy relatively lower rates for appointments.
However, while you can go to the Costco Optical center without insurance, you do need to be a Costco member to avail of their services. Costco Optical accepts most different insurance plans from different companies to cover the cost of eye appointments.
Among the many different insurance providers that Costco Optical accepts are;
- United Healthcare
- Superior Vision
- Spectera
- MetLife
- VSP
- VBA Vision
- Davis Vision
However, to make sure your local Costco will accept your insurance plan for eye checkups and glasses, it is best to contact the store. When booking an appointment on the Costco website or by calling the store, you may ask if they accept your insurance provider.
Additionally, you can also check with your insurance provider to find out if Costco is part of their network.
Does Costco Optical Accept EyeMed?
Yes, Costco Optical accepts both VSP and EyeMed as insurance providers. However, making insurance claims may vary when using your EyeMed coverage. Depending on your plan, you may have to cover the services at first then submit a report at the end of the month with a receipt to receive a reimbursement from EyeMed.
This applies to any eye exams, standard lenses, frames, and contact lenses at Costco. The reimbursement you receive from EyeMed is equivalent to the benefits in their Vision Care plan. Depending on your plan, you may need to pay up to $39 for eye exams and could even mean complete coverage for lenses. You can do that by paying in cash or via Apple Pay.
How Much Are Costco Optical Services Without Insurance?
As mentioned earlier, Costco offers relatively affordable prices for their optical services even for people without insurance. If you don’t have insurance, an eye exam at Costco can cost between $50-$100 depending on your location and the type of glasses you purchase.
Prices for checkups may vary because customers might have to receive other treatments and services during the appointment like dilation and retinal imaging.
At Costco, the average price for glasses amounts to around $180 for those without insurance. Despite the Costco price match policy, compared to other retailers who have an average median price of $360, customers may still save on money by choosing Costco Optical instead.
Do I Have To Be A Member For Costco Optical?
Yes, Costco Optical services are only available to Costco membership cardholders. Whether you want to purchase frames, lenses, or go in for a checkup, a membership is required to make an appointment. However, Costco cardholders may purchase frames and glasses for non-members as long as they bring a valid prescription with them.
What Happens During A Costco Eye Exam?
An eye exam at Costco Optical won’t be too different from any other exam you receive in other clinics and locations. If you’re going in for vision correction, the process is almost exactly the same as visiting another ophthalmologist.
For a comprehensive eye exam, a doctor will have to conduct a series of different tests. These tests are designed to measure different areas of your vision so that the doctor can figure out if any issues need correction. These tests include measuring the sharpness of your vision, color perception, and general eye health on the inside and outside.
When going in for an eye exam at Costco Optical, all the tests will be painless and will only take 15-20 minutes. During the exam, the doctor will typically test the patient’s:
- Peripheral vision
- Eye movement
- Color blindness
- Pressure in the eyes
- Retina health
- Astigmatism, farsightedness, and other conditions
- Sharpness
Once the exam is complete, the doctor will give you a run-down of the results. And if needed, they will give you a new prescription for a different set of lenses to correct any issues that have been found during the appointment.
What Brands Are Available At Costco Optical?
If you’re looking for frames at Costco Optical, they offer a wide variety of different brands and styles designed for different people. Whether you’re looking for a modern or vintage set of frames, you’re likely to find the right one for you at Costco Optical.
Costco Optical stocks up on a bunch of different brands including;
- Ray-Ban
- Oakley
- Cooper Vision
- Kate Spade
- Bausch and Lomb
You can also find a range of glasses from the Costco brand, “Kirkland Signature”, which is largely known to be a high-quality brand that offers a great value for money. However, regardless of the brand you choose, you are assured that the rates are likely significantly lower than other retailers, which is a signature characteristic of the Costco franchise.
How To Book A Costco Optical Appointment
To book an appointment at Costco Optical, you first have to be a member. This service is only available to Costco cardholders. And while you can buy frames and lenses for non-members with your card, you can only book an appointment yourself if you are a member.
If you are a Costco member, you can call your local Costco and follow the prompts to book an appointment. You can find the contact number of different Costco stores on their website if you don’t have it on your phone.
Alternatively, customers can also call the doctor who operates at your local Costco. Costco Optical doctors are not Costco employees. These are independent doctors who schedule and book their appointments at the Costco Optical center, so you can call their local number and book an appointment at Costco accordingly.
If you plan to avail of the Costco Optical services and get an eye exam, you need to book an appointment. Costco does not accept walk-ins for eye exams, so scheduling an appointment is necessary.
Costco Optical operates 7 days a week, making it easier for people to schedule an eye exam on the right day for them. From Monday to Friday, Costco Optical is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, on Saturdays and Sundays, they are open from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Conclusion – Does Costco Eye Center Take Insurance?
If you plan to get an eye exam or a set of frames at Costco Optical, you can use your insurance to cover the cost.
Do note that Costco Optical doesn’t employ its own doctors. Instead, these are independent doctors who simply conduct their practices at the Costco Optical center, so different locations might accept different policy plans and insurance providers.
Costco Optical doesn’t accept walk-ins, so you need to set an appointment. When booking an appointment with your doctor or through Costco, you can ask what insurance providers are accepted. That way, you will know if that specific Costco will accept your insurance plan and if not, how much you should prepare to pay.
