Costco Optical Eyeglasses and Contacts Review
This year I ventured out of my normal routine and purchased my eyeglasses and contacts from Costco Optical for the first time. I will provide a Costco Optical Eyeglasses and Contacts Review and compare how the experience was different from my private eye clinic.
In December 2019, I completed my annual eye exam and check-up. After my check-up, I normally purchase eyeglasses (every other year) or contacts.
Since my insurance benefits did not start again until Jan 2020, I had the luxury of shopping around for new eyeglasses and finding the best price for contacts.
For the last 15 years I have stuck exclusively with the same private eye clinic so this was definitely a new experience.
Due to my love for Costco (see Unlock Additional savings at Costco), I decided to give Costco Optical a shot. They have earned my loyalty because of their great products, competitive prices and excellent customer service.
Costco Optical vs Private Eye Clinic Experience
Eyeglass selection
The first major difference between Costco and the private eye clinic was the selection of brands offered.
The private eye clinic had many high-end, name-brand frames such as Hugo Boss, Prada, Polo and others. These frames averaged from $150-300.
At the Costco store, there were fewer high-end frames. Many of the lower-end frames I did not recognize such as the “Police” brand. The Costco frames averaged from $50-$200.
Another difference was flexibility. For Costco, what you see on the floor is all that they have. On the flip side, the private eye clinic is able to order different sizes & color variations of frames online.
Over the years, I have taken advantage of ordering these online frames to try out, especially since it was offered to me at no additional cost.
In the end, I pulled the trigger on a high-end frame at Costco (Gucci) for $200. I would have liked to try out a smaller version of this frame, but did not have this choice at Costco.
Lens Options
I wear eyeglasses during the work week as I am a heavy computer user and also enjoy eagle-eye vision (perfect 20/20 sight). Due to these reasons, I always buy the best lens available.
At the private eye clinic, the lens cost $150. Then, there are options for anti-reflective material to reduce glare for $135 and Trivex lightweight option upgrade for $85. This adds up to a hefty sum of $370 just for the lens.
Costco includes the anti-reflective material in the lens price for a total of $80. The only upgrade that costs additional money is the Edge polish (reduce the thickness of the lens) which cost $10. Lastly, Costco offers the free option of protecting against harmful blue-violet light, which I opted in.
I have been using my Costco eyeglasses for almost 1 month. During this time, I have been totally satisfied with the lens quality. Hopefully as a side benefit, the protection against blue light is also helping my eyes for the long-term.
Contact Options
This was straightforward as the optometrist recommended a specific contact brand for me based upon my personal preference and comfort.
Both Costco and the private eye clinic had exactly the same contacts which came as 1-day disposables and quantity 30-count. The price was $40/box at the private eye clinic and $36.50/box at Costco.
Customer Service Experience
Great customer service was the primary reasons why I had exclusively purchased my eyeglasses and contacts from the private eye clinic in the past.
Typically after the eye appointment, there is a 1 to 1 ratio of someone helping you pick out the frames. During pick-up, they are also willing to make small adjustments to the eyeglasses so they fit well.
Costco was much busier and the ratio was probably more like 1 to 3. Once I had a turn to speak to them, I felt there were very knowledgeable and helpful.
What was needed to make the purchase at Costco?
The only things required were the contact lens and eyeglasses prescriptions. This was just a quick call to the private eye clinic asking them to send these over email.
Once I decided on a frame at Costco, the optometrist typed the order into the system, did some basic eyeglasses measurements, and walked me through the lens options available.
This was an efficient process lasting about 10 minutes from start to finish.
Cost Comparison
In the past, the private eye clinic always recommended to take advantage of the frame and lens benefits provided by my insurance (VSP) every other year.
Thus, I was surprised when Costco ran the insurance and told me I was better suited to get the $130 off contacts. The Costco optometrist mentioned that I would receive only about $80 off eyeglasses with my insurance plan.
Taking this into account, I ran the costs for both places with and without the VSP insurance benefit below.
Eyeglass Comparison
| Costco | Private Eye Clinic |
| Selected Frame $200 or $120 with VSP benefit | Selected Frame $300 or $120 with VSP benefit |
| No VSP Benefit: Lens w/ Anti Reflective $80 Edge polish $10 Blue light protection $0 | VSP Benefits: Lens $150 down to $25 Trivex $85 down to $51 Anti Reflective $135 to $75 |
| Summary: $290 total or $210 with VSP Benefit | Summary: $670 total or $270 with VSP Benefit |
Contacts Comparison
| Costco | Private Eye Clinic |
| $36.50 per box | $40 per box |
| 4 boxes = $146 or $16 (after VSP benefit) | 4 boxes = $160 (no VSP benefit) |
Summary of Costs
| Costco | Private Eye Clinic Contacts |
| Eyeglasses $290 | Eyeglasses $270 (with VSP benefit) |
| Contacts $16 (with VSP benefit) | Contacts $160 |
| Total: $306 | Total: $430 |
Cost Observations
Analyzing the options, it never makes sense to purchase eyeglasses full price at the private eye clinic. It is crazy expensive – $670 vs $290. However, it is much better after applying insurance benefits taking the $670 cost down to $270.
As a key point, look into your vision insurance policy and know when and how often you can purchase new eyeglasses.
Also, Costco offers exactly the same contacts at reduced cost (about 10% less). This amount adds up especially when ordering a year supply of contacts. Costco wins out for this scenario.
You can do a fast price shop comparison using Costco’s contacts site.
What other options are out there?
Online Stores
As part of my research, I stumbled upon Zenni Optical. This company offers high quality eyeglasses at a low cost. This is because they have no physical stores and sells directly to consumers online (Amazon model).
Browsing through the website, I was shocked to see frames as low as $7 while the most expensive ones were $30-40. For lens, the upgraded Trivex blue anti-reflective lens comes out to only $40.
This looks like a great deal handily beating out Costco’s prices. I am tempted to order an additional pair of glasses from Zenni Optical just to try this site out!
Lasik Eye Surgery
Both my sister and brother-in-law opted for Lasik eye surgery years ago. The only regret my brother-in-law had was not getting this procedure sooner.
It must be great to not worry about contacts or eyeglasses as well as not needing to buy anything each year.
However, I am not yet ready to take the leap. This is due to my fears about losing my eyesight though this procedure.
My Verdict
You have read my Costco Optical Eyeglasses and Contacts Review and how it differed from my private eye clinic experience. In summary, Costco Optical provides a viable and low-cost alternative for both eyeglasses and contacts.
Costco makes even more sense if you need new eyeglasses during the off-years not covered by insurance.
For me, I favor the high-end eyeglasses which the private eye clinic specializes in. Although I do like to get good deals, I am not that price sensitive for this area in my life.
Thus, I will have no problem looking first at the private eye clinic options. If nothing catches my eye (pun intended), I will then move onto Costco. If these two options are exhausted, I will give Zenni Optical a shot!
About DadMBA: Through his schooling (he does have a MBA) & more importantly being a Dad, he has provided practical advice to family & friends on finances & other life topics. He loves helping others thus the creation of DadMBA.
