We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process . If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Regularly having an eye exam is important for maintaining good eye health and healthy vision. As you get older, vision changes can occur and your risk of certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, as well as age-related macular degeneration rises. Changes in your eye health can occur very gradually and may go unnoticed with no obvious symptoms. During a comprehensive eye exam, an eye doctor (which may be either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist), administers a series of tests that measure how well you can see and how healthy your eyes are. This includes whether you have any eye conditions, such as diabetic eye disease. How often you should have an eye exam depends on a variety of factors, including your overall risk for specific problems. We evaluated several options to find the best places for eye exams based on price, convenience, quality, frame selection, and more. Best Places for Eye Exams Best Places for Eye Exams Final Verdict Compare the Best Places for Eye Exams Frequently Asked Questions Methodology Key Specs Why We Chose It Costco Optical ranks as the best overall place to get an eye exam because of its convenience and its wide selection. Pros & Cons Pros Good quality frames and lenses Convenient Reasonable prices Accepts most insurance Well-trained staff Cons Non-professional warehouse feel Membership required for purchases Overview Costco is a chain of wholesale stores offering a broad variety of merchandise. The company operates as a membership-only warehouse club with retail outlets across the world and opened its first optical lab in 1987. Costco Optical now ranks as one of the largest optical companies in the United States. It is important to note that most Costco Optical locations will see patients without Costco memberships, although a membership is required to fill an eyeglass prescription or purchase contact lenses. In most states, the company employs independent doctors of optometry within or near the store. The optical departments offer a wide range of eyeglass frames for the whole family. The company claims to offer the latest technology in high-definition lenses. For prices, call your local Costco. Costco also allows you to bring your own frames to fill with new lenses and offers a discount if you purchase multiple frames for the same person on the same day.Most major insurance is accepted. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with reduced hours on weekends. Key Specs Why We Chose It We chose America’s Best because of its low prices, frequent discounts, and savings for members. Pros & Cons Pros Wide variety of frames Easy to get appointments Low prices Discounts Memberships for savings Cons Examination feels rushed Low quality control Overview Founded in 1978, America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses is a discount optical chain with more than 800 retail locations throughout the United States. The company offers a wide assortment of frames for the cost-conscious family. A basic eye exam averages about $50, with a contact lens exam starting around $90. Perhaps one of the biggest perks of the company is the free eye exam that comes with the purchase of two pairs of eyeglasses. The company claims to accept many vision insurance plans, including regional plans. Customers have the option of joining The Eyecare Club. Membership includes three years of free eye exams (up to two per year), three years of contact lens exams for about $99, and a 10% savings on all other purchases. Most locations are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses offers the lowest price for eye exams, Eyecare Club memberships for savings, several discounts on purchases, and enticing package deals. Key Specs Why We Chose It Pearle Vision helps individuals without insurance by providing discounts and ways to save on their eye exam. The company always has a deal going on. Pros & Cons Pros Trusted reputation Accepts most insurance 30-day return policy Cons Patient experience varies depending on doctor or staff Limited frame brands Overview When Pearle Vision opened its doors in 1961, founder Stanley Pearle, an optometrist in Georgia, started the practice with the sentiment of “caring for eyes and the people behind them.” The company has grown to become one of the largest discount optical chains in America. Since each Pearle Vision center offers frame selections unique to its area, the company encourages you to call to inquire about the availability of certain frames you’re looking for. Eye exams are conducted by independent optometrists at or inside retail stores in most states, while some doctors are employed by Pearle Vision. Eye exam costs will vary depending on your insurance plan, your location, and the services you receive during your visit. The company claims to work with all major vision insurance plans and helps patients receive affordable eye care by offering discounts and various package deals. Also, if for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your eyewear purchase, you can return it. Simply give back the merchandise in its original condition within 30 days of purchase. Pearle Vision stores are located throughout North America. Hours of operation typically include Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most stores are closed on Sunday. Key Specs Why We Chose It Walmart Vision Center is found in most Walmart stores across the nation, making eye care accessible and convenient. Pros & Cons Pros Wide variety of frames Most insurance accepted Several package prices Open 7 days per week Appointments not necessary Cons Lesser known frame brands High staff turnover Overview Perhaps the most well-known discount retail eye clinic, Walmart Vision Center began operating in 1991. Found in most Walmart stores across the nation, the clinics offer eye exams conducted by self-employed optometrists who lease space near the vision center, or who are employed directly by Walmart. If you already have a prescription, you can purchase frames and lenses without paying to have an eye exam. For the cost of a basic eye exam and contact lens exam, contact the Walmart nearest you. As for eyeglasses, frames start at roughly $12 for women and $20 for men, with prices based on frame materials. While most locations offer a big selection of frames, including ones for kids, you won’t find many elite name brands. If you prefer to purchase your frames online, Walmart Vision Center will fill them with your prescription for a nominal fee plus the cost of the lenses you select. Contact lenses begin as low as around $20 per box, but that price varies depending on the brand. Walmart Vision Center honors most major insurance plans, but only for eye exams and in-store purchases. Vision center hours are typically Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Key Specs Why We Chose It Eyeglass World’s showrooms are stocked with thousands of name brand frames for shoppers to choose from and still offers plenty of discounts. Pros & Cons Pros Huge selection of frames Most orders are ready the same day 30-day return policy Cons Eyeglass prices seem higher than advertised Frame materials lack quality Overview With more than 100 locations throughout the United States, Eyeglass World offers customers a high volume of eyeglass frames for various price ranges. The company claims that all of its showrooms are stocked with thousands of name-brand frames. These include men’s, women’s, and children’s frames made by Ray-Ban, Oakley, Christian Siriano, Vera Bradley, BCBG, Nike, Steve Madden, and more. The discount optical chain claims that since it orders so many frames from its vendors, it is able to pass on big savings to its customers. In fact, the company offers a running promotion of two pairs of eyeglasses for one low price every day. Kids 13 and under receive a free upgrade to impact-resistant lenses with the purchase of eyeglasses. Call your local store for the cost of regular eye exams and contact lens exams. Eyeglass World has some of the lowest fees around. However, a quick Google search reveals several negative reviews about the lack of quality materials. Hours of operation typically include Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with most stores closed on Sunday. Key Specs Why We Chose It All Vision Source locations are owned by independent optometrists, and always have been. That’s why we listed the company as best for doctor quality. Pros & Cons Pros All locations owned by independent, optometrists in private practice Personalized and professional experience Treatment of eye disease Cons Higher examination fees Limited appointment hours Overview Founded in 1991, Vision Source was established by a group of private-practice optometrists who wanted competitive advantages to compete with commercial and retail locations. Vision Source boasts unmatched personal care, advanced eye care services, state-of-the-art technology, and high-quality vision products. All Vision Source locations are independently owned by optometrists as franchise locations. Each one is owned by the doctor and all business is controlled as they see fit. Most Vision Source locations offer large opticals with both high-end and budget-friendly frames. Vision Source's private-practice optometrists offer the latest technology, new instruments, and diagnostic equipment, as well as treatment of eye disease, injuries, and infections. To find the cost of an eye or contact lens exam, enter your zip code to find an optometrist. Vision Source practices usually accept many vision and medical plans. Patients may join the Vision Source 20/20 Savings Plan for discounts on eye exams and eyeglasses. Key Specs Why We Chose It LensCrafters offers many deals, discounts, and coupons to help you save on your exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Pros & Cons Pros Name brand frame selection Several package deals 30-day guarantee Cons Pricey lens options High doctor turnover Overview LensCrafters is an international discount eye clinic with retail stores in North America, Hong Kong, and China. Its stores boast digital eye exams by independent optometrists and an Accufit system for an accurate fitting of frames. Each of its store opticals includes top brands and styles, and they offer assistance in finding the perfect frame for your particular face shape and lifestyle. Founded in 1983, LensCrafters’ founder is credited with developing the idea for a “while you wait” eyeglass retail store. Frame prices seem to run about average compared to other opticals. The company offers a nice variety of package deals to help bring your final cost down, and it claims to accept most insurance plans. Particularly alluring is the company’s 30-day Happiness Guarantee, which promises to make sure you’re happy with what you buy within the first 30 days of your purchase. The company offers minor repairs at no extra cost. Most stores are open seven days per week, with reduced hours on the weekends. Costco Optical won our vote for best overall place to get an eye exam because of its convenience, reasonable prices, and wide selection of frames. Costco Optical accepts most insurance, and most stores employ independent doctors of optometry in their vision centers. Costco Optical even allows customers to bring their own frames in for a lens update. It’s a great way to save time and money. However, to purchase a prescription, you must be a Costco member. An eye doctor, or an ophthalmologist or an optometrist, is a person who specializes in the examination, treatment, and care of the eyes. Specialized equipment is needed to perform a professional eye examination and can only be conducted by a doctor who has the training and education to fully evaluate your vision and eye health. Do not confuse an eye exam with a vision screening, which is not typically conducted by an eye care professional and is usually only a measure of central visual acuity. The average cost of a routine eye exam with a private doctor is around $150. In some regions of the country, it could be $115 or less, and in others, it's more than roughly $300. Optical chains and discount retail eye clinics offer basic eye exams for around $90, on average. Contact lens exams cost more on average because of the extra testing and evaluation needed to ensure the eye is healthy for contact lenses. Medicare covers a medical eye exam, which can be completed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, but will not cover a refraction, which is part of a vision exam resulting in a prescription for glasses. You may be charged extra for a "refraction fee" if using Medicare coverage. Or, if you have a secondary provider, that may cover the refraction fee. This fee can vary by region and provider. Usually, your provider will inform you of this fee before the examination. Yes. Costco Optical is generally cheaper than LensCrafters when it comes to eye exams, even when you factor in coupons or discounts available from Lenscrafters. America's Best is one of the most affordable eye exam options, with prices ranging from about $50 to $90. A comprehensive eye exam is the most accurate for checking your overall eye health and vision. This may be done using digital or traditional eye exam techniques. We conducted extensive research to evaluate the pricing, breadth of services, convenience, accessibility, and frame inventory, which included examining both discount retail eye clinics, as well as discount optical chains with a national presence. To determine overall value, we evaluated the prices of basic eye exams and contact lens exams, as well as the prices of frame inventory. Other factors we investigated prior to choosing the top companies included convenience, hours of operation, health insurance acceptance, lens options, upgrades, package deals, and any free services or resources offered. For best overall, Costco stood out for its wide range of eyeglass frames for the whole family. America's Best was our pick as a good budget option since one of the company's perks is the free eye exam that comes with the purchase of two pairs of eyeglasses. Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute on Aging. Aging and your eyes. By Troy Bedinghaus, OD See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback?The Best Places for Eye Exams in 2023
Best Overall : Costco Optical
Best for Low-Cost Eye Exam : America’s Best
Best Place for Eye Exam Without Insurance : Pearle Vision
Best for Convenience : Walmart Vision Center
Best for Frame Selection : Eyeglass World
Best for Doctor Quality : Vision Source
Best for Coupons and Discounts : LensCrafters
Final Verdict
Compare the Best Places for Eye Exams
Company Price of Eye Exam Number of Locations Name Brand Selection? Costco Optical Best Overall About $50 to $100 558 Yes America’s Best Best Budget Roughly $50 to $90 700 Yes Pearle Vision Best for People without Insurance Varies by location 419 Yes Walmart Vision Center Best for Convenience Around $79 to $129 3,000 Yes Eyeglass World Best for Frame Selection Varies by location More than 100 Yes Vision Source Best for Doctor Quality About $184 More than 300 Yes LensCrafters Best for Coupons and Discounts Varies by location More than 900 Yes Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Doctor Have to Provide Eye Exams?
How Much Does an Eye Exam Typically Cost?
Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams?
Is Costco Optical Cheaper Than LensCrafters?
Who Has the Most Affordable Eye Exam?
What Is the Most Accurate Eye Exam?
Methodology
Troy L. Bedinghaus, OD, board-certified optometric physician, owns Lakewood Family Eye Care in Florida. He is an active member of the American Optometric Association.
FAQs
What is the cheapest place to get an eye exam? ›
- 1800 Contacts. This is an online eye exam and a cheap contact lens exam. ...
- America's Best. Americas Best offers eye exams for $45. ...
- Target. Some Target locations offer eye exams for approximately $55 through their Target Optical service. ...
- Costco. ...
- Walmart. ...
- Sam's Club. ...
- EyeCare America. ...
- InfantSEE.
Is LensCrafters better than Costco Optical? Costco and Walmart optical departments are half the price of LensCrafters, but they are also half the quality. Your best deals will always be to stay away from the big chains where you are just a dollar sign when you come in the door.
Which is better Visionworks vs America's Best? ›Visionworks tends to get slightly better reviews than America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, but the difference is small. When discussing Visionworks, customers often praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff members.
What is the most accurate eye exam? ›Digital eye exams typically provide the most accurate optical measurements. A thoroughly performed traditional eye exam can still be just as accurate for all intents and purposes.
How much is eye exam at Americas Best? ›How much does an eye exam cost? At America's Best, eye exams are FREE* with our 2 pairs offers! Exams without a 2 pair purchase are only $59. Schedule an eye exam at America's Best today.
How much does it cost to check your eyes at Walmart? ›What Does an Eye Exam Cost? If your local Walmart has a vision center with a doctor of optometry within, you can expect to pay around $75 for an eye exam.
Should I go to Costco for eye exam? ›Costco Optical offers access to all your eye care needs, including independent, licensed optometrists who will provide cheap eye exams. Pricing does differ from doctor to doctor, but most take varying types of insurance. It's still a good idea to check with your local warehouse to make sure they accept your insurance.
Does Costco membership include free eye exam? ›Billing doesn't go through Costco since the optometrists are contractors, so your exam bill is separate from your membership. The glasses, contacts, and lenses are all Costco-owned, meaning you need a membership to buy those items.
Is Costco good for eye test? ›Costco Optical prides itself on having some of the most knowledgeable employees in the industry. Our Optometrists are all professionally qualified. You can feel confident that you are receiving the best possible service when visiting the Costco Optical department.
Who has the Best Eyeglass prices? ›- GlassesUSA.com. Limited time offer: Save 65% off frames for eyeglasses and sunglasses with basic Rx lenses + Free shipping to your doorstep. ...
- Warby Parker. ...
- EyeBuyDirect. ...
- Zenni Optical. ...
- Eyeconic. ...
- Eyebobs. ...
- Costco Optical. ...
- Sam's Club Optical.
Are Costco glasses cheaper than Walmart? ›
Costco charges $130 for high-definition progressive lenses, which, as with all Costco lenses, include an anti-reflective coating. That's about half what you'd pay at many walk-in stores. But if you need basic, plastic single-vision lenses, you can pay as little as $29 at Walmart, about half as much as at Costco.
Which company eyeglass is best? ›Top brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Carrera, Lee Cooper, Vincent Chase, and John Jacobs etc. These huge arrays of eyewear are made with the best materials. Durable frames with best designs. Light weight frames that easily fit on your face.
Are all eye exam charts the same? ›5) There are different types of eye charts
There's not just one but different types of eye charts and all are used to test vision. These include Snellen Chart, LogMAR Chart, Jaeger Chart, E Chart, and Landolt C Chart.
There are three different types of eye exams, including a comprehensive eye exam, a routine eye exam, and a contact lens exam. Depending on when your last appointment was and the kind of vision correction you need, the optometrist may use a different exam.
Do all eye exams use the same chart? ›There are a number of variations to the standard Snellen eye chart. The one an eye doctor uses depends on the personal needs and abilities of the patient. For example, eye doctors will use charts with pictures or patterns for younger children who may not have learned to read or identify letters and numbers.
How long does it take to get glasses from America's Best? ›At America's Best, we work hard to save you money. On average, it takes between 7-10 business days for your glasses to arrive.
How long is an eye exam at Americas Best? ›An eye exam at America's Best is designed to give you the most comprehensive care possible at an unbeatable price. The entire process may take 1.5 to 2 hours from check-in to check-out. When you arrive at the store, you can check in at the reception desk.
How long does it take to get glasses from LensCrafters? ›Glasses can take from 3 - 7 days, depending on the prescription, special finishes, etc.
Is Walmart a good place to get glasses? ›They have a good selection of eyewear at fair prices, including many varieties of eyeglasses and contact lenses. On top of that, the centers are tastefully decorated, which might make you more comfortable. Many people like being able to walk in without an appointment and find a popular name-brand frame.
How often should you get a new pair of glasses? ›Optometrists recommend replacing your glasses everyone one to three years. This can be shorter depending on the condition of your lenses or any changes in prescription.
How much do progressive lenses cost at Walmart? ›
Lens Prices | Single Vision | Progressive |
---|---|---|
RX-able.com | $28/pair | $58/pair |
Walmart | $70/pair | $140/pair |
*In most cases, Rx-able.com edges new lenses in your frame within 24 hours of receiving your frame. |
Glasses cost an average of $185 at Costco Optical — 54% less than other chains and retailers. Just like in most places, glasses at Costco Optical can have a wide range of pricing. To start, it depends on the frames you choose. If you go with the Kirkland brand, you will pay less than if you choose designer lenses.
How long does it take to get glasses at Costco? ›How long does it take to get glasses from Costco? If you order glasses for in-person pickup, Costco states they will take about 7 days to process. If you order glasses delivered to your home, it'll also take 7 days to process plus an additional 7 to 14 days to ship.
How much does Costco charge for prescription lenses? ›Lens Prices | Single Vision | Progressive |
---|---|---|
RX-able.com | $28/pair | $58/pair |
Costco | $91/pair | $160/pair |
*In most cases, Rx-able.com edges new lenses in your frame within 24 hours of receiving your frame. |
- VSP.
- EyeMed.
- Davis Vision.
- VBA Vision.
- FEP BlueVision.
- MES Vision.
- United Healthcare.
- Spectera.
Costco Optical sells brand name and Kirkland Signature glasses and contacts at a discount. Costco Optical accepts most vision insurance plans and you can see an independent optometrist, saving you both time and money. Costco Optical was ranked as the best place to buy eyeglasses according to Consumer Reports.
Who is doing free eye tests? ›NHS funds free eye tests in the UK, for millions of eligible people across England, Scotland and Wales. Excluding branch promotions, most of the free eye tests provided by high street opticians are funded by the NHS.
Will Costco put lenses in my frames? ›You can bring in any old Rx frame for Costco to update but you'll be charged a small fee for it, can't remember the amount but there is a fee. ... The lens center that Costco uses may not be able to update the lenses for whatever reason like size or shape.
How much should I pay for a pair of prescription glasses? ›A pair of glasses can range anywhere from $10 for readers to several thousand dollars depending on the brand and prescription lenses. But average prescription eyewear costs between $200 and $300 in today's market. Without insurance to cover the cost, you will need to search for the best price.
Is Walmart the cheapest place to get glasses? ›Walmart offers some of the cheapest frames available and the lowest lens prices comparable to other retailers. A look at their available frames shows several options under $10. A reasonable variety of options under $30 are available as well for those unhappy with the limited extreme budget options.
How can I save money on prescription glasses? ›
- Buy prescription glasses online. ...
- Compare prices, discounts, and promos. ...
- Use your HSA or FSA to buy prescription glasses. ...
- Sign up for a vision plan and use its discounts. ...
- Take advantage of BOGO glasses discounts.
Costco Optical now accepts most vision insurance plans. Please ask your local Costco Optical department for details. Discount plans are not eligible.
Are cheap prescription glasses worth it? ›Cheap reading glasses can cause eyestrain — or worse.
But it's easy to choose the wrong power, and the optical quality of cheap reading glasses typically is not as good as a customized pair of glasses for computer use and reading.
Cheaper lenses will give you the clarity of vision you require, but more expensive ones will give you a more distinctive pair of glasses, with personalized features. Customized features like lens color, anti-reflective coating, scratch-resistant, polarized, photochromic, etc.
What are the top 3 eye glasses? ›Some of the best eyeglasses brands like Titan Eyeplus, Fastrack, Vogue, Oakley and a few others provide the latest eyeglass frames that are trendy in appeal and also premium in quality.
Is it better to get glasses from optometrist? ›However, most people don't realize that buying from your trusted eye care professional, your eye doctor, not only is the best option to find a great pair of glasses but will provide you with lower costs, great customer service, and exact prescription.
Why is Warby Parker so popular? ›Warby Parker is able to offer lower prices than other brands by designing its eyeglasses itself, avoiding licensing fees, cutting out the middleman and removing any unnecessary mark ups by selling directly to consumers.
How much is an eye exam in Dallas? ›The average price of an eye exam is $59 without insurance.
How much is an eye exam in Texas? ›$171-$200 is the average cost of an eye exam without insurance (first visit) $128 for recurring patient visits. $46 for refractive vision tests.
Is Pearle Vision owned by LensCrafters? ›Along with LensCrafters, Luxottica also runs Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Sunglass Hut and Target Optical, as well as the insurer EyeMed Vision Care.
Are online eye exams accurate? ›
They cannot help you determine whether you have conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration. Online vision exams may be useful in certain circumstances. However, they should not be regarded as a substitute for routine or comprehensive eye exams, which are performed by eye doctors in person.
How much is an eye check up? ›Price of Eye Exam
When it comes to possible eye diseases, the ophthalmologist can help since they can also perform surgical and medical procedures. The price of eye exam can range from Php 500 to Php 1,500 or more in Philippine hospitals.
Professional vision screening for your driver's licence is done at our VISION branches. You have to bring a valid Identification document (ID) with. The screening is done free of charge, but there is a R40 fee for the certificate.
How much is an eye exam in the UK? ›How Much is an Adult Eye Test? Typically, a high street adult eye test will cost between £20 and £30.
Is it worth getting an eye test? ›Regular eye examinations are important because: having your vision corrected can improve the quality of day-to-day life. they will help detect certain eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, which could lead to sight loss. poor vision could be a risk for falls.
How long is an eye exam good for in Texas? ›An expiration date of not less than one year from the date of the prescribing examination shall appear on every such prescription.
Does America's Best dilate your eyes? ›Dilated retinal exam
For this optional part of the exam, your eye doctor will use the slit lamp after dilating your eyes to see the back of your eye, where the retina and optic nerve are. The doctor will look for signs of a torn or detached retina, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
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LensCrafters vs Visionworks.
21% | Promoters |
---|---|
10% | Passive |
69% | Detractors |
Costco Optical accepts most vision insurance plans and you can see an independent optometrist, saving you both time and money. Costco Optical was ranked as the best place to buy eyeglasses according to Consumer Reports.
Who is LensCrafters biggest competitor? ›Overview of lenscrafters.com's closest competitors
The closest competitor to the lenscrafters.com is targetoptical.com that ranks 73872 worldwide, 21634 in United States. According to our estimations targetoptical.com is getting 934.0K visits in December 2022 and the authority score of this domain is 61.
How can I test my eyesight at home? ›
- Print or purchase a vision chart. ...
- Tape the chart on a wall. ...
- Place your child's chair ten feet away from the chart.
- Ask your child to cover one of his or her eyes. ...
- Light the vision chart. ...
- Have your child read each line of the chart. ...
- Repeat the process with your child's other eye covered.
“While online tests for glasses prescription may be okay for adults 18-39 years of age with healthy eyes, they are not appropriate for those with an eye condition or risk factors for eye disease – such as having diabetes or a family history of glaucoma – or for those who have not had a recent eye examination.”