Should You Buy Glasses From Costco Optical?

[@bobcardone7437]

I bought a pair of glasses at Costco about a year ago. After waiting about 10 days, the glasses with progressive lenses came in. I tried them on, and realized that there was something wrong with the lenses they had made. If I looked at a horizontal line, the line in one eye was higher than the other eye, in other words each lens had the line at a different height. I pointed this out to the person fitting the glasses, so with a pair of pliers she bent the frame, so that the lenses were not at different angles, but now the line was straight. I wore these glasses for a year, but was never happy with them because it seemed that when one eye was in focus, the other eye was slightly off. So I had to shift my head slightly left and right to get each eye to focus properly. By this time I was due for another eye doctor appointment, and I mentioned this problem to the eye doctor. She checked my prescription and said that it was still correct, then she looked at the glasses, and immediately said. " I see the problem, the frame on these glasses has been bent. The lenses are a different angles, and that is why you can't get both eyes to focus at the same time. She said these lenses were not made correctly and need to be replaced. I then went straight to Costco, and spoke to the manager of the department, explaining what had happened a year prior. He looked at the glasses and said. " These should have never been bent like this, obviously these lenses were not made correctly. He then said he would replace the glasses and lens including the frames at no charge. Ten days later, my new glasses came in, I tried them on, and they are perfect. After wearing them for a bit, I realized that I had been suffering with poor vision from the original glasses for a year. Now everything is in focus, and crystal clear. I thank the manager for resolving my problem. Morale to the story, if you get new glasses and try them on, and they are not right , don't take any excuses, tell them to make a new pair. You shouldn't have to get used to glasses, they should be in focus from day one.

[@Clark]

Thanks for sharing your story Bob!

[@walkingmonument]

This story is the exception. Nowhere near the rule. I’m sorry you had a bad experience but this is in no way reflective of Costco optical in general. I work as an optician at Costco so I know and see all of it.

[@36Studebaker]

@@walkingmonument i can only state my own experience but in light of your statement and claim i'm going to copy/paste a post i just posted under an article on costco's optical on this guy's [clark.com] website... i'll never use costco again, besides charging high for lenses they're also evidently incompetent...i foolishly believed the consumer reports which rated costco as the best source for eyeglasses a couple of years ago and thought i'd get the best value at costco...i now own 3 pairs of glasses from a local costco store's optical dept. which cost me over $800 in total and 2 of these pairs are of no use to me while the least expensive [reading] are also faulty and barely adequate... my old [at present it's likely at least 10 years old] pair of eyeglasses' frame has become bent over time and as a result the right lens is regularly brushed by my eyelashes becoming smeared/dirty within an hour or two of cleaning the lenses... of course, being so close to my right eye, it's not giving me anymore the proper distance from my eye for optimal corrective factor regarding my right eye's vision... it was also at least 8 years since i last had my vision checked so i've decided it was high time for new eyeglasses a couple of years ago... i subscribed to consumer reports at the time and found that they rated costco as their top recommended source... i now wish i never read that bit of info... after paying quite a bit more than i'm used to for costco's optometrist's eye test, i then ordered from them 3 pairs: one pair with progressive lenses, one just for reading [i now have both myopia AND hyperopia] and one with standard negative diopter lenses for my lifelong nearsightedness... i specified transition [auto tinting] lenses for the progressive and regular pairs... the frames for the progressive pair and the standard pair cost me around $120 - $140 ea... the reading ones cost somewhat less, can't recall anymore... apparently, i've recently developed astigmatism as well so my lenses were far more expensive than the cost of the frames; however, that's been par for the course in my last few purchases of new eyeglasses in the past 2 decades or so but i also remember when frames were the most expensive part of the eyeglasses cost by far... now it's exactly the opposite... well, apparently they ordered extra thin lenses - which i never specified - from their lens crafter lab which are unsuitable for my diopter strength [-6.50 and -6.25] and as a result the lenses at that strength create very strong blur/focus distortion and rainbow effects when looking through anywhere but the very narrow field of vision at the direct center of the lenses [i believe it's called peripheral defocus and chromatic abberation]... it also caused me an intense headache within a short period of time from when i'd put the new glasses on, a different type than i typically experience with a new pair of glasses for the first day or two; most likely due to my eyes trying to constantly focus on the blurred image while glancing off center... it's impossible for me to see anything in focus in any of these new glasses unless i'm looking directly straight ahead... impossible to drive unless i keep turning my head to check my mirrors, etc... when one loses the ability to glance peripherally [with just eyes and without a need to turn one's head in every direction] it's not a safe way to drive...even watching my large screen tv would be uncomfortable and nearly impossible because any action outside of the screen's center appeared blurred and out of focus... i'd have to turn my head back and forth from left to right, up and down, just to be able to watch a soccer match or any high action movie on my tv now... when i picked up my eyeglasses and complained about these distortions the costco optical center employee assured me that this will soon go away once my 'brain gets used to' the new glasses [she claimed so despite the fact that the prescription wasn't significantly stronger from my previous glasses and the frame size/type was nearly identical to my old ones]... my brain never did 'get used to it' and after 2 months of trying to get 'used to' my new glasses without any success i've had it and just went back t my previous pair of glasses... i became bedridden for a few months about a month after buying those 3 pairs and was even unable to physically go to costco to try and remedy these issues... almost a year passed before i was able to get into my wheelchair again and by then i figured they wouldn't honor any such issues... i'm severely disabled in a wheelchair for 30 years now and live exclusively off my meager disability income so the $800+ expense was HUGE for me... in fact $840 is my total monthly income... when i purchased them 2-3 years ago i was then out of entire month's income and stuck with 2 completely useless pair of glasses plus a reading pair which also has similar distortion but since reading doesn't require a need for a lot of peripheral glancing i can at least still use them more or less... once i'll save up for a few more months i'll use an independent optometrist or maybe even an ophthalmologist which i'll research thoroughly and will use an alternative, reliable eyeglasses retail source; in fact i'm starting to do my diligent research on such right now, it's how i found this article while googling for sources... i certainly will never use costco again... caveat emptor, especially when supposedly reliable and /or trustworthy sources recommend a certain company/retail chain but the reality doesn't uphold the claims...

[@kjpiper8398]

Progressive lenses are iffy. Not many people can wear them and be satisfied. My brain never adjusted to them . Had a bad bad fall. Never will get progressive lenses again.

[@curlyhairdudeify]

To add to that.... Go for plastic frames. Metal frames will always give you problems.

[@karenv5047]

I just got two pairs at Costco - love them. The experience was very positive & I saved big time!

[@monnaprovost7294]

Hi, I came across your channel researching about glasses & seeing an old 60 Minutes show exposing the Italian company Luxottica who owns most of the branded frames like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Chanel, Prada, Coach, Sunhut, an eye insurance company, LensCrafters, Pearce Vision, & many other eye related businesses. But people don’t know that it is all one company which has run the prices up on the premise that the prices are fair & good as long as people are willing to pay them. It’s a well kept secret. Anyway, it led me to your channel, I like the current info so I subscribed. Thanks. Mo in NJ

[@octogirl2046]

Thats the way a lot of the industries works. Refrigerators, TV,

[@Yowzoe]

@@octogirl2046 yes, but the optical industry is in a league of its own, it's a complete cartel. Look for that documentary, it'll blow your mind.

[@jerseytony1]

Clark you are an AMAZING human being..W've followed your advice and get your Newsletter daily.. In these crazy times when we're being lied to by those who we pay to protect us it's a Blessing to have trusted people like you.. GOD bless you with a long life great man!

[@kennith.]

Ok so to be clear, the Opticians are independent of Costco but the frames, glasses, contacts etc. are Costco stock and that is why Costco is able to limit the markup to 14%.

[@walkingmonument]

It’s $30 or $40 off each additional pair not just the second pair. So the 3rd pair is an additional $30 or $40 off giving you a discount of $60 or $80 depending on the special they’re running

[@uhavemooface]

I'm waiting on my reading glasses from Costco. I have to wait about 10 days to get them. Great service.

[@chalpua8802]

The majority of online sellers consistently mess up glasses. I highly recommend going to a place.

[@lindap.p.1337]

My Zenni glasses are perfect. I have ordered from them for probably 6 years. This year I made a mistake, realized it and called about it. They canceled the order and refunded me. Note; you must know your PD, pupillary distance. I asked for mine and got it.

[@budmonk2819]

Exactly, the price you save on glasses means you need to put the work involved in getting the dimensions, fit, PD and everything up to spec. Not hard, but definitely requires the ground work. Got plenty of Zenni glasses over the years.

[@tacitusromanus8239]

I was buying Zenni frames for several years and loved them. However, I began to notice that my eyes began to become sore most of the time. When I went to my optometrist for my eye exam, and he looked at my Zennis, he noticed that the lenses were ultra thin to the point that it was difficult to see that they were proper lenses at all. I have stopped buying at Zennis. I may try Costco for another pair as my optometrist , of course, charged me a lot for my prescription glasses even with my vision care plan.

[@ThatOneVelliGuy]

That’s crazy, I’m going through this right now. My eyes have been so sore

[@curlyhairdudeify]

​@@ThatOneVelliGuyTry Warby Parker.

[@snwbm]

My optometrist gave me 2 pairs of glasses in a row that were horrible. They can at times be just as bad.

[@mruofacat]

I went to Costco to get new glasses, both clear and sunglasses with progressive lenses. I received the glasses and immediately noticed that everything was just a bit out of focus. I took them home and began getting headaches every day. I thought the prescription was the problem and went back to the Dr. They checked and made sure the glasses had the correct prescription ,which they did. After some hassle with the manager, I received an appointment to recheck the prescription. Took the new prescription to Costco and they had no issue re-doing both sets of glasses. Received them, went home and same thing. Out of focus and headaches. This time I went to a better doctor and she said it was that Costco is not good at progressives. They use a one size fits all formula that obviously does not work for everyone. Now getting new glasses that are more expensive but fitted and made by experts.

[@garyhunchak1857]

just quit

[@rorriannroch]

My husband and I got a pair from Sam's Club which is pretty much the same. We both felt the quality was cheaper than what we had previously purchased from our eye clinic. Also when we went to pick them up I realized on the way home I could not see well so we turned around and went back and since the prescription 'was' wrong they had to be reordered. It was especially annoying because we live an hour away.

[@graciaschlafly7183]

Like the prices, hate the frames.

[@WisdomOver50]

Fantastic video and very timely since I am in the market for glasses right now. Thank you Clark!

[@AlvaSudden]

I have optical insurance through my Cigna Medicare Advantage plan. Even with what Cigna paid toward frames/lenses, my co-pay was about $50.00 more than I would have paid at Costco for the entire cost. And the Cigna glasses aren't better--if anything they're not as good as Costco glasses.

[@keenangordon3662]

I appreciate this concise review and information, thanks!

[@knottsafterdark]

I successfully returned prescription progressive glasses to Costco, but I had to act like a lawyer in order to do so! The lenses that they made for me had very small “sweet spots” in them, in which I could actually see in focus. The rest of each lens was either out of focus, or distorted everything. They tried to make the excuse that the frames were just twisted funny, but that just was not it. They had a graphic on the counter that supposedly showed that the lenses were made correctly. I told them, “These glasses are not for your counter. These are for my eyes. And my eyes cannot see properly with these glasses. I am scared to death to drive while wearing them.” They wanted to sell me a pair of single vision glasses instead, but I was so unhappy with the glasses and the hassle of returning them, that I asked for a full refund. Finally, the third person who I talked to authorized a refund. I will find a different place to make my eyeglasses, and I will definitely get single vision lenses.

[@juliechandler2348]

Note that Costco offers no warranty on glasses. I spent $200 for prescription sunglasses that broke in 10 months. They could not be repaired and my only option was to purchase the same frame again and reuse the lenses. But (1) they didn’t have the frame and (2) why would I buy the same poor quality frame again? I won’t buy glasses at Costco again.

[@aznfriedrice415]

I got warranty on mines. The optical manager approved a redo twice already.

[@bobwaite8667]

My glasses started rusting and Costco wouldn't replace them. I moved on from Costco for glasses. Zenni is the BEST!

[@ephraimcamacho9600]

Thanks for the info Clark!!!

[@yosmilemo]

Not sure Costco still little expensive but zenni is better cheaper frames. I also like firmoo fits me perfectly frame

[@mae8861]

Recently I replaced my bifocals. Costco was $200 my doctors was $400.

[@danielonn2002]

I got a Tumi Frame with Transition for $260

[@octogirl2046]

Where do you get $19.00 frames? Not at Costco. I’m in Canada

[@lenblack1462]

Zinni Optical.

[@b.larson3151]

Costco cut 24 pairs of glasses for me. They couldn't get it right. Opticians there don't understand center of rotation, optical center vs. line of sight, or pantascopic tilt vs. pantascoptic angle. They and the lab think 5 degrees off on axis is okay, and excuse it as ANSI "good enough". But it isn't. As a photographer, I need sharp vision for focus. I spent over $1200 on exams and specialist after costco "gaslit" me saying it wasn't them. They were wrong, it was "them". I went to an independent optician who is also the lab and he got it right on the first try. He also confirmed my understanding of the math in making lenses and the limitations of Costco Labs that grind 7,000-10,000 pairs of glasses a day in an automated system. If you have a mild persription with or without a very low astigmatism, then costco may work. If you get a lot of headaches and just take painkillers or blame yourself, it very well may be your costco glasses.

[@Yowzoe]

Glad I read your comment. Getting my first exam in many years tomorrow at Costco (Sequim), and watching some KZbin videos to learn about I exams in contacts, etc. I'm planning to get three pairs of glasses as well as contact lenses (regular, computer, and driving sunglasses "Transitions Drivewear"). I made two calls to two independent opticians in the area to see if there was any red flags for the independent optometrist at Costco, both were pretty enthusiastic about him. So I think at the moment I'm going to keep that appointment and just cross my fingers. It seems like there's two points of failure possible : the optometrist, and then the Costco lab. I do definitely have as an astigmatism (2 and 3), as well as significant strabismus. I am nervous, but I think I'm gonna go and see what happens. If I don't get perfect results I will definitely have them redo it at least a couple times before I give up. and I will ask another optician to check to see that the lenses match the prescription, if possible. Thanks for your warning, I'll stay on top of them (I hope).

[@b.larson3151]

@@Yowzoe Three points where things can go wrong: Optomotrist, Optician, Lab. If your glasses work, I'll be curious to know since you have astigmatism and BVD. My astigmatism cylinder in one eye is 4.25, and that is the eye I have more problem with. If the OPTICIAN doesn't get the OC occular center correct, throws the whole lens off in relationship to your "center of rotation"; the imaginary point to which your eyeball rotates around in the center of your eye. All the best! Worst case, Costco will remeasure, regrind, or refund.

[@Yowzoe]

@@b.larson3151 I will be happy to get back to you. The three pairs, plus the contact trials, should be ready in a week, they say. Everyone was really professional, I got a good feeling so far. But as you say there are three points of failure, many things to go wrong. The young optometrist I saw graduated eight months ago, with a specialty in contacts. He was very pleasant and very efficient, in fact their whole office was amazingly fast, and their testing equipment was like something out of Star Trek. The last guy I had seen was very old school and all his equipment was museum-piece, and his pace was incredibly slow. I don't know how all this figures, we shall see. I did talk at length with the optician about lens materials, pupillary distances, vertical marks for the center of the lens, all of which he carefully adjusted. Having strabismus surgeries and also different axes in each eye makes me appropriately worried that something will go wrong in all this, but I hope not to get to 24 re-makes!

[@b.larson3151]

@@Yowzoe Hope it works out. They usually have things back in about a week, and you are close to the Seattle Lab, which is the better of the costco labs I learned from an employee. I thought maybe I developed BVD, but it was my costco glasses were actually giving it to me because of the optician work (not perscription) All the best! Check out "neurovisual center of new york" and "neuro-vision therapy institute" as BDV (staubismus) is treatable.

[@b.larson3151]

@@Yowzoe How did it go with your glasses?

[@cleverhype]

Usually you have to disclose if you're being sponsored. Is Costco that good or is there a sponsorship involved?

[@Clark]

Hi Alex, we are not sponsored. Clark really does love Costco this much! If you'd like more info about this topic and Clark.com, check out the Team Clark Guarantee here: clark.com/ad-disclosure/

[@carl2591]

@@Clark :: it's a WELL know factoid that Clake LOVES costco.. he would advertise them for free, and frequently does on air.. I miss him in Raleigh NC.. used to be on 106.1 (delay) in the morning from 9-12 before rush limbaugh.. but they decided to put on some talking head from Fox (s)news and i quite listening to that hobo station. do enjoy the podcast when we travel.

[@Clark]

Hi @@carl2591, thanks for listening!

[@thomasmcmahon400]

Tried to get someone to help me, it was an exercise in futility not to mention an anemic selection. It appears to be a concession. This was in Brandon Fl.

[@Cyberbronco]

The frames break so easily, the hinges bend and never go back straight. Warby Parker is much more durable and similar prices.

[@maryerb6062]

I agree with you but I had to buy a membership there that cost me $120 and Costco isn't worth it to me. The parking lot is a nightmare and the place is too crowded.

[@rolando92h]

You don’t need a membership to use the optometry at costco

[@Yowzoe]

Gold membership at 60 bucks. Go first thing in the morning if you can, no crowds :-)

[@maryerb6062]

@@rolando92h I couldn't deal with the optometry department until I had my own membership.

[@johnr3603]

Exam yes ,frames nerd memship😕

[@charlesbeall2589]

@@Yowzoe But that would take EFFORT!🤡

[@funkyflights]

Do you have to get progressive lenses ? Don't they distort things for some ? What is a regular distance lens called ?

[@tp8449]

Single vision

[@newtown5698]

If anyone has a high RX never order glasses online

[@sandeesandee2562]

do they provide AR free in the glasses?

[@janisbrown5473]

Do all Costco carry the same frames?

[@kennystroner7431]

Nope. they have different brands. It's not just Costco glasses.

[@genxx2724]

Costco did my progressive lenses incorrectly. The employees insisted they were correct, and gave me the run-around. My vision insurance recommended I talk to the manager. He issued a refund. I will not get lenses there again.

[@briansommer5207]

Thanks clark

[@r.t.7925]

My Zenny progressive pair is much better and cheaper than the one I just got from Costco. The view window is so narrow -Im having trouble finding the sweet spot for far away, it also does not improve the clarity -I have some astigmatism. I tried to return them today and they did some gimmicks and measurements and told me they are good and made according to the prescription. They send me to talk to the optometrist that wrote the prescription. Im not sure how the business is structured, but two different Costco Opticals had two different lens prices. They might be separate businesses. The frames are not of good quality as well. For now Im out around 450 CND and a useless pair of glasses

[@hqnnqae]

Anybody wonder why hey wore two watches on this hand?

[@saraoh7389]

Yes..maybe he got the second watch free:-)

[@casaraku1]

maybe one is smart!

[@Texg1rl_]

No the last 10 years they always come in wrong 😢

[@ShadowRing0219]

COSTCO DOES NOT GUARANTEE REFUND. LENSES ARE CUSTOM MADE TO YOUR RX. YOU WILL RECEIVE FRAME CREDIT ONLY.

[@jimd3643]

Does Costco accept Vision Insurance ?

[@debraavino3714]

Jim D No, they do not.

[@melissang1059]

Yes, they do. Go to Costco website and go to the optical section and they have a list of insurance they take.

[@xbassnymphox]

yes, they do

[@glenwest6079]

This is a old video but I guess what clark Howard is saying don't buy at Costco.

[@charlesbeall2589]

English much?😆

[@Viewer13128]

is aspheric lens better? zenni optical only has spheric lenses. what about costco?

[@curlyhairdudeify]

Spherical lenses are only if your prescription determines them that you need them.

[@josepabon6531]

Hey boss my name it's Jose I'm from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 and move to Alabama and in 41 years of my life never wear glasses or i learn how to live blind and today i have to go to a eye doctor and i need glasses so i got some Budget glasses and i really don't know nothing about this progressive enfermedad. Some help about stores or lenses I'm very athletic i do sports retire expro basketball from Puerto Rico . Lol funny story i never told my coaches i see double lol and still made it pro i wonder how different it be my life if i said the true about my vision

[@ericpava3089]

Disagree.. cheap is expensive. Costco optical customer service is the worst.. evasive , rude, unprofessional… they didn’t even read the prescriptions, they messed with ordering filters required by written on prescription… but worst of all… we waited 10 days to get lenses with out filters but the Costco optical lab made the lenses with out the prisma requires for sight vision improvement… a totally wasted of time , money and energy. They are incompetent… yell to Clients,,, defensive,,, and that is unacceptable… bab bad bad

[@Clark]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@youdagoob]

No. Selection is limited. Most of their glasses look the price… cheap. After ordering a tolerable pair, when I got them the nose pieces were all out of whack. Scrunched down as if the glasses were punched. I also asked for polished edges and they came unpolished. Never have I had a brand new pair of glasses be so disappointing. Never again.

[@carrot5705]

Mine made me itch. What could have been in that plastic to be allergic to it? Costco would not take them back . Will never buy glasses there again

[@shonjuan11]

Does anybody give a thumbs-up?

[@rahmanwaheed1487]

Dont be the first!

[@Dakiniwoman]

I am shocked... where the heck to you live?... Here in Canada I paid $250.00 for each set of progressive lenses WITHOUT THE FRAMES at our local Walmart vision center... that was before Costco had a vision center... this was in 2011... Now I need a new prescription so I am searching where to go for new lenses in my old glasses... I want to get 5 pairs done... at $250.00 each and then 14% taxes on top... and of course the eye exam... well... you see the picture... We do not have a Costco where I live so I would have to travel to another town to go to a Costco...

[@gregster1950]

I lived in Atlanta, GA. Clark Howard lives in Atlanta.

[@fredfrancium]

If you buy online in Canada is cheaper

[@maryvoncita]

The price depends on your prescription. I have used lenses all my life. Invariably they are expensive for me. I buy 2 pairs of lenses for my son or daughter for less than $100. However, for me, each pair is more than $300, without frames and a vision exam. I can never buy 2 pairs of lenses. :(

[@Dakiniwoman]

@@maryvoncita Yes... I have been shopping around and no one does progressive lenses here for less than $300.00 per pair. (just the lenses) I will only be able to get one pair and one spare in case those get lost or broken... even then, I have to save up for them.

[@Dakiniwoman]

@@fredfrancium How could I buy online when none of the companies sell frames in my size that is Extra Petite women's size? Believe me, I have looked for a long time. My frames are 120 across the front of the frame with 130 for the arm length. I don't want to have to buy children's frames as they don't suit a mature woman.

[@dimaattila1630]

Problem is it does not work with insurance.

[@Jendromeda]

at my costco, if you bring your own frames, they charge you $25 and take no responsibility for future breakage.

[@PERRIERTASTESLIKEPISS]

Yeah because they didn’t sell them to you

[@laughter95]

I wouldn't go for off brand contact lenses. The lenses are a medical device and what you get out of them is better optics, wearing comfort-- fit, oxygen permeability, and the feel of a normal tearfilm. Unless Kirkland et Al can demonstrate specs that compete with the fit of products compatible for a specific patient...

[@watamatafoyu]

Umm, if you're buying glasses from the cheapest place, you don't care about quality.

[@RealArtfulDodger]

A quick review of their website instantly says hard pass. They don't even have progressive lenses in the year 2024, the frames are super cheap (you will get what you pay for), no special coatings like Shamir, Crizal, etc. This is targeted more towards seniors, people with very low scripts or on an extremely tight budget. This is your eyes though, not sure why anyone thinks this is a great option unless you cheaters at Walgreens are also an option for you too.

[@lexbeltran1354]

Do you get a discount if you have a Costco membership?

[@jimmycain8669]

You have to have membership to buy them there. I tried Costco for glasses and they double suck. This guy must have been bribed.

[@Dave-zl2ky]

They must have recognized you at Costco. My customer service experience on glasses has been just OK.

[@Jendromeda]

and mine has been awful. Rudest customer service EVER. Out of four employees behind the counter, three were horribly rude.

[@CJ-wc6lf]

I have no comment at this time.