FAQ
Answers to common questions.
Don't see your question? Call your nearest location — we're happy to help.
Do I need a Costco membership to get an eye exam at your Costco clinics?
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No. Our Costco Optical eye exams are open to everyone — no Costco membership required. A membership is only needed to purchase glasses or contacts from Costco Optical.
Are you employed by Walmart or Costco?
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Our doctors are independent optometrists who lease space inside Walmart and Costco — they're our landlords, not our employers. We make no income from selling glasses or contacts; our focus is providing comprehensive exams and treating eye disease.
How can your fees be lower than other eye doctors? Will I still get a quality exam?
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Yes. Our doctors complete the same four years of training and state licensing as every other optometrist, and we use modern diagnostic equipment. Our fees are lower because our overhead is lower operating inside Walmart and Costco, and our convenient locations keep us busy seeing patients all day.
Will I get a written prescription I can use anywhere?
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Yes. You'll receive a written prescription and a summary of your exam before you leave. Your prescription is valid anywhere in the U.S. — you're never required to purchase glasses or contacts through Walmart or Costco.
How long does an eye exam take?
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A comprehensive eye exam typically takes 30–45 minutes. If you're a new contact lens wearer or need additional testing, plan for closer to an hour.
How often should I have an eye exam?
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For most healthy adults, every 1–2 years. Kids, seniors, contact lens wearers, and patients with conditions like diabetes or glaucoma should be seen annually or as directed by their doctor.
At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
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The American Optometric Association recommends a first exam between 6 and 12 months, another around age 3, and again before starting school. Many vision problems in children have no obvious symptoms.
Do you accept my insurance?
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We accept most major vision plans (VSP, EyeMed, Davis, Spectera and more) and medical plans (Medicare, Blue Cross, HealthPartners, Medica, UCare, Cigna, Aetna and more). Call your nearest location to verify your specific plan.
Why does a contact lens exam cost more than a regular eye exam?
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Contact lens exams include additional testing — measuring the curvature of your eye, evaluating the fit, and a follow-up to make sure the lenses are healthy and comfortable after you've worn them for a while. That extra time and testing is what makes it a separate service.
Can I order any brand of contact lens with my prescription?
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Your prescription is written for the specific brand and parameters our doctor determined are best for your vision and eye health. Different brands fit and feel differently even at the same power, so switching brands requires a new fitting.
Do you take walk-ins?
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We prefer scheduled appointments so we can give you our full attention, but same-day and walk-in visits are often possible depending on the location. Give us a call and we'll do our best to fit you in.
What should I bring to my appointment?
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Please bring your insurance card(s), a photo ID, your current glasses and/or contact lens boxes, and a list of any medications you're taking. If you have prior eye records, those are helpful too.
Can you treat medical eye conditions?
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Yes. Our doctors diagnose and manage dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease and more, and we work closely with local ophthalmology and medical groups when advanced treatment is needed.