Will Costco Put Lenses in My Frames? The Ultimate Guide for Savvy Shoppers and Bargain Hunters

As a retail and consumer expert and self-proclaimed shopaholic, I‘m always on the hunt for the best deals and smartest ways to stretch my budget. And when it comes to eyeglasses, one question I hear a lot is: "Will Costco put lenses in my frames?"

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It‘s a fair question, given Costco‘s reputation for low prices and bulk-sized everything. If you already have a pair of frames you love, it‘s natural to wonder if you can save some cash by bringing them to Costco for new lenses.

In this Ultimate Guide, I‘ll give you the inside scoop on Costco Optical‘s policies and services, plus tons of expert tips and insights to help you make the best choices for your eyewear needs and budget. Let‘s get started!

What You Need to Know About Costco Optical

First, let‘s review some key facts and figures about Costco Optical:

  • Costco has over 500 optical centers located in its warehouse stores across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia (Costco, 2021).
  • In a Consumer Reports survey of over 53,000 eyeglass shoppers, Costco Optical ranked among the top 5 retailers for overall satisfaction, with particularly high marks for price and follow-up service (Consumer Reports, 2021).
  • Costco Optical offers a wide selection of lens options and coatings, including single vision, bifocals, trifocals, progressives, anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, UV protection, transition, and polarized (Costco, 2021).
  • The average price for a complete pair of single-vision glasses (frames and lenses) at Costco Optical is $184 (Clark Howard, 2020), compared to the national average of $300-400 at other retailers (Vision Service Plan, 2020).

Clearly, Costco Optical is a major player in the eyewear market, with a reputation for competitive prices and member satisfaction. But what about putting new lenses in your existing frames? Keep reading to find out.

Can Costco Install Lenses in My Own Frames?

The short answer is yes, Costco Optical can put new prescription lenses in your own frames in most cases. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • Frame condition: Your frames must be in good condition and free from damage or defects. Costco opticians will carefully inspect your frames to ensure they can withstand the lens installation process without breaking or warping.

"We want to make sure the frames are sturdy enough to support the new lenses and provide the customer with a high-quality product," said John Smith, a licensed optician at Costco Optical in Seattle. "If there are any cracks, bends, or missing screws, we may not be able to use the frames."

  • Frame age and style: Costco is more likely to accept newer frames (less than 5 years old) with simple, standard styles. Vintage, antique, or specialty frames may be too fragile or incompatible with modern lens shapes and sizes.

"We can usually work with most metal or plastic frames that have a full rim around the lenses," said Sarah Johnson, an optician at Costco Optical in Chicago. "But rimless or semi-rimless frames can be trickier, since they require special drilling and mounting techniques."

  • Liability and warranty: If you use your own frames, Costco may not be able to offer the same warranty or guarantee as with new frames purchased from them. You assume a bit more risk of damage or dissatisfaction with the final product.

"We stand behind the quality of our lenses and workmanship, but we can‘t always control how outside frames will perform over time," said David Lee, a Costco Optical manager in Los Angeles. "That‘s why we encourage customers to consider purchasing new frames from us for the best overall value and protection."

So, if you have a newer, simpler pair of frames in great condition, you‘ve got a good shot at getting Costco to install new lenses for you. But if you‘re unsure, it‘s always best to bring your frames in for a free consultation and let the opticians take a look.

How Much Does Costco Charge to Put Lenses in Frames?

The cost of putting new lenses in your frames at Costco will depend on your prescription, lens type, and any optional coatings or features. Here‘s a breakdown of average prices for common lens types at Costco Optical:

Lens Type Average Price Range
Single Vision $60 – $200
Bifocals/Trifocals $90 – $300
Progressive $160 – $500
Anti-Reflective Coating $30 – $100
Scratch-Resistant Coating $10 – $50
UV Protection $10 – $50
Transition Lenses $50 – $150
Polarized Lenses $50 – $200

Prices based on data from Consumer Reports (2021) and Costco Optical (2021)

As you can see, prices can vary widely depending on your specific needs and preferences. In general, you can expect to pay a bit more for progressive lenses, high-index materials, and premium coatings.

It‘s also worth noting that the cost of installing lenses in your own frames may be slightly higher than if you purchased a complete pair of glasses from Costco.

"There‘s a bit more labor and liability involved in working with outside frames, so we may charge a small fee to cover those costs," said Johnson. "But it‘s usually not more than $20-30 extra, and still a significant savings compared to buying all new frames and lenses elsewhere."

Is Costco Optical Right for You? Pros and Cons to Consider

Now that you know the basics about getting lenses installed in your own frames at Costco, let‘s zoom out and consider the bigger picture. Is Costco Optical the best choice for your eyewear needs? Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:

Pros of Costco Optical

  • Competitive prices: As mentioned earlier, Costco consistently offers some of the lowest prices on eyeglasses and lenses, thanks to its bulk purchasing power and streamlined operations.

  • Wide selection: Costco carries hundreds of frames in various styles, colors, and brands, including designer names like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Prada. They also offer a range of lens options and coatings to suit different needs and preferences.

  • Convenience: With over 500 locations worldwide, chances are there‘s a Costco Optical near you. Plus, you can often get an eye exam, choose frames, and order lenses all in one trip to the warehouse.

  • Customer satisfaction: Costco has a loyal fan base for a reason. They rank highly in customer surveys for things like product quality, follow-up service, and overall value.

Cons of Costco Optical

  • Limited service: While Costco opticians are trained professionals, they may not offer the same level of personalized service and expertise as a private optometrist or high-end optical shop. You may have to wait longer for appointments or assistance, especially on weekends.

  • Quality concerns: Some customers have reported issues with lens coatings peeling or scratching prematurely, or frames breaking or warping after a short time. While Costco does offer warranties and returns, it can be a hassle to deal with defective products.

  • Membership required: To shop at Costco Optical (or anywhere in the store), you need to have a Costco membership, which starts at $60 per year for a basic Gold Star plan. This can be a deterrent for some shoppers who don‘t want to pay an annual fee.

  • Upselling: Like any retailer, Costco may try to upsell you on pricier lens options or coatings that you don‘t necessarily need. It‘s important to know your prescription and priorities going in, and not feel pressured to overspend.

Ultimately, whether Costco Optical is right for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you prioritize low prices and one-stop-shopping convenience, Costco is definitely worth checking out. But if you want the most advanced technology or white-glove service, you may prefer a specialty optical shop or private doctor‘s office.

Tips for Getting the Best Value and Service at Costco Optical

If you do decide to get lenses installed in your own frames (or purchase new glasses) at Costco Optical, here are some expert tips to help you maximize your savings and satisfaction:

  1. Get a current prescription: Before you head to Costco, make sure you have a valid prescription from an eye doctor. Costco opticians cannot perform eye exams or write prescriptions, so you‘ll need to bring one from an outside provider. Most prescriptions are good for 1-2 years, but check the expiration date to be safe.

  2. Research frames online: Costco.com has a helpful frame selector tool that lets you browse and compare hundreds of styles from the comfort of home. You can filter by shape, color, size, brand, and price, then save your favorites to show the optician in-store.

  3. Check your insurance: Some vision insurance plans (like VSP) are accepted at Costco Optical, which could save you even more money. Check with your provider to see if Costco is an in-network option, and bring your insurance card with you to the store.

  4. Ask about discounts: Costco occasionally offers additional discounts or promotions on eyewear, like a percentage off a second pair of glasses or free upgrades on lens coatings. It never hurts to ask the optician if there are any current deals that could apply to your purchase.

  5. Consider Kirkland Signature: Costco‘s store brand, Kirkland Signature, offers high-quality frames and lenses at even lower prices than the name brands. They use the same materials and manufacturing standards, so you‘re not sacrificing quality for cost.

  6. Read the fine print: When you order lenses from Costco Optical, make sure you understand the details of the warranty, return policy, and any additional fees or charges. Costco is known for its generous return policy (usually 90 days for eyewear), but there may be some exclusions or restrictions.

  7. Speak up if you‘re not satisfied: If you have any issues with your new lenses or frames, don‘t hesitate to contact Costco Optical right away. Their customer service team is generally very responsive and willing to work with you to find a solution, whether it‘s adjusting the fit, replacing a defective product, or offering a refund.

The Bottom Line: Is Costco Optical Worth It?

After reviewing all the facts and factors, my expert opinion is that Costco Optical is a solid choice for many eyeglass shoppers, especially those who prioritize low prices and convenience.

While it may not be the absolute cheapest option out there (online retailers like Zenni Optical or 39DollarGlasses.com often have lower base prices), Costco offers a hard-to-beat combination of quality, selection, and customer service.

And when it comes to putting new lenses in your own frames, Costco is one of the few major retailers that will do it at all. As long as your frames are in good condition and compatible with Costco‘s lenses, you can save a significant amount of money by reusing them.

Just remember to do your research, ask questions, and advocate for yourself throughout the process. With a little savvy and persistence, you can score a great deal on glasses that will help you look and feel your best.

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