The Best Places for Eye Exams in 2023 (2023)

Best Places for Eye Exams

Best Places for Eye Exams

• Eye exam cost: Varies by location
• Perk: Ability to bring your own frames
• Number of locations: 558 throughout the U.S.

Costco Optical ranks as the best overall place to get an eye exam because of its convenience and its wide selection.

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.

• Eye exam cost: Roughly $50 to $90
• Perk: Free eye exam when purchasing two pairs of glasses
• Number of locations: 800 locations throughout the U.S.

We chose America’s Best because of its low prices, frequent discounts, and savings for members.

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.

• Eye exam cost: Varies by location
• Perk: Eyeglasses and eye exam specials always available
• Number of locations: 467 in the U.S.

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.

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.

• Eye exam cost: Around $79 to $129
• Perk: Online ordering available
• Number of locations: 3,000 across the U.S.

Walmart Vision Center is found in most Walmart stores across the nation, making eye care accessible and convenient.

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.

• Eye exam cost: Varies by location
• Perk: Lots of brand name lenses available
• Number of locations: More than 100 throughout the U.S.

Eyeglass World’s showrooms are stocked with thousands of name brand frames for shoppers to choose from and still offers plenty of discounts.

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.

• Eye exam cost: About $199
• Perk: Treatment for disease as well as glasses exams
• Number of locations: More than 3,000 across the U.S.

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.

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.

• Eye exam cost: Call your nearest location for eye exam prices
• Perk: 30-day Happiness Guarantee
• Locations: More than 900 locations in the U.S.

LensCrafters offers many deals, discounts, and coupons to help you save on your exams, glasses, and contact lenses.

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.

Article Sources

1. National Institute on Aging. Aging and your eyes.