Costco Optical Dept.

If you’re looking for a combative optometrist that doesn’t listen to the patient, then this is your place.
I have presbyopia and have what I term prescription reading glasses that I use for reading small print and looking at computer. What I hate is that when I take them off, things are blurry for a bit until my eyes can re-​focus. My distance vision is ²⁰⁄₂₀ without glasses. I went in for my eye exam explaining I wanted a pair of progressive glasses so that I didn’t have to see the world magnified when I didn’t need to look at upclose objects. The optometrist tested me for distance and reading and said that my prescription was accurate and necessary for distance, and that in a couple of years, I will need a bifocal prescription for seeing things up-​close. This blew my mind and confused me. I told her I only use the glasses to see things up close. For driving, watching tv, just general interacting with the world I’m find and don’t need glasses. I said I wanted a progressive prescription for reading glasses, and she said I could still do that but my everyday viewing (distance) would still be magnified at +2.5 in left and +3 in right because that is what the computer said I needed and if I wanted to add reading glasses to that prescription that would add an extra magnification of +1.5 in each eye. This again, blew my mind. I asked her retest my vision for ²⁰⁄₂₀. It tested ²⁰⁄₂₀ without glasses. She then got argumentative and said that she tested me for distance and near in the machine and I was the one answering the questions, she wasn’t putting words in my mouth. She said if I wasn’t happy the prescription, don’t get it filled, stick with what you have and only where them when you need them. Totally frustrated, I left upset beyond belief. Maybe other Costco’s are better, but this one left a lot to be desired. They use village optical at this location.

I had my eye exam at this location and this experience was good. The doctor was friendly and funny.
There was a helpful and patient man that works in the glasses end and helped me pick out a pair of glasses and sunglasses. My glasses were in 4 days later vs. the 7 day estimate. The ladies that fitted me were very positive and both complimented how they looked on me. Their friendliness was appreciated.
My experience was excellent. I just wish I had their names.

The new Village Optometry or whatever they’re called is a huge disappointment. Had been seeing Dr. Stein before this new one and never had a complaint. This new one though… terrible! Had an eye infection and the receptionist asked the Dr if she would take me in as an unscheduled appt. She stood next to me speaking with the receptionist and wouldn’t even turn her head to look at me! She said no she had appointments for eyeglasses scheduled. I have never felt so dismissed in my life. She had not an ounce of patient concern, care, or compassion. She could have at least had the courtesy to tell me face to face that she was too busy. Or taken a glance to say I really needed to do was go to a real Dr. that is an M.D., which is what I ended up doing.

I let my Costco membership lapse for a while but needed new eyeglasses so I renewed. I have heard they have great prices and we have no optical insurance. The problem is the staff who are never at the optical counter. I have been in there THREE TIMES and I finally asked the person who was running the photo center and she pointed to the door and said «there she is over there chatting with another associate». Seriously? Sorry, Costco. Find better people to work the optical counter. I will not be renewing my membership again.

The frame selection here isn’t as big as that of a whole store dedicated to eyewear, like LensCrafters, but they still have a pretty good selection.
I wear daily Acuvue, and they always have 30-​day supply boxes in stock.
If you’re looking for a good selection of designer frames, this probably isn’t your place. They had a few pairs of Coach, Tom Ford, etc. but nothing really exciting.
I did end up getting a pair of House of Dereon frames that were $ 110 online and $ 49.00 at Costco.
The customer service I’ve always received is outstanding. The only minor problem is they seem short staffed at times.
I love that they don’t pressure you like some places. If you say you don’t want Transitions or all kinds of extras, they accept that.
Don’t quote me on this, but I think you do have to be a member to purchase contact lenses or frames. This is also the only part of the store where credit cards other than AMEX are accepted, but only Flex Spending cards.