Costco eyeglasses in Canada: lenses, your own prescription, benefits and contacts

Costco eyeglasses in Canada come with high-index 1.60 Kirkland Signature or Accolade Freedom lenses and a blue light filter at no additional cost, and you can bring a prescription from any licensed eye doctor: you don't need a Costco eye exam. Our advice: bring your prescription and your benefits details, ask for an itemized quote, and compare it with your optometrist's price for the same lens type.

Can you buy Costco eyeglasses with an outside prescription?

Yes. Costco says you do not need to have an eye exam at Costco to buy eyewear, and it accepts current prescriptions from licensed doctors, optometrists or ophthalmologists. If you want an exam there, independent Doctors of Optometry work in or next to the optical department at more than 90 Costco Optical locations; they set their own fees, so ask when you book. More on exams in our Costco Optical page.

Which lenses come with Costco eyeglasses?

From Costco Canada's own pages:

When you compare quotes elsewhere, check whether a 1.60 lens and a blue light filter are included or extra. If your prescription is high, ask what the 1.74 upgrade adds.

How much are Costco eyeglasses in Canada?

Costco doesn't publish Canadian eyeglass prices online, and prices depend on the frame, your prescription and the lens type, so we don't quote numbers we can't stand behind. To compare fairly, ask Costco and your current optician for itemized quotes on the same three things: the frame, the lens type (single vision or progressive, 1.60 or 1.74), and any coating. Bought glasses at Costco recently? Upload the receipt and help other members compare.

Can you use your benefits plan at Costco Optical?

Usually, yes: many workplace plans reimburse eyewear from any licensed optical store. Pay at Costco, keep the itemized receipt with your prescription details, and submit it to your insurer. Ask the optical department whether it can bill your insurer directly; if not, the receipt is all you need. Your plan's yearly limit and how often you can claim are set by your insurer, not Costco.

Does Costco sell contact lenses in Canada?

Yes, in the warehouse only. Costco says it has fully licensed contact lens fitters in all its Canadian locations who evaluate your prescription and follow up. It sells daily, bi-weekly and monthly lenses from Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision, Acuvue and Alcon, plus Kirkland Signature lenses in sphere, toric and multifocal versions.

Do you need a membership for Costco eyeglasses?

Yes. Glasses and contacts are Costco purchases, and Costco's conditions say no sales are made without a valid membership card. A Gold Star membership costs $65 a year; see what each membership costs. Pay with the CIBC Costco Mastercard to earn 1% in the warehouse; in Quebec, optical purchases don't count toward the Executive 2% reward.

Can you return glasses to Costco?

Eyewear isn't on the list of exceptions in Costco's satisfaction guarantee. If your new glasses aren't right, go back to the optical department first: it can usually adjust or remake them. Details in our return policy guide.