Many people know that they can find great frames and lenses at large retailers like Costco. However, before you can pick out new glasses, you need a current prescription from a comprehensive eye exam.
Yes, you can get prescription eyeglasses from Costco, but first you’ll need to have a current prescription. Because our practice is an independent office located within the same warehouse building as Costco, we have our own separate entrance, so you don’t need a Costco membership for your appointment with us.
We help you with your eye health, and they help you with your new frames.
The Short Answer & Full Picture
An eye exam is a separate event from actually buying yourself prescription glasses. Eye exams are conducted by an optometrist, and they’re designed to assess your visual health. This includes determining what—if any—prescription you need to achieve clear vision.
The prescription you receive after your exam can then be used to get yourself glasses.
In our case, you think of it as a partnership for your vision. We provide a thorough health check and the numbers for your prescription. You can then take your prescription next door to Costco and select a pair of frames.
Your Eye Exam Is More Than Just a Prescription
A comprehensive eye exam does much more than just determine whether you need glasses. It’s a complete check-up for your eyes that allows us to get a full picture of your current eye health and screen for a wide range of issues.
In fact, eye exams can check for a range of different eye conditions, many of which don’t exhibit obvious systems until they’ve already progressed. For families in North Austin, a regular comprehensive eye exam is a key part of preventative vision care.
Spot a Common Issue: Dry Eye Symptoms
Sometimes, blurry vision or discomfort isn’t about your prescription changing at all. It can be a sign of dry eye, a common and treatable condition. A thorough exam can help us figure out what’s really going on with your eyes.
Let your doctor know if you experience any of the common signs of dry eye:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy feeling
- The sensation of having something in your eyes
- Eye redness or fatigue
- Watery eyes—which is often your body’s response to the irritation
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
What Causes That Gritty, Dry Feeling?
Many factors can contribute to dry, uncomfortable eyes. Often, the underlying issue is a combination of your health and your daily environment.
Environmental Factors
Your surroundings can play a big part in eye dryness. Spending time in places with very dry air—like an office with the A/C blasting—can dry out your eyes. Wind and smoke are also common irritants that can affect your comfort.
Staring at a computer or phone screen for hours also causes you to blink less often, which is a major contributor to digital eye strain. Blinking less means that your natural tears don’t spread across your eyes as they should. This can lead to a gritty, tired feeling.
Health & Lifestyle
Your personal health and daily habits can also be a factor in dry eye. Factors like the natural aging process, wearing contact lenses, and certain medications can all affect your tear production. These changes can leave your eyes feeling less lubricated than usual.
We can talk through your daily routines and health history to see what might be a contributor.
The Path to Clear Vision & Comfortable Eyes
Your journey to better sight and happy eyes is a straightforward process. It always starts with a focus on your health. It should end with a pair of glasses that you feel great wearing.
Start With a Comprehensive Eye Exam
The first and most important step is a complete eye health evaluation. At Great Hills Eyecare, we pay attention to your needs and vision goals. We want you to feel heard and cared for during your visit.
If you’re experiencing discomfort, we can explore options and create a plan for combating dry eye syndrome. Our convenient location and ability to offer same or next-day appointments make it easy to prioritize your eye health.
Take Your Prescription to Costco Optical
Once you have your prescription from our team, you can walk right over to Costco Optical. You don’t even have to leave the building. Their team will then help you choose the frames and lenses that are right for you.
They can guide you through all the options that fit your prescription and your lifestyle. It’s a smooth and simple transition from your health exam to shopping for your new look.
How Long to Get Your New Glasses?
After you place your order at Costco, it typically takes about 7 to 14 days for your new eyeglasses to be ready. The process is similar for contact lenses. The optical staff can give you a more specific timeframe when you order.
You’ll get a call or a notification as soon as your new glasses are ready for pickup. Then you can come back to get them fitted to your face. It’s the final step to enjoying clear vision.
Getting glasses at Costco is convenient, and it all begins with an eye exam that puts your health first. Regular check-ups are important for everyone in the family—from kids to seniors. Taking care of your vision is a simple step toward taking care of your overall wellness.
At Great Hills Eye Care, our friendly team is ready to provide foundational care for you and your loved ones. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward clear, healthy vision.
