If you’re not a Costco member, you might wonder whether you can still get an eye exam at an optometry clinic located at Costco building. This is a common question—especially from people who’ve never had an eye exam at a retail location before. The answer is simple: no, you don’t need a Costco membership to book an eye exam. You’re welcome to schedule an appointment whether you’re a member or not.
There are a few things to know about how it works, though, especially if you’re thinking about where to go for your next exam.
What to Expect From a Comprehensive Eye Exam
There’s a common assumption that retail-affiliated eye care stores are limited—but in reality, the exam itself is the same as what you’d receive at a private or independently owned practice.
The equipment, procedures, and training are consistent across optometry clinics, no matter where they’re located. A comprehensive eye exam checks your vision, evaluates your eye health, and looks for early signs of conditions that could affect your sight or overall well-being.
Whether you’re managing an ongoing concern or simply staying current with routine care, a complete eye exam is one of the most effective ways to protect your vision and monitor your health.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
Preventive eye care goes beyond vision correction. Many eye conditions develop gradually, without noticeable symptoms early on. By the time vision changes are detected, the damage may already be more difficult to manage. Conditions that routine exams can help identify include:
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve. It usually develops slowly and without pain, meaning many people don’t realize there’s a problem until their peripheral vision is already damaged. Regular eye pressure testing and optic nerve evaluation during an eye exam can help detect glaucoma in its early stages, when treatment is more effective at preserving vision.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss in adults, especially those with uncontrolled or long-standing diabetes. It can develop without symptoms, and once vision changes begin, they may be irreversible. During a comprehensive exam, signs of diabetic eye disease like bleeding or fluid buildup in the retina, can be spotted early, even before you notice changes in your sight.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
This condition affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It tends to progress over time and may cause blurriness, trouble reading, or blind spots in the center of your vision.
While macular degeneration can’t be cured, it can be managed. Since it becomes more common with age, regular eye exams are important for tracking changes and identifying when care may be needed.
Refractive Errors & Vision Changes
Even if you’ve never needed glasses, your eyes can change over time. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can affect your comfort, especially when driving, reading, or using digital screens. An updated prescription helps your vision function as clearly and comfortably as possible, whether you need glasses, contacts, or another form of vision correction.
How Eye Exams Support Your Long-Term Health
While most people think of eye exams as a way to check their eyesight, eye exams can reveal much more. For instance, the eyes provide a view of blood vessels and nerves, which can help identify potential health issues before symptoms develop. Eye exams can also help identify high cholesterol.
Because of this connection to overall health, routine exams are an important part of a broader wellness plan, even if your vision seems fine.
Do You Need a Costco Membership for an Eye Exam?
At many locations, including those with independent clinics, the eye exam service is separate from the retail side of Costco. This means anyone can schedule an exam, regardless of membership status.
The only restriction applies to purchasing glasses or contact lenses from the warehouse’s optical department. A Costco membership is required for those purchases.
Prescriptions are provided after your exam and can be used at the location of your choice.
Benefits of Choosing a Retail Optometrist
Having an eye exam at a clinic located at Costco offers practical benefits, especially for individuals and families with busy schedules.
Common reasons patients choose retail-based clinics include:
- Flexible scheduling and same-day or next-day appointments
- Convenient locations that are easy to fit into regular routines
- Comfortable, familiar environments
- The ability to coordinate appointments around shopping or errands
- The freedom to take prescriptions anywhere, without pressure to purchase onsite
Retail-affiliated optometry clinics typically operate independently of the store itself. This means patients can focus on their care without being required to make purchases at Costco’s optical department.
That flexibility is helpful for people who want to explore their eyewear options on their own time, whether they prefer online retailers, in-store selections at Costco, or other local providers.
Convenient Eye Care That Fits Your Needs
If you’ve been meaning to schedule an eye exam, this can be a good time to do so. The process is straightforward, and it plays a meaningful role in supporting both vision and health over time.
Great Hills Eye Care is located at Costco, in the same building with a separate entrance. We are independently owned and not part of the Costco retail store. Our clinic is conveniently located to care for your eyes, whether or not you have a Costco membership.
Book your appointment today.
