Eye care is incredibly important, but not everyone has vision insurance to cover eye exams, or maybe yours covers some of the eye exam, but not all, making it super expensive. That is frustrating, as eye exams aren’t just for when you need glasses or contacts or have an infection like pink eye. This necessary medical care also checks for any issues that need addressing before they become a bigger problem.
Fortunately, there are ways to get low-cost eye exams from large retailers as well as many nonprofit organizations even if you don’t have vision insurance. These locations typically charge under $100 for a comprehensive eye exam, and can also give you a prescription for glasses or contacts. And thanks to the FTC Eyeglass Rule, you can get an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and then shop around for the most affordable lenses/frames elsewhere. In other words, you can get your eyes checked at, say, Sam’s Club, but then order your frames or lenses from Costco or vice versa. Or get an eye exam at a local university with an ophthalmology program that offers affordable eye exams, then order glasses or contacts from an online retailer.
The FTC Eyeglass Rule, if you’re curious, “requires that optometrists and ophthalmologists provide patients a copy of their prescription after the completion of an eye examination without extra cost. In addition, the rule prohibits optometrists and ophthalmologists from conditioning the availability of an examination on a requirement that patients agree to purchase any ophthalmic goods.”
Below are retailers that offer vision care as well as some organizations that do as well.
6 Stores That Offer Cheap Eye Exams With No Insurance
Many larger retailers offer eye exams on the premises, typically staffed by independent optometrists, and most allow you to see the medical staff whether or not you’re a member of the store.
It’s always smart to call ahead to the location near you to:
- Confirm they have an optometrist or ophthalmologist on staff. (One location we called was currently without an eye professional, though they could still fit you for glasses.)
- Check the vision department hours and see when the optometrist or ophthalmologist is available.
- Find out the cost for an eye exam. Prices vary quite a bit from location to location. Below you’ll see some quotes from locations we contacted directly, but reach out to your local store for specifics for you.
- Make an appointment. Though some places do offer walk-ins, it’s still wise to confirm that with a quick phone call, unless they have an online scheduling tool.
Costco Optical
Cost: Varies by location, but prices we were quoted ranged from $75 to $89.
Additional details: Though you do need to be a Costco member to buy glasses or contacts at Costco, anyone, whether they’re a current Costco member or not, can schedule an appointment with a Costco Optical optometrist. Though many Costco locations offer an optical department, not all do, so you’ll want to do a search, filtering by “optical,” to find the closest one to your location. And finally, like all the other retailers on this list, Costco’s ophthalmologists and optometrists are independent and not employees of Costco.
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Sam’s Club Optical Center
Cost: Varies by location, but prices quoted ranged from $60 to $75.
Additional details: Even if you’re not a Sam’s Club member, you can schedule an appointment for an eye exam with an ophthalmologist or optometrist, just not buy glasses or lenses there. And also like Costco, the optometrists who work at the Sam’s Club Optical Center are not Sam’s Club employees.
RetailMeNot has the latest and most comprehensive ways to save at Sam’s Club.
BJ’s Optical
Cost: Varies by location, but we were quoted a price of $75 at more than one location.
Additional details: Like the other major warehouse clubs, Sam’s Club and Costco, BJ’s Wholesale Club also offers lower-cost eye exams from independent optometrists located in their stores to anyone who wants one. And yes, since these are independent, not BJ’s staff, prices vary from one BJ’s to another. Unlike Costco or Sam’s Club, BJ’s offers online scheduling for eye exams. Just use their search tool to find a BJ’s location near you with an optometrist available.
Find the latest ways to save at BJ’s Wholesale Club by visiting RetailMeNot.
Walmart Vision Center
Cost: $85 (but yes, prices vary by location).
Additional details: Search for a Walmart with a vision center online and call them to schedule your eye exam.
Visit RetailMeNot for coupons, deals and other ways to save at Walmart.
Target Optical
Cost: $99 (prices vary by location).
Additional details: You know the drill. Target Optical staff are independent and not Target employees. Find a Target Optical near you and then schedule your appointment online using their scheduling tool.
See the latest and greatest ways to save at Target with RetailMeNot.
LensCrafters
Cost: $89 (prices vary by location). AAA members save 30 percent off of their eye exams at participating LensCrafters.
Additional details: Use the convenient online scheduler to set up a time to meet with a LensCrafters-associated, independent ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Save at LensCrafters with help from RetailMeNot.
Additional Information & Resources for Low-Cost Eye Care
The National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, suggests contacting local colleges or universities with an optometry or ophthalmology program, who may offer affordable eye exams as part of their students’ training. The NEI also lists other organizations that offer eye care for children, adults and seniors, here.
FAIR Health, a nonprofit whose mission is to bring transparency to healthcare costs and health insurance information, has some good information on medical coverage and organizations that offer free or low-cost eye care here.
Check with EyeCare America (part of the American Academy of Ophthalmology) here to see if you are eligible for a no-cost eye exam.
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