Does Sam‘s Club Do Eye Exams in 2024? The Full Guide
As a warehouse retailer known for bulk savings, Sam‘s Club may not be the first place that comes to mind for eye care. However, their Optical Centers provide affordable, quality eye exams and eyewear to millions of members and non-members every year.
Based on Sam‘s Club optical revenue exceeding $815 million annually, they are one of the largest optical chains nationwide.
So what exactly does Sam‘s Club offer when it comes to eye exams and vision care? As an optometry student who has gotten exams done at Sam‘s Club myself, I‘ve broken down everything you need to know in this guide:
Availability and Pricing of Eye Exams
Sam‘s Club provides routine eye exams and contact lens exams at over 600 Club locations as of February 2023.
According to Sam‘s Club, eye exams typically range from $70 – $125 depending on your area. By comparison, national averages for eye exams fall between $100 – $200 based on a 2022 AOA survey.
The table below shows Sam‘s Club‘s eye exam prices stacked up against other major retailers:
| Retailer | Typical Exam Price Range |
|---|---|
| Sam‘s Club | $70 – $125 |
| Costco Optical | $89 – $129 |
| Walmart Vision | $100 – $125 |
| Target Optical | $75 – $200+ |
Sam‘s Club ranks among the most affordable thanks to its high volume and bulk pricing model. However, prices aren‘t one-size-fits-all and can vary between locations.
Key Takeaways:
- Sam‘s Club provides lower cost eye exams compared to independent optometry offices
- They accept both insured and uninsured patients
- Membership is NOT required for exams, contact lens fittings, or any eye health services
What‘s Included in the Sam‘s Club Eye Exam?
During a Sam‘s Club eye test, you can expect a comprehensive eye health evaluation including:
- Case history discussion
- Visual acuity assessment
- Refraction test to check for nearsightedness/farsightedness
- Eye coordination testing
- Eye pressure measurement (tonometry)
- Retinal imaging
- Analysis of prescription needs
My most recent contact lens exam at Sam‘s Club took about 30-45 minutes total. The doctor I saw was very thorough in testing my vision with various lens prescriptions.
I appreciated that he took the time to explain the changes in my eyes since my last checkup and simplified the process for renewing my corrective lens subscription.
In short – the Sam‘s Club eye exam testing process is on par with other major eye care providers. You get complete assessment of ocular health and visual functioning.
Scheduling Appointments
To make an eye exam appointment at Sam‘s Club, simply call your local Optical Center directly.
Find contact information for your store‘s Optical Center on the Sam‘s Club store locator page. Centers are typically open during normal Club hours.
You don‘t need to take any extra steps to book exams as a non-member. Just note that if you want to purchase eyeglasses or contacts in-club after your exam, you will need a membership.
Tip: Schedule your exam early in the day to allow ample time for eyewear shopping afterward!
Eyewear Purchases and Insurance
As I mentioned earlier, Sam‘s Club membership is not required for eye exams but is needed to buy prescription glasses, contacts, or sunglasses in-warehouse.
However, the Sam‘s Club Optical online store allows anyone to purchase eyewear using their prescription. And remember that exam pricing is often low enough that club membership pays for itself with the extra discounts.
Speaking of discounts, Sam‘s Club accepts major vision insurance plans like Aetna, Humana, Eyemed, and many VSP plans. They also offer glasses package deals for added savings.
Be sure to ask the optical staff about current pricing specials and insurance coverage when you visit.
Why Choose Sam‘s Club for Eye Exams?
Beyond affordable pricing, Sam‘s Club offers advantages like:
- Extensive frame selection with designer brands
- Simple insurance and exam booking
- Member-exclusive deals on contacts
- Immediate exam appointments
- Flexible glasses return policies
The convenience of eye testing alongside grocery and household errands is a unique perk as well.
Overall, if you want truly low-cost eye exams plus the advantages of bulk shopping, Sam‘s Club Optical remains tough to beat in 2024.
