Will Costco Put Lenses in My Frames in 2024? The Complete Guide

With over 800 warehouses and billions in annual sales, Costco is one of the biggest retailers in the United States. But you may be wondering – will Costco actually install new lenses in your existing eyeglass frames? Or do you have to buy new frames there too?

I‘ve done extensive research into Costco‘s optical services for 2024. Here‘s everything you need to know about getting new prescription lenses placed in your glasses frames at Costco this year.

Costco‘s Growing Optical Business

Costco Optical is a full scope retail eye care provider found in over 550 Costco warehouse locations nationwide. Revenue from optical sales reached an estimated $1 billion in 2021, up from $719 million in 2017.

With increasing selection and affordability, Costco Optical now captures over 6% of the total eyewear market share according to analysts – more than doubling from 2.9% in 2016.

This growth shows Costco‘s ability to meet consumer demand for discount prescription eyeglasses and contacts. But does their optical department also offer comprehensive lens replacement services?

Can Costco Put Lenses in Your Existing Frames?

Yes, Costco Optical can replace just the lenses in your existing eyeglass frames. You do not need to purchase new frames from Costco to get new lenses installed.

However, there are certain requirements:

• Frames must be in good condition – no damage or defects that could compromise fit and vision
• Frames cannot be too old – very outdated designs may not support newer lens materials/technology
• Final approval – the optician will determine if your frames are viable for lens replacement

Below I‘ll go over more details on the lens replacement process and what to expect:

Getting Lenses in Your Own Frames

If you bring in your own frames to Costco Optical, the optician will inspect them to ensure they are suitable for new lenses. As long as the frames are modern (less than 2-3 years old) and not cracked or broken, Costco can accommodate them.

Very old frame designs however may no longer properly fit newer lens materials that are thinner and lighter. Costco opticians will not take on liability of potential problems by forcing ill-fitting lenses into outdated frames.

Costco Tip: If your frames don‘t qualify but you need new glasses, Costco Optical can help find a similar frame shape/style that your old lenses can be transferred into. This avoids paying for lens remake.

Can Costco Replace Lenses in Old Frames?

While Costco will attempt to install new lenses in your old frames, results vary case by case. Extremely old frames are more prone to damage during lens replacement.

Often the old screw holes are worn out or lens grooves loosened, causing the new lens to not sit correctly. Plastic frames over 3-5 years old are also more likely to snap when frames are adjusted to fit new lenses.

Costco Expert Advice: Old frames should be replaced. A $25 basic frame at Costco can provide a safe, durable frame solution for new lenses. Reusing really old frames risks them breaking and having to purchase a whole new pair anyway.

Costs for Lens Replacement in Frames at Costco

On average, you can expect to pay the following for new lenses installed in your frames at Costco Optical in 2024:

Extra lens treatments like blue-light filtering can add further costs. Prices vary based on prescription strength and frame size too.

Savings Tip: Choosing Costco‘s Kirkland Signature house brand anti-scratch treatment over big name brands like Crizal can save over $50 on lens coatings.

The Verdict: Are Costco Lenses Good Quality?

Costco uses major labs like Carl Zeiss, Hoya, and Essilor to fabricate lenses, so they offer solid optical clarity and durability – especially at their low prices. However, the plastics and coatings are not equivalent to top-tier brands optometrists provide.

If you don‘t require thinnest lenses or specialized coatings, Costco lenses provide quality vision for most needs at significant cost savings. Members can also get adjustments and 1-year manufacturer warranty coverage through any Costco location.

For those wanting the best optics and customization though, independent optometrists may be preferable. But they come at 3-4x the price in many cases.

Contact Lens Fittings Also Available

Along with eyeglasses, Costco Optical provides contact lens eye exams and fittings. They carry all major brands including Acuvue, Biofinity, Air Optix, and their Kirkland Signature contacts.

An initial contact lens fitting is typically free with your comprehensive eye exam. Follow-up visits have a $25 copay. Costco provides substantial savings on contacts versus independent eye doctors.

The Bottom Line

While some limitations exist, Costco can replace lenses in your existing eyeglass frames in most cases. As long as your frames are in good wearable condition and not too outdated, the trained Costco opticians can install new prescription lenses for you.

This allows you to renew your vision economically. Combined with their affordable eye exams and lens options, it makes Costco Optical a viable option for many families‘ eyecare needs.