Costco optical and hearing aid centers: what members get
You don't need a membership to see the independent optometrist at most Costco warehouses, but only members can buy glasses and contacts. Hearing aids come with a free hearing test and free service appointments, and Costco's pairs start at $1,599.99 (prices vary by state).
From Costco's customer service answers and its Hearing Aid Center page, checked October 18, 2026.
Costco Optical
- Eye exams: done by independent doctors of optometry located in or near most warehouses. Costco says you don't need a membership to see them. Costco doesn't publish exam prices, so call the doctor's office.
- Glasses and contacts: members only, in the warehouse or online (contacts at contacts.costco.com).
- Guarantee: if prescription glasses aren't right for any reason, take them back to the Optical Department for a repair, replacement or refund.
- Insurance: Costco.com doesn't take vision insurance, but the Optical Department in the warehouse may. FSA and HSA Visa or Mastercard cards are accepted in optical.
- Online glasses: single vision and non-prescription lenses only, made in Costco's U.S. labs and delivered in about 7-10 business days. Bifocals and progressives go through the warehouse Optical Department.
Optical exams don't earn the Executive 2% reward; glasses and contacts are not on Costco's exclusion list. See what earns the 2%.
Costco Hearing Aid Centers
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Hearing test | Free, for members 18 or older, to see whether hearing aids can help |
| Service appointments | Free for hearing aids bought at a Costco Hearing Aid Center |
| Price | Pairs from $1,599.99 to $1,699.99 on Costco's page when we checked; prices vary by state, and custom earmolds cost extra |
| Paying | FSA and HSA eligible |
| Rewards | "Up to 4%": the Executive 2% plus 2% with the Costco Anywhere Visa |
Not every warehouse has a Hearing Aid Center, so Costco suggests checking your location before going. It also asks you to fill in its patient intake form before your hearing test.
Common questions
Do you need a Costco membership for an eye exam?
No. Costco says you don't need a membership to see the independent optometrist at most warehouses. You do need one to buy glasses or contacts from Costco.
How much is an eye exam at Costco?
Costco doesn't publish it, because the exams are done by independent doctors who set their own fees. Call the optometrist's office at your warehouse.
How much are Costco hearing aids?
Costco's Hearing Aid Center page listed pairs starting at $1,599.99 to $1,699.99 when we checked, depending on the model, with prices varying by state.
Is the Costco hearing test free?
Yes, for members 18 or older. It checks whether hearing aids can help you.
Can I return Costco glasses?
Yes. Under Costco's satisfaction guarantee, prescription glasses can be brought back to the Optical Department for a repair, replacement or refund.
What about Canada?
Costco.ca lists an optical department at 102 Canadian locations and a hearing aid centre at 72. In Quebec, optical purchases don't earn the Executive 2%. See Costco in Canada.
Sources: Costco customer service answers on Costco Optical and online prescription eyeglasses, Costco's Hearing Aid Center and rewards calculator, and the Executive membership terms, checked October 18, 2026. General information, not medical advice. Run Don't Walk is an independent fan site, not affiliated with Costco.