Eye Exam Cost by Provider: Walmart, Costco, LensCrafters and More (2026)
The definitive comparison of eye exam prices at every major US retail chain. Sorted by price, with add-on costs, insurance acceptance, and honest pros and cons for each provider.
Master Price Comparison Table (Sorted Cheapest First)
| Provider | Exam Cost | Contact Lens Exam | Membership? | Walk-ins? | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam's Club Vision | $45-$50 | $85-$120 | Required | Yes | ~600 clubs |
| America's Best | $50-$75 | $119 (bundled) | None | Yes | ~1,000 |
| Walmart Vision Center | $75-$100 | $95-$130 | None | Yes | ~3,000 |
| Costco Optical | $79-$110 | $95-$140 | Not for exam | Limited | ~580 warehouses |
| Target Optical | $70-$100 | $95-$130 | None | Yes | ~500 |
| Warby Parker | $85+ | $95+ | None | Appointment preferred | ~250 |
| LensCrafters | $73-$150 | $100-$150 | None | Yes | ~900 |
| Visionworks | $75-$100 | $99-$140 | None | Yes | ~700 |
| Pearle Vision | $80-$130 | $100-$150 | None | Yes | ~500 |
Provider-by-Provider Breakdown
Sam's Club Vision
America's Best
Walmart Vision Center
Costco Optical
Target Optical
Warby Parker
LensCrafters
Visionworks
Pearle Vision
How to Choose the Right Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an eye exam at Walmart without insurance?
Walmart Vision Centers charge $75-$100 for a comprehensive eye exam without insurance. The exam is conducted by an independent optometrist. No membership is required. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, though appointments are recommended at busy stores.
How much is an eye exam at Costco?
Costco Optical exams cost $79-$110 without insurance. The optometrists are independent practitioners, not Costco employees. A Costco membership is not required to see the optometrist (only to purchase glasses or contacts in-store). Contact lens fitting is typically an additional $95-$140.
Is LensCrafters or Walmart cheaper for an eye exam?
Walmart is generally cheaper at $75-$100 versus LensCrafters at $73-$150. For the cheapest option overall, Sam's Club ($45-$50) is typically the least expensive, followed by America's Best ($50-$75).
What is the cheapest eye exam chain in the US?
Sam's Club Vision Center consistently offers the lowest prices at $45-$50, though a Sam's Club membership is required. America's Best is second cheapest at $50-$75 with a possible free exam with two-pair glasses purchase. Walmart offers the cheapest exam without any membership at $75-$100.