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Sam’s Club Optical Review: 5 Things to Know Before Your First Visit

By Dallas Cox
By Dallas Cox
If you wear glasses, then you know how expensive and inconvenient it can be to replace them. I’ve worn glasses for years and have gone way too long without replacing them in the past because I’ve wanted to avoid the hassle. 
In this article, I’m going to take a look at Sam’s Club Optical: a convenient option for purchasing glasses and contact lenses as well as getting an eye exam.

5 Things to Know Before Visiting Sam’s Club Optical

Whether you need an eye exam, new glasses or contacts, Sam’s Club Optical may be one place to consider. While you’ll have to have an active membership to buy glasses and contacts, anyone can make an eye exam appointment at the warehouse. 
When I checked out my local Sam’s Club Optical, I found a great selection of brands, frames and styles as well as competitive prices. Also, I learned that Sam’s Club Plus Members are eligible for additional savings. 
Before you place an order or book an eye exam, take a look at these five things to know about Sam’s Club Optical: 
Below, you’ll find detailed information including what you can expect to pay for glasses at Sam’s Club, how to book your first appointment and how to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

What’s Available at Sam’s Club Optical?

Sam's Club Optical offers a selection of prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. If you don't already have a prescription, Sam's Club Optical also offers eye exams through independent doctors of optometry. 

Unfortunately, you can't order prescription glasses online from Sam's Club Optical. That means you'll have to visit a nearby optical center in person to view the available selection, see the current prices and place your order. 

When I visited my nearest Sam's Club Optical Center, there were around 20 different brands with hundreds of different styles available for men, women and children. The warehouse carries glasses by Member's Mark as well as other popular brands and high-end designer styles. 

In addition to a great selection of frames, Sam's Club also offers a few different lens materials and types. These include single-vision plastic lenses, polycarbonate single vision lenses and progressives including no-line bifocals. Contact lens solution, eye drops, sunglasses and non-prescription reading glasses are also available online or in-store.

Additionally, you can order contact lenses online by visiting this website. There, you'll find popular contact brands including Acuvue, Air Optix, Dailies, Biofinity and more.

How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost at Sam’s Club Optical?

If you have a Sam’s Club Optical center nearby and you need a new prescription for glasses or contacts, consider scheduling your eye exam there. 

An eye exam at Sam's Club Optical costs around $67 depending on where you live. Compared to other popular optical centers, I found that Sam's Club offered the cheapest eye exam on average. 

Still, you should call the nearest Sam’s Club Optical center to get an exact price for the eye exam before scheduling. If you’re being fitted for contacts or renewing your contacts prescription, you could be looking at an additional fee. 

Again, you'll have to be a Sam's Club member to buy glasses, contacts or accessories from the warehouse. But you don't have to be a member to book an eye exam at Sam's Club and take advantage of this great price. 

To make an appointment, visit the Sam's Club website and use the store locator to find your nearest optical center. 

Here, you can enter your ZIP code or city and state to find your nearest warehouse. Make sure to click the checkbox next to "Optical Center" (below the location line). Then find the phone number on the left-hand side of the screen and call your nearest Optical Center to make an appointment. 

COVID-19 Response: 

While many Sam’s Club Optical Centers are beginning to reopen, you’ll have to contact your nearest location or use the club locator online to see each store’s specific hours. 

Many Optical Centers are providing only essential services at the moment including glasses repair and completing existing orders. Still, you should be able to find at least one Optical Center associate available to help at your nearest location. 

While it may vary by location, many Sam’s Club Optical Centers are currently open during the following hours: 
  • Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You can find the latest information on Sam's Club's COVID-19 response online or by calling your local warehouse.

How Much Do Glasses Cost at Sam’s Club Optical?

The frames you’ll find at Sam’s Club Optical vary in price based on the materials and the manufacturer. Contact lens prices vary based on the features you want and what your prescription requires. 

Sam's Club Optical offers frames that begin as low as $59, though you'll find bigger price tags on high-end styles. You'll find brands ranging from Member's Mark to Christian Dior. 

In addition to frames, here how much you can expect to pay for lenses: 
  • Plastic single-vision lenses: $0 (included with the cost of frames)
  • Polycarbonate single-vision lenses: $40
  • High-index lenses: $80
  • Progressive lenses (including transition lenses and no-line bifocals): $160-$210
If you’re shopping for prescription sunglasses, frames are available as low as $59 and include single-vision plastic frames. This is the same lens type that’s included for free with regular prescription glasses. Bifocals are also available for prescription sunglasses ranging from $160 to $250 with color. 

All Sam's Club glasses come with a one-year limited warranty, and you can buy an additional year's worth of coverage through Square Trade by Allstate. For children's glasses, this costs $29.99. For adult prescriptions, it's $39.99. 

If you take the time to comparison shop, you'll likely find lower prices at online competitors such as Zenni Optical and EyeBuyDirect. Still, the prices at Sam's Club will most likely beat those at Warby Parker, Target Optical and even Costco. Unfortunately, you won't find the prices for Sam's Club frames and lenses listed online. You'll have to visit your nearest optical center in person for a reliable quote. 

Contacts begin as low as $13.85 per box at Sam's Club, but that price varies greatly depending on what brand you buy. Be sure to check the prices at a few reliable online retailers to make sure you're getting the best deal on contacts. 

Of course, you will have to have a Sam's Club membership to take advantage of these prices. At the time of writing, the cost for a standard membership was $45 annually and a Plus membership was $100 annually. Still, the membership fee may pay for itself if you plan on buying glasses. And, if you are a Sam's Club Plus member, you'll save an additional 20% when you purchase frames and lenses at the warehouse. 

What Insurance Does Sam’s Club Optical Accept?

If you'd like to use your vision insurance to pay for the cost of eye exams, prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses at Sam's Club Optical, you'll have to call your nearest location or visit in person to see if your insurance is accepted. 

Many locations accept a variety of common vision insurance policies, but it does vary by location.
Unfortunately, you can’t enter your insurance policy information online to check for coverage or to use on contact lens purchase. That means you’ll have to place an order in person at your nearest warehouse to use these benefits.

How Long Does It Take to Get Glasses From Sam’s Club Optical?

While you can’t order prescription glasses or sunglasses online, an associate at the optical center that you visit will most likely have to order the frames and lenses from the manufacturer, so that adds to the time it takes to get glasses from Sam’s Club.

Generally, prescription glasses will arrive within 7-10 days business days of ordering, and contacts usually arrive within 5-7 business days. 

You may be able to have your order shipped directly to your home or to the optical center for free in-store pickup. To discuss shipping options and times, contact your nearest Sam’s Club Optical location.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I found that Sam’s Club could be a great place to get an eye exam and order prescription glasses or contact lenses. While you won’t find the prices online, you will find a great selection with good prices at your nearest warehouse. . 

For single-vision plastic lenses and frames, you can expect to pay as little as $59 to $160. Still, after I compared prices, I was able to beat that cost at other online retailers. It's up to you to decide if the coverage and convenience of Sam's Club are worth the difference in price.

To optimize your savings, be sure to see if you have any insurance benefits you can use. If you’re a Sam’s Club Plus member, be sure to take advantage of an additional 20% off frames and lenses. 

Lastly, be sure to contact your local warehouse about current promotions and savings offers. At the time of writing, my closest Sam's Club Optical Center was running a buy-one-get-one-free deal on children's glasses.

Have you ever had an eye exam or bought glasses/contacts at Sam’s Club Optical? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

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