Contact lenses at Costco

[Gigi]

Just a quick question: Is the actual Rx script required to purchase contacts at Costco? Is it enough just to bring in your old box tops for the lens type and prescription? Unfortunately, the store that did my glasses took my original script, but I want to get some contacts at Costco while they're having their cash card offer right now. Thanks.

[ride365]

No, you need to get a fitting appointment and that costs $30. Mandatory no matter what. One time only.

[YLSF]

Really? $30? I never had to pay a "fitting" fee. Maybe different depending on province? (I am in Ontario)...

Are you saying if you don't have a perscription? Still have to do fitting regardless, but, never had to pay.

[nator86]

No, you need to get a fitting appointment and that costs $30. Mandatory no matter what. One time only.

you don't need fitting fee or appointment. just the prescription filled by your doctor thats all. well at least not at woodbridge costco

[brunes]

Ah the fitting fee. The classic scam that stores have been perpetuating on customers for years.

What is the fitting fee *FOR* exactly? The contacts are already supposed toi "fit", that is what the prescription is for. It isn't like the ophthalmologist is going to re-tailor them on site to "fit" better. It's complete nonsense.

[TotallyKiller]

In Ontario I needed my prescription and that was it, although they did need an updated one annually.

In Calgary they require you to have a prescription and then on an annual basis they need to have a fitting before they will give you new lenses. No fee though, just the appointment.

They also require you to have a new fitting every time you switch lens types as they are all fairly different. They give you a trial to wear for 2 weeks, then you come back in and they see how they fit.

[TotallyKiller]

Ah the fitting fee. The classic scam that stores have been perpetuating on customers for years.

What is the fitting fee *FOR* exactly? The contacts are already supposed toi "fit", that is what the prescription is for. It isn't like the ophthalmologist is going to re-tailor them on site to "fit" better. It's complete nonsense.

Actually, smarta$$, they prescription tells them what strength you need, not the specific shape of the lens. The fit will vary from lens to lens. I needed to try several lenses before finding ones that did not lift from my eye when I looked up. People's eyes are not all shaped the same.

It's like saying that because you have a prescription for glasses, that any glasses will do as long as they meet that prescription. Weight, shape of your face, lens thickness, etc all have to be looked at before buying.

Because they don't charge me a fee, and the lenses are still cheaper than anywhere else I've been, I'm having hard time seeing it as a scam. An inconvenience, yes, but a scam, no.

[dhamilton]

No, you need to get a fitting appointment and that costs $30. Mandatory no matter what. One time only.

not true. Costco doesn't charge a fitting fee. Stop spreading mis-truths.

[TotallyKiller]

not true. Costco doesn't charge a fitting fee. Stop spreading mis-truths.

You need to realize that you are in Ontario and he's in BC. It's different in each province. There could very well be a charge in BC. In Alberta you are required to get a fitting each year and for every change in your lenses. But there's no charge.

[Gigi]

Ok, to summarize then...you do need your original Rx script, and there may or may not be a fitting fee depending on where you live. Is that correct?

[TCWeasel]

The store that original took your script may still have it on file and you might be able to get it from them.

If it's been more than say, 2-3 years, you're probably best off getting re-tested. No sense in buying contacts for an out of date prescription. It may not have changed, but it also may have.

[Cheap Cat]

I've always had a fitting no matter where I've bought contacts and have never paid. I live in Ontario. Your eyes can change over time so it is good to have a fitting. I was told my eye shape had changed. My eyes have also gotten drier which has made a difference in the lenses I choose. You always need an up to date prescription to buy prescription lenses unless you purchase online (they are supposed get prescriptions but they don't). At least in Ontario, a prescription is only valid for 1 year.

[Ch28]

You need to realize that you are in Ontario and he's in BC. It's different in each province. There could very well be a charge in BC. In Alberta you are required to get a fitting each year and for every change in your lenses. But there's no charge.

I went to the Richmond BC Costco location today and they said that there is no fitting fee. All you need to do is book an appointment and they'll go over everything with you. She also said it usually takes about an hour.

[Ch28]

Just got back from the new Costco in Burnaby. The contact lens fitting/training was actually pretty good. I got the contact lenses in within the first 3-4 tries on each eye. Taking them out was a bit of a pain in the ass but I managed. Jack did a couple of measurements to my eyes before and after putting on the contact lenses. He was nice and the whole thing took about 30 minutes. I got Purevision Torics as my sample lenses and B&L Sensitive Eyes starter kit (cleaning solution + lens case)

[sovexxed]

I get my contacts from Costco all the time. They will accept a photocopy of your prescription but not if its more than 2yrs old. Fitting does not cost anything (I'm in ON). They are very thorough and the cost is great.

They will also give you samples of contacts to try before you decide on brand. If you run out, they will give you samples while you wait for your order to come in.

[brunes]

Actually, smarta$$, they prescription tells them what strength you need, not the specific shape of the lens. The fit will vary from lens to lens. I needed to try several lenses before finding ones that did not lift from my eye when I looked up. People's eyes are not all shaped the same.


It is still a huge crock of baloney.

For starters, yes you have to find out which contact lenses fit your eye right... THE FIRST TIME IN YOUR LIFE YOU GET A PERSCRIPTION, not every time you go to a new store.

Secondly, this trial and error contact fitting does not require a professional at all. There is no reason whatsoever you can't just take all those trial lens packs home and figure out for yourself which one fits you best.

In the end you are paying $30 fitting fee for absolutely nothing.

Screw them all, just buy your contacts online. Type in your RX, order, you're done. No baloney fitting fee and you save about 50%.

[dairymandip]

lol at the fitting fee, I used to get caught up in that before I realized that for the brand of contacts I use the diameter and BC are always the same