Eye Exam Costs (LensCrafters, Visionworks, Walmart & More) (2024)

How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost?

Eye exams vary in cost depending on where you get yours done. Large retail vision providers often charge $100 or less.

Eye Exam Costs (LensCrafters, Visionworks, Walmart & More) (1)

Getting an eye exam from an independent eye doctor may cause more. A vision care plan from your vision insurance may also cover some or all eye exam costs.

RetailerPrice
LensCrafters$79
Visionworks$75
Costco$70-$100
Target$70-$100
Walmart$75+
America’s Best$50

LensCrafters Eye Exam Price

LensCrafters provide eyeglasses as well as eye exams. The costs can go as high as $79.95, but the price could be lower with frequent discounts.

They also accept most major insurance providers, allowing you to use your insurance to pay for exams. However, they’ll need to verify your eye and vision insurance eligibility beforehand.

Visionworks Eye Exam Price

The cost of an eye exam without insurance at Visionworks starts at $75. However, this may vary based on the location you choose.

Contact the local Visionworks store to find out their scheduling and pricing. They also accept most major insurance providers that can also help lower the fee.

Costco Eye Exam Price

An eye exam without insurance at Costo may vary depending on the location. No matter what, it is considered low-cost compared to private eye doctors. You can usually get an eye exam for around $70.

Costco also accepts most vision insurance coverage plans, which can help cut costs even further. However, this can vary because Costco optometry offices are all independent. Some Costco offices don’t take insurance at all.

Target Optical Eye Exam Price

The cost of an eye exam without insurance at Target starts at around $70. Target accepts many vision insurance plans that would make the price even cheaper. You can also use discount plans to reduce the price.

Most eye exams in Target Optical are conducted by self-employed doctors who lease space in the store. You can book an exam online by entering your ZIP code.

Walmart Eye Exam Price

The cost of an eye exam without insurance at Walmart starts at $75. Walmart accepts most major insurance providers for eye exams and in-store purchases. Vision insurance can bring down the cost of your eye exam.

America’s Best Eye Exam Price

At America’s Best, eye exams are free when you buy two pairs of glasses. If you don’t buy two pairs of glasses, the eye exam is only $50. America’s Best also accepts most major insurance providers.

Does Insurance Cover Eye Exams?

Traditional health insurance usually does not cover eye exams unless considered “medical” exams. Your health insurance might cover you if you have a medical eye problem.

For example, a routine vision exam may diagnose you with “nearsightedness.” A medical eye exam could give you a diagnosis like “conjunctivitis.”

You can purchase additional vision insurance if your health insurance does not cover regular eye exams. Depending on the company and plan, your vision insurance may cover some or all of your eye exam costs. The cost of your co-pay will also vary.

Can You Get an Eye Exam Without Insurance?

Yes, you can get a vision test without insurance. Eye exam prices will vary, and you will have to pay out of pocket for it. You’ll also have to pay for any glasses or contacts.

If you do not have vision insurance, you may visit a larger retailer like Costco or Walmart. They run optometric clinics with qualified eye doctors at lower costs. These retailers exist all across the United States.

Likewise, the National Eye Institute lists organizations providing free eye exams, vision screenings, and glasses. Optometry Cares: The AOA Foundation also maintains a list of state-specific resources.

Factors That Affect Eye Exam Costs

Like other medical services, eye care will vary depending on different factors. These factors include:

Location

Where you live affects how much you pay for an eye exam. Prices will be higher in urban areas than in rural ones. Living in urban areas is more expensive, affecting eye exam prices.

Insurance Coverage

Your health insurance coverage determines whether you receive reimbursement for your eye exam. Some companies offer discounts for patients who have their own vision insurance.

Patient Status

Whether you’re a new or old patient can also influence the price of your eye examination. New patients typically pay more than those who have seen the doctor before. Your doctor may need to conduct additional tests to determine your health.

Type of Eye Care Provider

Eye exams at independent eye doctors are usually more expensive than at retail stores or optical chains. You’re usually paying more for the doctor’s expertise and tools. Retail stores and optical chains usually only offer basic eye tests.

Specialized Care

Sometimes, your eye doctor may need to perform additional procedures or tests. This type of specialized care adds to the overall cost of your eye exam. They may also refer you to a specialist, increasing the cost.

What Do Comprehensive Eye Exams Check?

An eye exam evaluates your vision and checks your eyes for different diseases. Even with good vision, eye exams are important because they help detect health problems.

This includes:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Lupus
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular degeneration

Checking your eyes for diseases early makes comprehensive eye exams a cost-effective method of maintaining eye health. They allow you to manage potential issues and reduce the need for more expensive treatments in the future.

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How Long Do Eye Exams Take?

A comprehensive eye exam can take anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour. It involves a series of tests that each examine different aspects of your vision and eye health:

  • Visual acuity: Measures your vision’s sharpness
  • Visual field: Checks for blind spots in your peripheral vision
  • Pupillary reactions: Observes your pupils to see how they react to light and close objects
  • Cover test: Checks how your eyes work together
  • Extraocular muscle function: Checks if you have normal eye movements
  • Retinoscopy: Checks which lenses are appropriate if you need eyeglasses or contact lenses

Eye doctors recommend you get a complete eye exam every year or two. You may visit the eye doctor more often if you have poor vision or an eye disease.

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Summary

Eye exams are important because they can detect problems early. Different places offer eye exams at various prices, depending on various factors. Carefully assessing your options can save you money while getting the best care possible.

Traditional health insurance doesn’t cover eye exams. However, if the exam is deemed medically necessary, your insurance can cover it.

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Eye Exam Costs (LensCrafters, Visionworks, Walmart & More) (2024)

FAQs

Eye Exam Costs (LensCrafters, Visionworks, Walmart & More)? ›

The Average Cost of an Eye Exam Without Insurance

How much do glasses usually run at Walmart? ›

Single-vision lenses are available starting at $30 for adults, and progressive no-line lenses start at $100. Once you've chosen your prescription type, you'll be able to choose from the following options beginning at these prices (as of June 2024): Clear lenses: $30. Sunglasses: $75.

What does America's Best charge for an eye exam? ›

How much does an eye exam cost? At America's Best, eye exams are FREE* with our 2 pairs offers! Exams without a 2 pair purchase are only $69. Schedule an eye exam at America's Best today.

Can I take my own frames to Walmart? ›

It depends on which Walmart you go to. Some Walmart's will replace the lenses in your frames and since they want to sell their own frames they usually add $25.00 to the cost of the lenses in a customer's own frame. You will need to call your local Walmart to find out their individual policy for your location.

Do you get free glasses over 60? ›

The National Health Service offers free prescription glasses to individuals over the age of 60. If you are under 60, you can save money on prescriptions by purchasing prescription prepayment certificates from the NHS, which cover all your prescriptions for three or twelve months, regardless of how many you require.

Is anywhere offering free eye tests? ›

How it works: the NHS works with high street opticians (Boots, Vision Express and Specsavers), as well as supermarkets (such as Tesco) to make free eye tests available for students. Those under 16 also get free NHS eye tests, whether they're studying or not.

Who has best prices for glasses? ›

As it stands, Zenni is at the top of our list, as it offers the lowest prices and has a good selection of stylish frames and lens options. Warby Parker has previously been listed as our top pick and currently GlassesUSA is also one of the most affordable sites.

Is $200 expensive for glasses? ›

For basic, single lenses, it was priced at $113 on average. Using these numbers, you can see that, on average, a complete pair of glasses will run you between $200-$300+ if you don't have vision insurance. However, average cost of a complete pair of eyeglasses in the U.S. truly runs the gamut.

How much does Walmart charge for no-line bifocals? ›

No-line bifocal lenses are an additional charge (usually around $80). As for other lens options, basic tinted lenses start at about $40, polarized ones start at about $50, and transition lenses start at about $65.

Can I bring my own glasses frames to get a prescription? ›

Can I bring in my own frames and just purchase the lenses? Yes, we can use your own frame to mount new lenses provided that we inspect the frame condition to ensure that we can supply new lenses.

Are eye exams free in the US? ›

You may be able to get free eye exams, glasses or both. To find out what Medicaid covers in your state, contact your state Medicaid agency. Children who are ineligible for Medicaid may be able to get vision coverage through their state's Children's Health Insurance Program.

Can Visionworks use old frames? ›

Visionworks enables clients to bring in their old frames when looking for a glasses lens replacement. They do, however, require a couple of requirements when it comes to your frames. Let's take a look at what you should be aware of in your frames' quality.

Can LensCrafters put new lenses in old frames? ›

First, they must be in good shape. This makes sense, and if your frames are beaten up anyway, it may be time for a new pair, even if you have loved the frames you have for years. Another asterisk following this answer is that LensCrafters will probably not put new lenses in your frames if they are not high quality.

What is the average price for a pair of prescription glasses? ›

Glasses Types

A pair of glasses can range anywhere from $10 for readers to several thousand dollars depending on the brand and prescription lenses. But average prescription eyewear costs between $200 and $300 in today's market. Without insurance to cover the cost, you will need to search for the best price.

How much is a basic eye test? ›

Specsavers is among the leading optician services in the UK, known for its accessibility and affordability. Eye test prices at Specsavers can range from £20 to £25, depending on different factors: Store location, or if you are a UK resident and you're over 60, you can get if for free.

How much is an eye exam without insurance in Florida? ›

How much does an Eye Exam cost in Florida? On MDsave, the cost of an Eye Exam in Florida is $217.

How to find out your eye prescription without going to the doctor? ›

The GlassesUSA Prescription Scanner is a free app that uses your smartphone camera to scan your current eyeglasses and read the prescription. You'll also submit a selfie photo to measure your pupillary distance (PD), the distance between your pupils.

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