You might think that going to Costco for something as important as an eye exam is crazy. You would be wrong. I hadn't had an eye exam in a long time. It was incredibly easy to set up an appointment. Dr. Ron Wilkelman was extremely personable, and he was clearly very professional. As a pilot and lighting designer, it's particularly important to have good eye care. This was an extremely easy and very quick process. I immediately selected 3 pairs of glasses to replace the ones I've had for longer than I should have. The entire staff at Costco Optical was fantastic. Not for nothing, but the total cost of the 3 pairs was only 1/3rd of what it cost me at LensCrafters in 2021. And my insurance paid for the exam and $300 worth of the classes. So my out-of-pocket cost was only $227. That is amazing if you compare it to what I shelled out 5 years ago at LensCrafters. I won't be doing that again! read more

Doctor is rude and unprofessional, would not recommend. My first and last visit. Find somewhere else to go.

Thank you to the doctor that help me and mahalo to the staff.. everyone was so nice and very helpful

Ronald Winkelman is seriously a treasure. He is quick, professional, gets right to the point, and is extremely informative in a casual way. I seriously was in and out of the office in less than 10 minutes. I've been going to him for years, and have referred several of my friends, all very happy. I recently went in for computer glasses. Basically glasses that are designed to focus at the distance of a computer screen. I picked up two and leave them at each of my desks, and only use them there. They are very different from reading glasses, as they address my specific astigmatism, and required corrections. My regular bifocal glasses work, but I needed to tilt my head all the way back to use the reading area...it was driving me nuts. Ronald gave me the suggestion/solution, and my only regret was not talking to him about years ago. He said it's not very common for people to get computer glasses like this, but when they do, they always exceed expectation. Mahalo Dr. Winkelman! read more

Dr. Ron Winkelman is the MVP. The front staff was very nice and flexible when I needed to reschedule same day. Hands down the best eye exam I've ever had. Ron was chill, explained everything without making it complicated, and actually made the whole thing lowkey fun. You can tell he knows his stuff but doesn't make it all stiff and boring. 10/10 would trust him with my eyeballs again. read more

This is for the Hawaii Kai location needed glasses without insurance- same day - same hour appt made- friendly service!!! Leah helped my daughter and she was so nice and friendly and professional!!! Definitely recommend for reasonble prices and excellent service!! My daughter said the optometrist was very nice as well!!! read more

Dr Winkleman is a great doctor. He is a patient, friendly and an experienced doctor. Leilani is also a friendly assistant. Fair pricing and great service. read more

Make that important appointment to see Dr. Ron Winkelman, Optometrist. He & his associates at Costco Iwilei Optical Office will provide EXCELLENT 5* care for your eyes. Call him at 808-526-6106 to schedule your appointment today! read more

Great glasses made for your moneys worth! Will definitely return when I need additional new pairs! read more

Got the most thorough snd accurate exam and fast deliver of glasses ever! The prices are amazing snd the selection of frames are good.

Without discredit to my last eye dr the new prescription ipitous I received from DrRon completely fit what I should have gotten. The cost after membership was jaw dropping even better if you are insured which I am not. There's no justifiable review that could ever measure the quality service they provide the public , the warmth of the medical advice and the ease of the examination. Makes me sorry I let my membership lapse 10 years read more

Today is July 21, 2023. I need an eye exam. The next available opening is October 1st (I am completely serious). I was hoping for a chance to pay a bit more and maybe get a FastPass... but, they only do that at Disney theme parks. Oh, for anyone who determined to keep reading, that simply wanted to know what the exam costs, I was quoted a price of $84. If this seems affordable it is because of the wait. I thought to negotiate an appointment further in the future and maybe it would be a few dollars cheaper. Like if I made the appointment for November 5, 2037... it would be free... I mean, I'd be blind by then but... at least the exam would be free... so that's sort of a win, right? Seriously, now that I have you either laughing or mad at me, I need to remind you that reading this review just delayed your call to this location and the year 2037 is truly the next available appointment window. You're welcome! -- Follow me on social media for more ways to not get what you need in a timely fashion. Mahalo nui loa fo' readin' da kine. Aloha PS: If you took away one thing from this light-hearted review, it should have been that this is NOT the place to call if you are in need to a quick exam, which unfortunately is what I require. read more

The doctor is not reliable. The prescriptions are not correct. Just go elsewhere. Busiest Costco in the world and parking is like a UFC match. read more

This is a review for both Dr, Winkelman (and associates) along with Costco Optical since I can't find a Yelp page for Dr. Winkelman separately. I've only been seeing Dr. Winkelman the last 2 years but have been going to Costco optical for contacts and glasses for a long time. First up I've seen Dr. Winkelman and his associates for eye exams. Appointments as easy to get. The office is small with the reception area serving double duty as preliminary eye testing like the puff of air to test eye pressure. The doctors I have seen are fast and efficient without making you feel rushed. You are in and out in no time. Dilation is an extra charge so not doing that makes things go quicker. I got introduced to multi focal contacts and I'm glad they were recommended for me as they help me see things close up without having to use reading glasses and let me see far. The only negative is my copay is higher than going to past optometrists so be aware of that. You can then take your prescription right next door to Costco optical which is so convenient. Costco often has coupons for glasses and sometimes certain brands of contacts. The workers are nice considering the high volume of people they have to deal with. The one negative is be prepared to wait as there are a lot of people who go there! My tip is to go on a weeknight to avoid the weekend crowds. read more

Dr. Winkelman and his assistant Bill took me in on super short notice. I was very happy with the speed of the service even when they had a lot of customers! Highly recommend read more

Prescriptions were correct I received a prescription for every day wear and a prescription for working on the computer.

I called early in the morning when they would be least busy- the lady put me on hold, knowing she would not be picking up the phone again- it is December 7, 2023 at 1050 hours still waiting and waiting- all I needed to know if a Maui Jim female sunglasses stocked at Waipio Costco was available in town at the Iwilei Costco- I'm only buying this as a gift, I refuse to be a member of this insanely busy store because like another big box store, customer service is poor. In fact the employees run away or get mad when you ask them a question- Optical please don't hide when all I have is a question on the telephone. I'll go back to LensCrafters where they give great customer service read more

This review is for Dr. Bill Whalley So my wife is kama'aina and I grew up small kid time in Honolulu. Our ohana was visiting, staying with Grandma, and I realized that I was short contacts to last the entire trip. I'm a Costco Optical customer on the mainland so I thought I'd take a chance at the local Costco and see if I might be able to get contacts to last the trip. So chance 'em right? Was so fortunate to encounter the aloha from Dr. Bill Whalley and staff. They were getting ready to go to lunch but he allowed me to come in, explain my situation, and was gracious enough to help me out. He expedited getting my prescription for the optometry shop to confirm what I needed - cut the line brah! Went back to his side, got my contacts, and gave double what I needed! So grateful to him and staff. Rest of the trip was great - cuz I could see! Mahalo plenty again to Dr. Bill and staff. Definitely recommend him just on his aloha spirit alone. read more

I have been coming to this location for my vision needs for a few years now. Always a pleasant experience. The in-house optometrist, Dr. Winkelman is extremely personable and at the same time, he is straight to the point. He also always sends me on my way loaded with free samples! Who can resist free samples?! I recently walked away with an entire bag of contact cleanser! I'm always promptly in and out with what I need. I recently switched insurance plans and the receptionist made sure my new plan would accept their services, which they did. She called my insurance company and personally spoke to them over the phone. Ikaika at the optical counter was extremely friendly. Especially during the pandemic, which has put so many regulations in place. Upon entry to the optical area, Ikaika took my temperature and asked the routine questions before letting me in. I was given a plastic bucket and instructed to place whatever frames I touched or tried on into the bucket to be sanitized before being placed back onto display. He was so patient as I must have tried on over 10 different frames while staring in the mirror. After what seemed like forever, I finally settled on some cute Burberry frames after he made sure they would fit my face nicely (I don't like my glasses squeezing my head). Thank you, Ikaika for your patience! read more

My family and I get all of our contact lenses and glasses done here. Can't beat the prices and the workers are friendly and thorough. Make sure you take a number and I'd recommend you come to this place on a week day over a weekend to beat the crowds. Cheers to Syd! My 85 year old mother wanted her hearings aids and glasses cleaned today. After our number was called, my mom walked over to the hearing aid place and Syd cleaned her glasses and walked them over to her! What service! read more

I'm blind! Well if you consider 20/50 to be blind for an old dude like me! Lol! I recently attempted to renew my driver's license, but when I had to take the eye test, I realized something was wrong as I could not see the images of the characters in the eye test machine at the Satellite City Hall. YIKES!!!! I guess the City and County of Honolulu requires you to have a minimum vision of 20/40 (uncorrected) to pass the eye test, and due to my age, I guess my eyes are slowly going bad...........but no worry, beef curry.............I get 'em! Costco Optical to the rescue! I swear I haven't had an eye test in over 31 years (I think the last time I got had one, was in year 1986). This was my 2nd time taking an eye exam..........and I must say things sure changed in 30 + years..........probably better technology, & better equipment that's for sure! I mainly came to Costco Optical yesterday (on a walk-in basis) to see if I could get an eye exam, so I could pass my eye test to get my new driver's license. Sure enough, Costco was very accommodating as Ronald Winkelman - the optometrist who runs the Iwilei Costco office, quickly took me into his office to do a complete eye exam. He basically had me put my head in this machine, then he switched out lenses to see where my eyes were. He also did a peripheral vision test, & glaucoma test, where I passed with flying colors! After getting my eye prescription, I promptly went next door to the Costco eye glass shop to pick up a 2 pairs of driving glasses (sunglasses, & a regular pair of glasses just for night driving). Lucky for me, there was some kinda sale going on at Costco, so I was able to get these two fabulous pairs of prescription eye wear for just $210.00. Not a bad deal at all! Now all I have to do is just wait a few days/weeks before Costco will (notify/text me) so that I can come down to pick up my new glasses for driving. And yes, I finally passes all the requirements so I was able to get my new driver's license! read more

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Had a great first appointment at Costco optical on Alakawa. Was seen very quickly and had a great conversation with the doc. Would return. $103 cost for DR visit. Get number at glasses counter afterwards to get prescription filled. Can take a while for service but pick your new glasses while you wait. read more

I got my eye exam done here for the first time yesterday! Very easy to make appointment over the phone. They are an HMSA provider. Every person I've spoken to (initial call and appointment reminder) was polite and helpful. My appointment was in the late afternoon and I was seen on time. The doctor's receptionist was fantastic. Testing machines were sanitized before and after I used them. Wish I got the receptionists name because she was great. Ron (Dr. Winkleman) is fantastic!! He is thorough, informative and incredibly helpful, while still being respectful of your time! There's no fluff - just solid information (lots of it) on your concerns, coupled with helpful suggestions on what you can do to help yourself. Suggestions are delivered in a very respectful manner, no pressure, judgement or condescension felt at all. I left hopeful and (very) informed. Most productive eye exam I've ever had! Highly impressed. Will be coming back annually. Thanks so much! read more

Dr Ronald Winkelman gets 5 stars for excellent client service, a very down-to-Earth chair-side manner, and superb professional expertise in getting you fixed up with the best contacts, glasses, and multi-focal prescriptions for getting your vision to be the best that it can be! Although he was probably born, raised, and educated in the Mainland, he has a very relaxed local-style and friendly demeanor. He will make just about any patient into a happy patient with his service. He also has the latest technology in vision correction products. Just got a pair of the latest multi-focal contacts and can say goodbye to using reading glasses over contacts. They function much better than the previous generation of bifocal-style contacts. You must try them to really appreciate them! Making the appointment and checking insurance coverage was really quick and easy, thanks to the super-courteous receptionist/optometrist assistant Wendy! I'm referring my friends and family! read more

Price is right. One week from order date till receiving new glasses. A bit understaffed resulting in a comparatively long wait after you pull a number (Costco Iwilei). Also they don't answer their phones or call you back. But the price is right. read more

Costco Optical is THE place to visit if you always wait until the last minute to take advantage of your yearly optical benefits like I do. They offer eye examinations by appointment with Dr. Winkelman, so it is easy to update your prescription if necessary. The line moves quickly; the counter workers are usually quite attentive and they try their best to help you sort out your order and determine the best method in order to fully utilize your benefits. You are often able to acquire your glasses or contacts the day you visit, which is very convenient. read more

I went to Costco to get my exam and buy new glasses. The staff was great greeted you ask what I needed help with today. Unfortunately because of the COVID you would need some patience, they only let 3 persons in at a time. When it's your turn they'll hand you a bowl to put any glasses you touched in there, I didn't feel rushed at all. And when checking out he made sure he took his time in answering any of my questions and concerns and giving me all the information I needed before ringing me up. Great customer service read more

Running low on my stock of contacts I called in to the optical center and was given an appointment to get a new prescription for contacts about an hour later. Ron Winkelman OD was extremally professional and got me in and out in a very short amount of time. I greatly appreciate Ron's exceptional customer service and highly recommend anyone with corrective lenses in this area to use the services available here. Fantastic. Many mahalos! read more

Worst customer service ever! I came here after my eye exam appointment to return the contacts I bought from Costco and the lady that was at the counter was rude af. Seriously I don't understand people that want to work in customer service if you're going to be rude and generally hate dealing with people why are you working at a position where you have to speak with people. I showed her the receipt and unopened contacts and told her I need to return it. She acted as if I was bothering her l; I bought these lenses on Costco.com so why are you giving me an attitude for returning it? I know Costco pays its employees very well and offers great benefits as well, so why are you so nasty to the customers?! Second, if you're training a new employee you should do it on your company time and not on my time. I waited 30 min to return this so I guess my time do not matter?! Overall, this Costco branch of optical service by iwilei business center is the worst I've been to. I usually go to Hawaii Kai and they're all very nice and professional so if you don't mind the driving I would recommend going there. read more

Excellent service. Receptionist is friendly and Dr Bill Whalley is experienced and patient making my trip such a enjoyable experience. Folks at the eyeglasses department are both friendly and professional. read more

Costco is a very good store no complaints till I went to the optical for a prescription glasses.. what I don't get it we're still going through the Covid 19 pandemic. It can get transmitted through you fluid droplets from coughs and trough your eyes if I'm not mistaken . So I'm there looking at glass frames and ask the person working there if I should place the used glasses that I touched somewhere in a box etc to be cleaned and put back for someone else to try after me. They say no just put it back where you got it. Well when I went to other glass places they had me put it down so they could wipe it clean and be put back!!! read more

Let me say that this Costco is the busiest and not always the friendliest. This includes their optical department too. I've never came here for an eye exam. But the prices for glasses and contacts are very good and the cheapest I've found so far. And unfortunately, I need my contacts and back up glasses to function. Their optical department is always busy so be prepared to wait and make sure you grab a number. I've come here a few times over the years. The service here is hit or miss. When I came to look for and order glasses, the gentleman who helped me was very helpful, knowledgeable and patient with me. I just came from the Waipio location and was frustrated with their customer service. He was great with answering my questions and helping me order my glasses. The glasses were ready in about a week and they texted me (they can call as well) to let me know. He's the reason why I'm giving stars instead of less. When I went back to pick up my glasses, the lady who helped me wasn't rude but not very friendly. She got my glasses basically and when I asked her to tighten them for me, she looked at me like I asked her to do something really complicated. Good selection of frames, good prices and decent customer service. ******** They help me to see, Their prices are reasonable. That is about all. read more

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So many frames to choose from at the Costco Optical Shop at the Iwilei Costco, also known as the "Grand Central Station" location in Kalihi. You must take a number, just like you're at a bakery. There's usually a sufficient number of staff to serve customers, though transactions can be lengthy if folks have alot of questions or can't decide on the right frame. At least you can check out any new Costco merchandise or samples, depending on how many are ahead of you. Staff are very courteous, knowledgeable, and patient, and offer helpful suggestions. It may be advisable to check out and to try on frames, in an effort to narrow down the myriad of choices. Frames selection seems to change often. Happy frame hunting! read more

Would have to agree with other reviews, lady at front desk is no help. Wouldn't even bother to look in the files, I just needed an updated prescription, I took an exam a few months ago, not asking for a lot..... read more

Dr. Winkleman is funny and nice. The receptionist is also very kind and personable. Appointments are always quick and I'm always able to get an appointment within a day or so of calling. 10/10 recommend. read more

Great service. The exam was done thoroughly and quickly. I was more than satisfied. Can't say the same for the prices of the eyeglasses. I went online and got four pairs (2 clear and 2 dark) for less than I would have paid for 2 pairs (of the least expensive ones) at Costco. read more

Ron Winkelman is great, 10/10. My husband and I needed to get our eyes checked and he made us an appointment for the following day. He was super nice and the eye exam was quick and to the point. Would definitely go here again. read more

Terrible service . She can't even make appointment time correctly, will not come back again.....

This is my first review and I normally don't like to write reviews, but Dr. Winkelman was outstanding for me. Fast Service. Professional. Helpful. Provided different solutions for me to choose from and kept the door open for me to come back to adjust if I wasn't satisfied after trying out my new bifocal contacts. VSP friendly, and I didn't wanna deal with that paperwork at Kaiser. I was late for my appointment. I didn't like my current prescription from another doctor just 6 months prior. I was explaining (complaining) about all of this, but he just stuck to the goal of providing great service and getting my prescription and getting me out of there. Thank you. read more

Needed new glasses cause the current pair the arm broke. Due to the pandemic they have the area blocked off. They take the usual measures - ask questions, take your temperature. Then they let at the most only 2 people in the area. They give you two baskets - 1 for the frames you try on that you don't like and 1 for possible ones you like. Once you decide on your frame, they take all the frames you tried and wipe them down before setting them back on the rack. Great process and it was nice to have the place to yourself! read more