I had a good experience today. Was quick and the people in there had good senses of humor.

I usually don't write bad reviews. But I had to do that in this case. I just think Costco Optical in Shoreline has horrible customer service quality. They are agitated, rude, not helpful, & ignoring. Maybe Costco workers are over working or they don't have a good customer service training or both. They almost act like bureaucrats. After getting poor rude customer service a few times I decided not to go there anymore. Even if it's reasonable price, it's not worth it if those rude workers make your day miserable leaving negative energy. So, I buy eye wears somewhere else. read more

I just called Coscto to *hopefully* order a few boxes of contacts and the man on the phone was so nice, I was just super happy. He was so friendly and mentioned that if I bought 4 boxes, I'd get $10 off because they have a coupon currently. I was so happy just to hear somebody in such a good mood, he was so friendly. I loved it. He called me by name and went to look for my contacts. When he found 4 boxes for me, he said he'd hold them behind the counter and that they're open till 8:30 today. How helpful is he!? I love it. So nice. I like this place and they have cheap contacts. Order them from here! read more

Was super happy that I got a same day appointment for an eye exam. They had me down for a 12:40pm slot. Arrived 6 mins after and they told me I had to reschedule. I couldn't even be seen. 6 mins late! I left work early, drove through downtown traffic only to be turned away. They had me down on a walk in slot and I had to be there exactly at 12:40! Well it would have been nice if the receptionist told me that when I made the appointment. read more

I like going to costco for my prescription and to order my contacts! I'm a returning patient....this was probably my third exam here with Dr. Matthew Bell. It's cheaper than most optical offices. Dr. Matthew Bell was great. The visit was quick and thorough! I told him how two of my siblings have retinal problems and he was able to explain to me what they have based off of my description and what he would have seen if I had it. We chatted a bit during the exam and I told him I was going to Kona next month and at the end of the exam he gave me some contact solution, a travel sized bottle for my flight which I thought was thoughtful. read more

All five stars because of Bill. Here is an individual who spent extra time adjusting not only my Costco glasses, but my original pair. He was terrific. In a place where there are many customers and it can be hectic, Bill brought a sense of humanity and calmness to the procedure. He will be the reason I will return for all of my optical needs. Thank you, Bill! read more

So very, very helpful, friendly and great to work with. Mindi was great!

Lens coatings are peeling at two year mark. Clerk says they have better coatings now but can't do anything for me due to out of warranty. Prior lenses from Japan had no such problems. Only conclusion to draw is Costco quality deficit. Also bought prescription sunglasses at same time that gave me a headache and just felt wonky. Went back and was told I could have polarization sensitivity. Yeah, right. Couldn't wear them for two years and took them back in as new condition with my other failed lenses and got the same story. I had triple checked with my ophthalmologist and insisted Costco was bonkers. I wouldn't take no for an answer and they finally figured out that they had put the wrong lenses in left for right. After the swap they were perfect. But what a complete PITA. I need new glasses now and just don't want to go down this road again. read more

affordable, friendly, helpful, clean. I had both an exam and a glasses order. I had Dr. Bell (Sound Eye Care) for the exam and she was very nice. The staff at the optical hardware desk right next to it were also professional, friendly and efficient. One does not need an appt for the contacts/eyeglasses portion and I didn't know I had to take a number when I walked up, they were nice about that as well. I will continue to go here from now on! read more

At Costco, they have an independent optometrist office inside the store. The optometrist (independent office - no membership req, AmEx NOT accepted) and the optical department (part of Costco and requires a membership) are right next to each other, but they are separate departments. The optometrist gives you an exam and a prescription and then you can head over to the optical department to purchase glasses and/or contacts. However, you can take your prescription to another store if you don't find what you want or don't have a membership. I'll divide my review in two parts, one for the optometrist and one for the optical department. Optometrist (2 stars): I had my eyes checked last year at Costco (in CA) and was highly disappointed but figured it was that particular office. I decided to give Costco a second shot and tried out Sound Eye Care (inside the Shoreline Costco). The exam was $95 for glasses and/or contacts + $10 to get visual fields tested (included at other clinics) + $10 for new contact wearers. For glasses only, the exam is $65. Prices vary at each Costco and not all portions are covered by insurance. The doctor, Dr. Fleurantin was nice and fairly thorough but didn't offer findings or explanations unless specifically asked. She started by asking a few questions about my eye history but wasn't paying a lot of attention to my answers. Her eye exam was decent given the equipment available but note that the equipment seems sparser than what I'm used to. I've had better, more thorough exams at offices other than those in Costco. I had to ask for my current glasses to be examined to see how the prescription has changed. Additionally, she never had be look at anything with the new prescription. I'm hoping my new glasses prescription is accurate! I also wasn't provided options for contacts, rather I was just given a pair to try for a week. She didn't seem supportive of trying many varieties and told me it would worsen any dryness I currently experience. I was disappointed as there are tons of contacts these days made for dry eyes, etc. The appointment took 2 hours, with much of the time spent waiting. Although I showed up early, it took 20 min past my appt time before being seen. After filling out paperwork, the receptionist (NOT a medical or optometry assistant) administers the pressure check (puff in the eye) and initial eye measurements. I then waited 15 min before seeing the doctor. She did part of her exam then sent me out to get my visual fields exam, again done by the receptionist. After the doctor checked 4 more patients, I was called back in for dilation then 30 minutes of more waiting. Take the time to look at frames. The receptionist was really rude and looked bothered with any questions. In the end, I did not leave feeling my contacts or eye glass prescription were the best for my eyes. EDIT: I was impressed when the owner, Dr. Bell called to offer his apologies and a refund. Next time, I'll make sure to make my appointment with him. Optical department (4 stars): Their frames range in price from about $30 - $200 and their lenses range from $35 to $75, depending on how thin you want them and whether they are made of plastic or glass. If you want the anti-glare coating they add another $30ish. They don't have a huge selection of frames, but offer some designer choices and plenty of plain ones in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors for men/women/children. Costco also sells a variety of contacts and lens solutions. I brought in my glasses last week that had been sat on and they fixed them for free! Summary: In the end, I won't be returning next time. After insurance, most other clinics would have cost the same and I'm sure the experience would have been much more thorough and pleasant. I will however, buy contacts thru Costco. Recommendations: - Look at the glasses and/or pick out frames prior to getting your eyes dilated - makes it hard to see anything close up once they're dilated. - Dilation is free so why not? Bring sunglasses or wear they're ugly throw-aways. - Costco frequently has coupons/promotions for their contacts and glasses. Currently they have $30 off frames. - Be prepared for a LONG appt. read more

Wow. I basically walked in for a very belated eye exam today, and am super impressed with Dr. Bell and his staff. My eye exam was actually fun, very speedy, and he let me test two types of lenses for a week for different purposes (one for extended wear, the other for daily). Usually docs make me choose one or the other. Highly recommended. read more

Costco optical offers a good value if you can find frames you like there. I don't always find what I'm looking for but when I do, I have been happy with the service. I have never been charged for getting my glasses repaired there. read more

I bought glasses at Costco for the first time about a year ago. I've been very pleased and would definitely buy glasses there again. They have trendy, good quality frames at much more affordable prices than I've seen elsewhere. The selection varies by the week (what you see is what you have to choose from - there's no ordering frames in different colors, etc.). Keep in mind they offer thin but not the ultra-high index lenses. I have a heavy duty prescription, and it's worked out just fine but I think they would feel lighter on my face if they were the highest index possible. Oh well, index schmindex, I only spent $150 total and I love the way they look! read more

Following an unsatisfactory experience at University Vision Clinic (see my review), I had a refraction examination and bought eyeglasses at Costco Aurora Village. The optometrist Elizabeth Bell seekmed very competent. The display of glasses frames included just the styles I liked, and the cost was much more reasonable than in boutique eyeglass stores. I would definitely go back there again. read more

Great prices on frames and all the bells and whistles. Also great prices on contacts, if you are like me and wear both. They don't take all insurances, but at these prices I will submit to my insurance myself! Helpful opticians. Not the hugest range of frames to choose from, but you can bring in your own frames from elsewhere as long as you can prove (dated receipt) they are brand new. And they will always tighten, clean, readjust, whatever you need as long as you bought them there. And if you buy a tiny spray Costco cleaner from them, you can get it refilled for free any time you are in any Costco. Same applies to sentence above (the tightening of screws and readjusting). You can also buy those little cloths that are good for glasses with coatings (mine has anti-reflective computer glare coating) and they will tell you the secrets to keeping the cloth clean and your coating streak and scratch free. I highly recommend Costco optical! read more

Came in to Sound Eye Care for a long overdue appointment. I'm SO impressed. Dr. Arambula was kind, personable, and professional. He was also very quick and to the point while still showing concern and respect for me. I was in and out under 25 minutes. Will definitely be coming back here for any future eye appointments. read more

Dr. Matthew Bell proved me to that he is culturally incompetent. Rather than asking what is my ethnicity, he commented "..Korea..Chinese..or whatever you are." I understand his style is laid back and humorous, but that was not professional or appropriate. I've never had Dr. Matthew Bell before this appointment, but his associates were great to me for the past years. I would only make future appointments with his associates and not Dr. Bell. read more

Saw Dr. Elizabeth Bell at the Aurora Costco store to get a new eyeglass prescription. She knew my eye surgeon and was very knowledgable - Maybe she's an Opthomologist too. She explains everything in an easy direct manner. She checked my vision, pressure, etc. I would highly recommend her as she covers even more than just your eyeglass vision. And the appt was only $65.00. read more

This is my first ever yelp review. i don't like giving negative reviews but this experience I just had to. I went there yesterday, Sunday at around 5pm. first, I didn't know its a ticket kinda sevice just like when you go to the DNV. anyways there was this lady who i asked if she could help me, she was rude to begin with telling me that I needed a ticket to get service like I was dumb not to know. NO 'how may I help you' or anything of that sort. there was only 1 couple who was trying on glasses. When she asked them, they didn't need help and there was no one else. I was only there to just ask if I could get a new lens on my old Tom Ford eyeglass frame. She looked at my glasses like she was disgusted. She made me feel like I couldnt get service from them since I didn't buy the frame from her. she had very horrible customer service. she wasn't nice at all to begin with like she didn't want to be bothered and had a very bitchy attitude. she had to ask another worker if they can take in my frame, after that she came back to me and said she can send them in but no guarantees. I declined. I didn't want to give my business to this bitchy person. she might be having a long bad day but customer service is priority no matter what. i'd take my business anywhere else and pay more money with good excellent service. I felt compelled to call costco about this lady. horrible customer service. never gonna go there for optical needs. read more

I've been wearing glasses for 45 years & worked for 3 eye doctors/optical shops in the past, so I know glasses! And I refer everyone I know to Costco for their glasses & have purchased glasses here for 8 years. I have insurance and it is still cheaper to go to the doctor here & pay cash AND to pay for my glasses here than to use my insurance at Group Health/Kaiser. At Costco I typically get 2 pairs of glasses for far less than I'd pay for ONE pair at the eye doctor or other optical shops. I was quoted $600 for the last pair I got of progressive lenses at another place, and that was with a "budget' frame. Went to Costco & got 2 pairs, including the most expensive "Transistions" lenses with contrast for driving, including more expensive frames than the average and paid UNDER $400 for BOTH pairs. Also, everything is included, so no "up-selling" like you usually get at other shops. I purchased a backup pair recently and when I had trouble with headaches, went back & they spent time to closely look at the lenses. Found a small aberration in one lens, so they sent it back to be remade with no problems. They are also fairly quick to make them--usually under a week--and the opticians are VERY knowledgeable and most I've talked to have been in the business for 20 years. read more

Gina in the Optical Dept. absolutely rocks. Great service from her, she looked up my old stuff (I had lost my newish glasses and wanted to reorder the same) and was so efficient, helpful and kind with a great disposition. She had all my info waiting, had checked to make sure same frames possible. She never seemed rushed or put me off. I am still in the affordable category even with my stupid loss. I don't know why everyone doesn't use Costco, for the big modern selection on frames and specialized lenses won't bankrupt you. Carol M read more

Always happy with Costco Optical until I got glasses in 2015 that didn't work for me. Thought I'd give Costco another try so brought back that pair doubting I could get a refund when I ordered a new pair. Leslie was very understanding, she refunded those so my new pair didn't cost anything! Got the new pair yesterday and though I was a little apprehensive found they work great. read more

I just called Costco Optical in Seattle to inquire about whether they had a certain brand of colored contact lenses available. A rude lady named Martha answered the phone and was extremely curt with me, telling me they don't have it and was sounding like I was wasting her precious time by asking stupid questions. Awful customer service... maybe it's just Martha's actual godawful personality or she could have been having a bad day, I don't know. Regardless, her tone of voice and the way she answered my question- or lack of effort to answer my question was extremely off-putting. I will take my services elsewhere, that's for d*mn sure. read more

Dr. Elizabeth Bell has poor follow-up and the front end staff are terrible at customer service. I won't be going back and will not be recommending her. read more

***** For Dr. M. Bell, one of the optometrists, I give 5 stars. He's a hoot and a half, and highly caffeinated. It was strange filling out a medical release form next to a shopping cart that contained a bathmat, a Wii controller, and a rotisserie chicken. Welcome to Costco. But at no point during my exam did I feel like I was getting the bargain basement eye exam out back by the tire shop. Dr. Bell is lively and kind, and I found him endearing, but I know some people want a Very Serious™ optometrist. I'm not sure he comes with that setting, but you can ask. * For the optical shop, I give a single star. There are a number of frames to choose from. Some cheap, some more spendy (by "spendy," I mean $99 at the high end). By and large, the selection is decent. Nothing extravagant. The service, on the other hand, was unfortunate. They herd you through there like you're, I don't know, in line at Costco or something, and they're just about as friendly. Take a number, wait your turn like you're at the deli counter, and don't expect a whole lot of assistance in choosing the right frames once your number is called (which they sort of whisper then skip right past--I was actually the closest customer to the person who mumbled my number, and in the time it took me to turn around to tell him I was there, he had already "called" out the next two numbers, which was a process they had mastered over the hour I was there). You do need a membership card to purchase frames (but not for an exam), and they refuse to tell you your Pupil Distance (PD), so without a membership you still have to go to another optical shop, even if you end up purchasing frames online. read more

My experience at this Costco Has been an absolute sh*t-show of unanticipated ineptitude and june buggery. Just one thing after another. Terrible communication. Not putting perscription into system TWICE, putting WRONG perscriptoin into system. So i spent over an hour trying to order contacts online with wrong perscription. Not calling me back when promised to do so. Calls that something was ready when it wasn't. That one was fun. Mistakes that made me have to come into the store 4 TIMES! yes, i said 4 times (not including initial exam). For one pair of glasses and a pack of contacts. I still dont have my glasses. When i came to pick them up today, they had put sun glasses lenses into my normal glasses! so i get to wait another 5 to 7 days, to come back and take a number and wait another half hour. the ony reason i wouldnt give 0 stars is that most of the people made an effort to apologize and make it right. My experiences here have had all the stereotypical SNAFUs I come to associate with millenials. Poor communication, lack of attention to detail and passing the buck. You save some cash, but at what cost? I would GLADLY have paid an extra $100 to not have had this experience. read more

Fast, efficient, friendly, and affordable. I tried going to a smaller office, but they wanted an outrageous amount of money for the same product with a slower turn around time. I'm guessing that the labs making the glasses charge smaller business more $$. However, I don't think it warrants quadruple the price on a pair of glasses. read more

Let me start by saying Elizabeth Bell was the nicest Doctor/Medical Professional I have ever met. I needed to get contacts because I was diagnosed 20/30 by an Occupational Nurse at Group Health and would be denied employment if I didn't get contacts right away. Dr Bell had already made plans to skip her lunch break to train me on the contacts before we even met. She performed her tests and concluded they had misdiagnosed me.She tested me again to make sure. She was so understanding of my unusual situation and time constraints she faxed my results to Group Health and offered to give up her lunch break the following day if I failed the retest and had to get contacts to get this job. Seriously who would do that for someone (patient or not) they just met. She only charged me for a basic eye exam (not the more expensive contact exam) and asked if I would call and let her know how things went. I can't say enough how unbelievably nice she was. read more

Great place. I chose here because of its affordable price. Dr. Homan was very professional and helpful. He answered all my questions in detail and clearly. The eye exam process was very smooth; only took 20+ minutes. I would come back here in the future for my next eye exam in a year or so. read more

For months, I have had bad headaches, but didn't think much of it except that I had to live with it. I went to see dr. Matthew Bell for a contact exam and he figured out pretty quickly that my prescription was incorrect. He took the time to patiently explain why and the consequences of having an over corrected prescription.The next day I no longer suffered from headaches, wasn't so tired and my faith in doctors has been somewhat restored. Dr. Bell gave me several different contact lenses to try, explaining the differences between them and I felt that he was informing me, but not talking down to me. He has a great manner with kids too, as my daughter had her eye exam next. He has a quick sense of humor, made her feel at ease, and talked directly to her, not over her head as if she wasn't there. Dr. Bell is now the only optometrist I I'll see. I used to just see any optician wherever I could find availability according to my schedule but dr bell is worth making an appointment for. Strangely enough, I only need about 2 days in advance, which is much quicker than most opticians. Highly recommend! read more