Has anyone bought progressive lenses from Costco recently?

[RescueAPet]

Has anyone purchased progressive lens glasses at Costco? I am very tempted to get a second pair, but don't want to spend as much money for "spares".

Since I heard they sell products from Essilor, they can't be too bad can they?. The lower price is what I am after here, however a somewhat decent pair of glasses would be nice, too. I'm not expecting to come out of there with the same caliber glasses that I paid for through my optometrist/optician's office. But a nice little pair of extra specs would be great to have without breaking the bank.

I would appreciate anyone's recent experience at their friendly neighborhood Costco optical dept.

Thanks!

[Chris Ryser]

Since I heard they sell products from Essilor, they can't be too bad can they?. The lower price is what I am after here, however a somewhat decent pair of glasses would be nice, too.

Costco is a very smart company. What you probably want is a pair glasses with progressive lenses.

Costco sells only one type and make. This way they can purchase larger quantities and get better prices. As these lenses are basically all the same whatever the brand or model name, you should not go wrong giving Costco a shot for your second pair.

Essilor makes good lenses and so do many other companies with the exception that Essolor puts up the big time consumer brainwash adcertising.

[Fezz]

Chris...you make an interesting point when you say that "as these lenses are basically all the same whatever the brand or model name".

Should one assume then that all tints, neutralizers, ar coatings, optical chemicals are basically the same whatever the brand or model name? ;)


Rescue-
You mentioened a spare pair and not wanting to spend as much money. As much money as what? Compared to what? Have you recently gotten a pair of eyewear? Were they from a private type practice or a chain store? Have you approached the original place for a price quote, discount? I wonder what problem you may have having for example..Brand "A" progressive lens in your dress eyewear and brand "G" in your spare pair? Maybe a pair of nice flat top bifocals in a spare pair would save you a bit of $$$. You may find that the flat top is not as horrible as some might lead you to believe . The original shop may be more then willing to get you a spare at much less then you expect.

I have no problem with Costco..for paper towels, 2 gallon containers of mustard and and a twelve pack barrel of pretzels..but eyewear??? Who will wait on you? What are there qualifications? Are they certified, and by whom? Remember, these are glasses, not calculators, not a 62lbs package of chiken breasts, etc.

** I add: We have a member here (William Walker?) who by his accomplishments, attitude, and dedication may be Costco's diamond in the rough. And I feel his efforts should be an example to us all.**


Fezz


:cheers:

[francisOD]

I know that we offer $100 off a second pair of progressive...the rational being that we know that we will not have a problem with the prescription since you are already wearing it and we are prepared for a lower profit margin on a second pair. If you combine this with a lesser quality product, you could save up to $200 or so...I would check with my previous optometrist/optician.

[Jubilee]

AS was mentioned by various other pros, many optical offices will give you a discount for a second pair, since most of the leg work and risk has been accounted for with the first pair.


As for Costco, they use the ovation lens, and it is a good lens. They acutally require their staff in ALL location, whether they be in a licensed state or not, to have ABO certification if not at time of employment, then within 6 months.


Cassandra

[GOS_Queen]

I have no problem with Costco..for paper towels, 2 gallon containers of mustard and and a twelve pack barrel of pretzels..but eyewear??? Who will wait on you? What are there qualifications? Are they certified, and by whom? Remember, these are glasses, not calculators, not a 62lbs package of chiken breasts, etc.
Fezz


:cheers:

It is my understanding that in unlicensed states, Costco ONLY employees opticians with ABOC and NCLE ~

[GOS_Queen]

I would suggest that you check with the original opticial you purchased with ~ Our offices, for example, have a second pair discount of 20% off the second pair purchased within 60 days.

There is also a "value package" of selected frames and discounted lens options available.

Also, if you are a VSP or EYEMED patient and you have used your primary benefit for the year, you are probably eligible for a discount (usually 20%) towards any other purchases throughout the year. :cheers:

[Fezz]

It is my understanding that in unlicensed states, Costco ONLY employees opticians with ABOC and NCLE ~

If that is true, I am impressed.

But, what about the "rumor?" or "fact?" that they only dispense one brand of progressives? I know some will argue and see nothing wrong with that. I have always thought that as professionals we should be able to dispense what we feel best fits the patients/customer needs. I have a real hard time believing that the Essilor Ovation covers all the potential needs and wants. I am glad that my primary care Dr. can prescribe various blood pressure, chol. lowering, antibiotics, etc. meds to fill a patients needs and wants. I am also glad that my car mechanic offers various choices on mufflers, brake shoe pads, alternators, rebuilt or new parts, etc.

Does Costco only sell one brand of contacts?

Not trying to argue, or bicker....just food for thought!



Fezz
:cheers:

[RescueAPet]

Thanks to all who replied.

To answer your questions: Yes, I asked my optician if they discounted for a second pair of glasses and they don't. I agree that it would certainly be a customer-friendly policy. But, I didn't want to press the point.

In the meantime I came upon Costco's optical dept. and spent some time "interviewing" one particular optician there. She is certified and frankly, I was rather impressed with her knowledge and ability to answer my questions. She seemed to have a good fashion sense, as well.

So my biggest concern is the actual product. As I mentioned, I realize I won't be coming out of there with a pair of Cadillacs. I am wearing those now. I spent close to $600 for my progressives (short corridor lens in a nice frame.) I simply cannot justify shelling that amount out for a second pair at this time.

By they way, the Costco optician told me that I would be getting their brand of short corridor lenses...not just the regular Ovation. I take that to mean that they have more than just one type of Ovation. I certainly hope so. This is what I was hoping someone here could tell me. Even more so, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with their short corridor progressives, whether personally or know someone who has bought them there.

I would never purchase my primary pair of glasses at Costco. At least this is how I feel now. Who knows. Maybe I'll buy some and like them so much that I'll change my mind. I don't do a lot of basic food shopping there. Too much for us. However, what I have purchased there has always met my satisfaction and if it didn't, I simply returned it. They've always been excellent about taking back something that didn't meet my expectations. However, since glasses are so custom-made, I want to make darn sure that I know what I'm buying. I am not one who feels I can just return glasses at whim.

Thank you again and I'm still hoping to hear from someone with personal experience before I make a decision.

If that is true, I am impressed.

But, what about the "rumor?" or "fact?" that they only dispense one brand of progressives? I know some will argue and see nothing wrong with that. I have always thought that as professionals we should be able to dispense what we feel best fits the patients/customer needs. I have a real hard time believing that the Essilor Ovation covers all the potential needs and wants. I am glad that my primary care Dr. can prescribe various blood pressure, chol. lowering, antibiotics, etc. meds to fill a patients needs and wants. I am also glad that my car mechanic offers various choices on mufflers, brake shoe pads, alternators, rebuilt or new parts, etc.

Does Costco only sell one brand of contacts?

Not trying to argue, or bicker....just food for thought!



Fezz
:cheers:

[Fezz]

Rescueapet-

Thanks for being open and honest in your discussion here. It is refreshing to read the thought that you put into your post and decision. I get very annoyed at the overwhelming consumer interaction on this forum. Your post and responses have been very refreshing.

Opinions vary, but, I feel that your optician missed a golden oppurtunity. My feeling has always been that I would much rather make a little less $$$ on a second, 3rd, etc. pair then to not make anything because I was to unflexible to give an established patient a $$ incentive to stay in our practice and spend the $$ with us. Often times, a bit of a discount, flexibility on payment, or little extras have resulted in multiple pair sales for our practice.

Maybe the difference is..Some opticians may not own the business or have a real understanding of the costs of running a practice and how essential each and every sale is to staying afloat or drowning! I do not advocate giving huge discounts and BOGO sales, but an understanding of what it takes to keep inflows and outflows in check can go a long way to practice survival.

Sorry for babbling


Fezz
:cheers:

[RescueAPet]

Hi Fezz,

Thank you for your compliments. I try not to be annoying on forums such as this. I belong to similar groups where we have people posting some real doozies at times. Comes with the public territory, I suppose. I'm finding that more and more on the internet!

As for my optician not discounting on another pair, unfortunately he does work for a large medical corporation which employs him and an assistant. It sounds like he doesn't have the monetary freedom. This was the only time I've utilized his services, so in the future I might try someone else who gives the discount for a second pair. I actually didn't even know that policy existed among opticians. I kind of kiddingly asked him, expecting the answer he gave me, which is no. Didn't want to push it since I really don't know him well enough.

Thank you for your kind words. In the meantime, I'm still waiting to see if anyone has had any experience with Costco's progressive lenses.

Rescueapet-

Thanks for being open and honest in your discussion here. It is refreshing to read the thought that you put into your post and decision. I get very annoyed at the overwhelming consumer interaction on this forum. Your post and responses have been very refreshing.

Opinions vary, but, I feel that your optician missed a golden oppurtunity. My feeling has always been that I would much rather make a little less $$$ on a second, 3rd, etc. pair then to not make anything because I was to unflexible to give an established patient a $$ incentive to stay in our practice and spend the $$ with us. Often times, a bit of a discount, flexibility on payment, or little extras have resulted in multiple pair sales for our practice.

Maybe the difference is..Some opticians may not own the business or have a real understanding of the costs of running a practice and how essential each and every sale is to staying afloat or drowning! I do not advocate giving huge discounts and BOGO sales, but an understanding of what it takes to keep inflows and outflows in check can go a long way to practice survival.

Sorry for babbling


Fezz
:cheers:

[GOS_Queen]

As for my optician not discounting on another pair, unfortunately he does work for a large medical corporation which employs him and an assistant. It sounds like he doesn't have the monetary freedom. This was the only time I've utilized his services, so in the future I might try someone else who gives the discount for a second pair. I actually didn't even know that policy existed among opticians. I kind of kiddingly asked him, expecting the answer he gave me, which is no. Didn't want to push it since I really don't know him well enough.

After you get done with your second pair purchase, I recommend that you write a courteous letter to the practice administrator.

It make make a difference in how they see their policy and the buying decisions of their patients.

(just a suggestion)

[Barry Santini]

Even if all ooptical places dispenseD *exactly* the same product, i feel making glasses is analogous to:

Dumping a boatload of exactly the same inventory of building materials at a several housing sites....

...and then having different crews construct homes from the same plans.

I'm sure everyone will agree that the *quality* of the finished product will vary..perhaps widely..

Its no different with respect to eyewear.

You may be lucky...or you make be easy-to-satisfy for this *particular* pair.

Either way, its your choice.

Barry Santini, ABOM

[Chris Ryser]

Chris...you make an interesting point when you say that "as these lenses are basically all the same whatever the brand or model name".

Should one assume then that all tints, neutralizers, ar coatings, optical chemicals are basically the same whatever the brand or model name? ;)

Fezz.............you also just made an interesting point.

Conventional tints and neutralizers have all been the same for the last 25 years. One company copies the other, employees starting their own business and copy the ex-employer.

That is why when I came up with something totally new I had to go the patent way to get the protection, because previous inventions had been copied 3 weeks after we showed them at optical exhibitions.

Said that ..............most processes in the optical have been used in other domains and industries until somebody comes up with a variations that is applicable in the optical. The optical industry is not one that is very avant guard, it is more very conservative.

There is manyfold more AR coatings done in other industries than the optical.
Like the idea of esy to clean slick coats like the Ailize that is heavily advertise and admired is not an Essilor invention. I put that slick coating on the market already 15 years ago.

The chemical and metalurgical coatings (lens hard coats or frame surface coatings) have a much bigger place elsewhere, in other industries than the optical.

When you talk about progressive lenses, also they are all in the family and one manufacturer copies the other.

However some of them pour big time money into brainwash advertising which seems to pay off, as we can see on the postings on the Optiboard, where most of the posters sing the "hymn of pure admiration."

Coming back to Costco..............I am not a fan of chain stores, I prefer the specialised indendent optician where I have my roots. After all we have to acknowdlege the way Costco handles their progressive business. After realizing that tehy all come from the roots they made a deal with one manufacturer for one brand lens.

This allows them to command a much reduced quantity purchase price,(consider that once you have the molds the manufacturing of a progressive lenses does not cost more than to make a single vision lens), sell them at a much lower price and still make a decent profit on these sales. If the deal with the manufacturer ever falls through, Costco knows that they can easily switch to another brand that will work as well.

:cheers:

[chip anderson]

Chris:
This is kind of like Lexus's rotating headlight. They need not have bothered, they could have looked at the Rickenbacker or the Mitchell of days past.

Chip

[For-Life]

I do believe that there are different PAL's out there on the market. I would argue that the Physio, Ipseo, Panamic, Comfort, and Super No Line are all different models. I would then argue that some of the models out there have been copied profusely. I do believe that Essilor copies its own lenses, and may only make slight changes to them. There is a lens called EPS short on the market that really seems a lot like the Ovation. Essilor sells it to probably chains and as a discount lens.

Essilor is probably not the only company to do this. I figure most of them do this, especially if they want to put a lens into the chains.

Then you have to question the difference from one product to another. I argue that the Panamic is probably not much different from the Sola One. I argue that the Gradal Top is probably not much different from the Comfort. They are priced the same, and should be chosen by the store selling them based on coatings, availability, price and service.

The biggest question out there, and the toughest one to answer is how different and how much better a lens like the Super No Line is to the Panamic, or how about the Ovation to the Panamic. Also, is the price difference enough to cover the benefits.

[Chris Ryser]

There are now several large optical Chinese lens manufacturers advertising progressive lenses and lens blanks at prices that will make you blush.

Of course they have copied the most successfull and most advertised makes and it will be interesting to know who will be making the big buck riding the wave on those products.

Will they be picked up and sold for a lot of inflated money by some distributor or will they be sold at a regular markup? :bbg:

[ksquared]

Has anyone purchased progressive lens glasses at Costco? I am very tempted to get a second pair, but don't want to spend as much money for "spares". Since I heard they sell products from Essilor, they can't be too bad can they?. The lower price is what I am after here, however a somewhat decent pair of glasses would be nice, too. I'm not expecting to come out of there with the same caliber glasses that I paid for through my optometrist/optician's office. But a nice little pair of extra specs would be great to have without breaking the bank.

In the meantime I came upon Costco's optical dept. and spent some time "interviewing" one particular optician there. She is certified and frankly, I was rather impressed with her knowledge and ability to answer my questions. She seemed to have a good fashion sense, as well. I would appreciate anyone's recent experience at their friendly neighborhood Costco optical dept.

What if 10 people post that they were dissatisfied with their Cost-co purchase. What if 10 people post that they bought glasses form Cost-co and would never go any place else. This wouldn’t necessarily mean you would be happy or unhappy with purchasing your 2nd pair from Cost-co because you won’t be able to determine whether the “cause” was the lens type or the optician who took the measurement and did the fitting. Did those who were dissatisfied have the correct RX? Did the lab make an error, were the lens cut wrong, etc., all of which can happen regardless of where you go.

Point being, there are multiple variables involved when it comes to making a pair of spectacles. It’s the optician’s “job” to pull all the variables together. If the optician is knowledgeable and knows what they are doing, you have a very good chance that you will be happy with your spectacles.

My advise - since your were impressed with the optician you spoke with at Cost-co, go back. Ask what Cost-co’s return policy is and if you are still feeling comfortable with the optician’s expertise, place your order. If everyone does his or her job right (the Dr. who wrote your RX, the lab who assembles your spectacles and your optician who did the measurement and adjusted the fit), you’ll probably find that you’re satisfied regardless the lens type used or where you purchase them. Although there are slight differences between the lenses, it’s the skill level of the optician that matters most.

As Chris Ryser said previously, Cost-co is a very “smart” company. Keep in mind, just like an “independent”, Cost-co doesn’t want you returning your specs anymore than you do.

[Barry Santini]

Of course they have copied the most successfull and most advertised makes and it will be interesting to know who will be making the big buck riding the wave on those products.

the chinese won't be able to copy the *refraction* they'll be based upon.

For better...or for worse!

Barry Santini, ABOM

[docandk]

I would strongly recommend against getting your second pair of Costco. It's going to be a different progressive from your first pair and you may not be able to adjust to the different progressive. It's better to have all of your glasses in the same progressive.

[Jim Stone]

I would strongly recommend against getting your second pair of Costco. It's going to be a different progressive from your first pair and you may not be able to adjust to the different progressive. It's better to have all of your glasses in the same progressive.

I disagree. You probably wont be able to tell much difference if any.

[RescueAPet]

Well, it's a done deal. I'm wearing my Costco "spare" glasses as I type.

Okay, I'm just fine with the glasses (I brought my own frame in). They charge $18 for that. No problem.


The progressives I purchased from my private optician are top of the line Varilux short corridor with a premium anti-reflective coating. No visual adapting needed. I got used to them right off the bat.

These glasses I bought at Costco have a short corridor lens from Essilor, but they don't even know what it's called. The anti-reflective coating might be called Vivix. Again, they didn't seem sure of the name.


Either way, it took me all of 5 minutes to adapt to these. So now I wear three different progressive lenses, two of them short corridor and have no problem whatsoever switching back and forth. My sunglasses are older, larger progressives and I switch back and forth everytime I go in the car and into a building and vice versa.


Now then, about the service at Costco. Hmmmm....that's where I am real glad that I have some insight how things work re; progressives, etc. Initially, when I ordered the lenses, the female optician seemed very nice and knowledgable. Unfortunately, it ended there. She said the glasses would be ready in approx. 2 wks. and they would call me. Okay, fine. I waited. Soon it was close to 3 wks. so I called to inquire about them. The same optician said "Sorry, we call whenever something comes in and if you didn't get a call, then they're not here". Okay. Well, then it's past 3 weeks and I really would like to wear these to a special event. I call again. This time the manager answers and took awhile before she came back and informed me they had been there for over a week, didn't I get a call? Nope. Oh, well, stuff happens.


So I go in to pick them up. This time it's a male optician who retrieves them for me. The lenses were smudged so he attempted to clean them with the grimiest cloth I ever saw. I finally told him that I would clean them myself with the new cloth that came with the glasses. I told him that they were slipping right off my face and he acted surprised that the temples needed bending to fit over my ears. He couldn't seem to get them right, so I managed to do it myself so the dang things would stay on. Then before asking me to read anything to see if the correction was right, or asking me how they felt, etc. he informed me that he was going to lunch and that the other woman would finish up with me. (She was busy with two other people.) This was the same manager who had told me they had a low success rate with their short corridor progressives. A very negative attitude.


I decided to just take my glasses and go home. I could see out of them and they looked great. The opticians really couldn't do anymore for me, anyway. In fact, as I was walking out, I noticed the original optician who sold me the lenses walking in . I was excited about my new glasses and remarked with obvious enthusiasm how much I liked them. She barely even looked at me, much less acknowledge that I was even there. Huh? Having a bad day, are ya?


Well, for the price I feel I got a decent pair of progressives. I saved by purchasing my own frames elsewhere. I can't say that I am thrilled with this particular Costco's optical dept. though. I'm talking about the customer service. I have a feeling that their manager makes it unpleasant for the employees, judging from the way I've seen her treat them and how she interacts with customers.


Would I purchases glasses there again? Yes, I would. I just need to be prepared to do my own research and to be well-educated first. Too bad John Q. Public doesn't always know this.




Quote:
Originally Posted by docandk
I would strongly recommend against getting your second pair of Costco. It's going to be a different progressive from your first pair and you may not be able to adjust to the different progressive. It's better to have all of your glasses in the same progressive.

I disagree. You probably wont be able to tell much difference if any.

[docandk]

You are one lucky individual and we would love to have you in our office. Your prescription must not be much at all or 3 different progressives would have you claiming off the walls and/or you are not an engineer (like a huge majority of our patients!).


Glad it worked out for you, but I would strongly suggest that the average person buy all of your progressive lenses from the same place.. I wear progressives and it took me two or three weeks to fully adjust from one progressive to another and I'm in the business and know what I'm doing.

[RescueAPet]

I'm very nearsighted with a +2.50 add and astygmatism. (sp?). I don't have my Rx in front of me now. I've worn progressives for 12 years or so. This is my first time with the short corridor style lenses. I've never considered myself lucky. I just figured that it's no big deal to adjust to these lenses if you really want to wear them. But then I've also never worn any other bi-focal. The optician who originally fitted me with my first pair of progressives told me that this is the best way to get used to them---not having worn glasses with lines in them previously. Back then the add was only about +1.25.

You are one lucky individual and we would love to have you in our office. Your prescription must not be much at all or 3 different progressives would have you claiming off the walls and/or you are not an engineer (like a huge majority of our patients!).


Glad it worked out for you, but I would strongly suggest that the average person buy all of your progressive lenses from the same place.. I wear progressives and it took me two or three weeks to fully adjust from one progressive to another and I'm in the business and know what I'm doing.

[Omega]

Interesting thread - I am an optometrist with Costco in the UK where we use several Essilor varifocals and a couple of Zeiss models depending on the frame desired by the wearer, their visual needs and their previous history. We have very few problems compared to previous companies I have worked for (I have 12 years locum experience under my belt befor deciding to settle down last year) because we use very good products. The coating we use here is the top of the range Essilor Crizal Alize by the way - maybe a different name in the USA?
This is the first company I have worked for where I can happily recommend the best products for people in the sure and certain knowledge that they are not being ripped off my huge mark-ups.
I am just disppointed by the customer service aspect you mentioned because our store is a generally happy place to be and we genuinely care - my support staff know an unbelievable number of customers names and faces and which lenses they wear and how many children they'vem got etc. So please don't take that as a general attitude - some of genuinely enjoy what we do!