Walmart Vision Center: Getting Your Eyes Checked on a Budget

Searching for affordable glasses? I’ve got exciting news for bargain hunters like us.

I know how expensive getting new glasses can be. The exam, the lenses, the frames; it all adds up fast. But I’ve got some good news for you; there’s a way to get a pair of prescription glasses for under $100. 

Yup, you read that right! Keep reading and I’ll tell you all you need to know about getting an eye exam and eyeglasses at the Walmart Vision Center.

About Walmart Vision Center

If you didn’t already know, many Walmart stores have an optical center inside called the Walmart Vision Center. 

Here’s what you can expect:

• Comprehensive eye exams are performed by licensed optometrists. These doctors are trained to test all aspects of your vision and eye health.
• Prescriptions filled for eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other corrective vision needs.
• A wide selection of brand names and affordable generic eyeglass frames to choose from. I’m talking about hundreds of different styles.
• Prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses lenses. You can get basic lenses or specialized options like progressives, bifocals, transitional, and more.
• Contact lens evaluations and fittings. They’ll help you pick the right brand and style.
• Treatment for eye conditions like pink eye, allergies, and infections. The optometrists can diagnose issues and provide medication.

It’s like a full-service optometry office but at Walmart prices. Cha-ching! No appointments are needed for glasses or contacts.

What to Expect During Your Eye Exam

First, you’ll book an appointment by calling the Vision Center. Let them know you need a comprehensive eye health exam.

When you arrive, you’ll fill out paperwork like at any doctor’s visit. They’ll ask for your insurance card, medical history, current medications, and reason for getting an eye exam.

Then a technician will call you back and do some preliminary tests to check your vision, like reading letters on a chart and checking your eye pressure.

Next, the optometrist will do a full clinical workup examining the overall health of your eyes. They will:

• Check your prescription and if you need vision correction
• Examine the front and back of your eyes
• Test your side, peripheral, and color vision
• Screen for eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration
• Assess your eye focus and coordination
• Check for astigmatism or depth perception issues

After the doctor finishes their comprehensive exam, they will discuss treatment options and write up your eyeglass or contact lens prescription if needed.

It’s a very thorough exam, so expect to be there for 30-60 minutes. But then your eyes will be in excellent shape!

Price for the Eye Exam Appointment

So you’re probably wondering how much the eye exam costs at Walmart? The current price is around $75 for a comprehensive adult eye health exam. Not too shabby! 

From what I hear, that’s a little pricier than Costco, which runs around $65. But still very reasonable compared to some independent optometry offices that can charge $100-150 for an exam.

And remember, this is a real licensed medical professional checking your eyes, not some random pop-up clinic. You’re in good hands!

Using Vision Insurance at Your Appointment

Now for the million-dollar question, does Walmart take vision insurance? The good news is yes, they accept most major vision plans including:

• Cole Managed Vision
• Davis Vision
• EyeMed
• Spectera
• VSP

Your specific vision coverage will determine how much of the exam cost is covered. Just bring your insurance card to get your discounts applied.

Some insurance companies may be out-of-network, so you may have limited coverage. I’d call ahead to verify your provider is in-network before your visit.

Choosing Frames for Your New Eyeglasses

Okay, your eye exam is complete. Time for the fun part; picking out some stylish frames!

The Walmart Vision Center has a massive selection with over 1,000 eyeglass frames on display. Brands include:

• Ray-Ban
• Guess 
• Kate Spade
• LifeArt
• Tom Ford
• B&Q
• And many other brands

They also have a whole wall of generic frames starting at around $10. You really can’t beat prices like that.

Kids frames start at under $10 too. There’s everything from classic styles to Disney characters and cool patterns.

With hundreds of choices, you’re sure to find the perfect frames to match your style and personality. The optometrist will help you pick the right size and shape for your face too.

Choosing Your Lenses

Once you’ve selected your frames, it’s time to choose what type of lenses you need. Walmart offers a variety of lens options to fit your vision needs and budget:

Single Vision Lenses

Single-vision lenses correct vision in just one field of view. They are ideal for correcting nearsightedness or farsightedness. 

At Walmart, basic single-vision lenses are available for free with your eyeglasses purchase. A great budget-friendly option!

Progressive No-Line Lenses

These advanced lenses provide a seamless transition between different fields of vision. The lenses have multiple prescriptions blended together with no visible lines. Great for tuning out eye fatigue and strain. 

At Walmart, no-line progressive lenses start at around $50.

Lens Tints

Walmart has a few tinting options to fit your lifestyle:

• Basic Tint – Starting at $41, this adds a light tint for visual comfort and style. Good for reducing glare.
• Polarized Tint – Starting at $65, this is ideal for blocking reflected light and glare. Great for driving and outdoor activities.
• Transition Lenses – Starting at $65, these lenses darken when exposed to UV light. Convenient for automatically adjusting to various light conditions.

These lens choices allow you to build eyeglasses tailored to your needs and preferences. The Walmart optometrist will help explain which options are best for your prescription and usage.

Walmart offers quality lenses made in their on-site lab or mail order if you prefer. Turnaround is quick; just 7-10 days. They’ll contact you when your glasses are ready for pickup.

And check this out; they have a 1-year warranty on lenses and frames. Accidentally sit on them? No problem, Walmart will replace it for free!

Getting Contacts at Walmart

If you wear contacts, the eye doctor can write you a prescription for those too. Walmart carries all the top brands:

• Acuvue – starting at $42/box
• Air Optix – starting at $42/box
• Biofinity – starting at $44/box
• Dailies – starting at $27/box

A 6-month supply of daily disposables runs around $120. They’ll set you up with convenient auto-delivery too. Never run out of contacts again!

My Takeaway on Walmart Vision Center

Well there you have it, the full low-down on the Walmart Vision Center. 

Here are my key takeaways after doing the research:

• It’s a legitimate full-service eye care center, not just a place to get cheap glasses! You get a real optometrist, eye exams, and prescriptions; the whole deal.
• Prices are crazy affordable compared to private optometry offices. We’re talking 30-50% cheaper for exams, glasses, and contacts. Big savings!
• The selection of designer and generic frames is massive—over 1,000 to choose from. Way more than a typical eyeglass store.
• They take major vision insurance plans and apply discounts. You save even more money.
• Customer service is solid. The optometrists I spoke with came highly recommended.
• Returns, repairs, and replacements are easy. That 1-year warranty gives peace of mind.
• Shopping is convenient in many locations. You can walk right in for glasses and contacts.
• They offer quick turnaround times and mail-order options. Get your glasses or contacts fast.
• Automatic contact lens deliveries ensure you never run out.
• Kids get great service too with tons of cute and budget-friendly options.

The bottom line is, if you want an eye exam, new glasses, or contacts for the lowest price around, the Walmart Vision Center is hands down your best bet. Why overpay somewhere else?  I’ll be sending all my friends and family here from now on!