BJ's Optical Eye Exam Cost in 2026: $60-$70
A routine glasses eye exam at BJ's Optical runs $60-$70 without insurance, and a contact-lens exam is $110-$130. A BJ's Wholesale membership is required to book ($60/year for the standard Club tier). Because each optical center uses an independent optometrist, the exact fee varies by location; call your local club to confirm.
BJ's Optical Pricing Table (2026)
| Service | Typical 2026 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine eye exam, glasses (no insurance) | $60 - $70 | Around $60 typical; varies by club |
| Contact-lens exam (no insurance) | $110 - $130 | Spherical ~$110, toric ~$120, multifocal ~$130; includes dilation |
| Pupil dilation add-on (glasses exam) | ~$10 | Optional on a glasses exam; included in contact-lens exam |
| With vision insurance (typical copay) | $10 - $25 | Accepted plans vary by club |
| BJ's Wholesale membership (required) | $60/year | $120/year for Club+ tier |
Exam prices are consumer-reported ranges; BJ's Optical uses independent optometrists, so individual fees vary by club. Membership rates are BJ's published 2026 fees. Confirm with your local club before booking.
Glasses Exam vs Contact-Lens Exam
Covers visual acuity and a refraction for a glasses prescription. Pupil dilation is about $10 extra if you want it. Around $60 at most clubs.
Adds a contact-lens fitting and evaluation. Spherical ~$110, toric ~$120, multifocal ~$130. Includes dilation and an updated glasses prescription.
The contact-lens exam is a separate, pricier service because it involves fitting and follow-up, not just a prescription. See the full contact-lens exam cost guide for how the fitting fee works across chains.
Membership Math: Total First-Visit Cost
BJ's requires a membership just to book the exam, so a first-time visitor with no existing membership pays the club fee on top of the exam. Here is how the warehouse clubs compare:
| Scenario | Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|
| BJ's glasses exam (no existing membership) | $60 club + $60-$70 exam | $120-$130 |
| BJ's glasses exam (already a member) | $60-$70 exam | $60-$70 |
| Sam's Club (membership required for exam) | $50 club + $50-$100 exam | $100-$150 |
| Costco (no membership needed for exam) | $79-$110 exam | $79-$110 |
For a one-off exam with no other use for the membership, Costco avoids the club fee for the exam and Walmart Vision Center needs no membership at all. BJ's makes sense if you are already a member or shop there anyway.
FAQ
How much is an eye exam at BJ's Optical in 2026?
About $60-$70 for a routine glasses exam without insurance, and $110-$130 for a contact-lens exam. Dilation is roughly $10 extra on a glasses exam. A BJ's Wholesale membership ($60/year Club) is required to book.
Do I need a BJ's membership for an eye exam?
Yes. Unlike Costco, BJ's requires a BJ's Wholesale membership to schedule the exam itself. The base Club membership is $60/year and Club+ is $120/year (2026), often discounted in the first year.
How much is a contact-lens exam at BJ's?
About $110-$130: spherical soft-lens exams around $110, toric about $120, multifocal about $130. The contact-lens exam includes pupil dilation and an updated glasses prescription.
Is BJ's Optical cheaper than Costco or Sam's Club?
They are close and all vary by location. A BJ's glasses exam ($60-$70) sits near Sam's Club ($50-$100) and just below Costco ($79-$110). The difference is membership: BJ's and Sam's Club require it for the exam, Costco does not.
Does BJ's accept Medicare or FSA/HSA?
Original Medicare Part B does not cover routine exams; many Medicare Advantage plans do. Eye exams, glasses and contacts are FSA and HSA eligible under IRS Publication 502.
Sources
- BJ's Optical Center (official)
- BJ's Help Center - Membership tiers and benefits
- Clark.com - BJ's Optical Review
- First Quarter Finance - BJ's Eye Exam Cost
Exam figures are consumer-reported ranges cross-checked across independent guides (checked August 2026); membership fees are BJ's published 2026 rates. Costs vary by club; coverage varies by plan.