How does Costco eyewear compare to branded eyewear?

A 2010 Consumer Reports study found that Costco Optical earned the highest scores for overall customer satisfaction and price, beating out vision store chains and independent optical shops, according to CBS News. Costco was also well regarded in terms of lack of problems with eyewear after purchase.

In a 2013 survey by Consumer Reports, Costco again topped the ratings for overall satisfaction. Consumer Reports notes that name-brand eyewear is often designed and manufactured by companies that license the names rather than by name-brand designers. Many of these companies also make high-quality non-designer eyewear that looks similar to name-brand frames but is sold for a reduced price at Costco.