Last Updated on January 11, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by 
CFA Alexander Popinker
The Target company offers eye exam services at most of its locations through Independent Doctors of Optometry. Target leases an area to these doctors inside the store, and they will set their own prices. This means that the costs will not be the same all over the United States of America.
How much does an eye exam cost at Target?
According to the official website of the company, the cost of an eye exam done at a Target Optical Center will be affected by factors such as the tests included in the exam and whether the exam includes contact lens-related services or a contact lens fitting. Similar to other retailers that offer eye exam services, like Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Costco, to name a few, the costs will be set by the independent eye doctor’s office because they just use Target as their landlord.
According to what we could find online, the average cost of an eye exam at a Target Optical Center would be anywhere between $60 and $85 without any vision insurance and more than $35 for a contact lens exam. But keep in mind that this will greatly depend on the location you choose as all the doctors set their own prices. Like most optical centers, the costs will increase in case you have astigmatism and/or other vision conditions, for example.
In the table below you will find the average costs of different eye exams.
| Routine Eye Exam | $65 to $85+ |
| Pupil Dilation | $20 to $30 additionally |
| Contact Eye Exam | $95 to $125+ |
When talking about vision insurance, the majority of the locations will accept different vision plans, including EyeMed, Humana, and Aetna. Though, as we already mentioned, as every location is independently owned, it will depend on the local optical office you choose. For example, a Yelp member said that he had to pay around $100 for new glasses and another $110 for a contact exam, in Fullerton, California location.
You might also like our articles on the cost of an eye exam at LensCrafters or VisionWorks.
Eye exam overview
The complete routine ophthalmological examination includes:
- Anamnesis – the discussion between the doctor and the patient, during which the latter explains why he came for the check-up, what previous eye problems he had, and provides information about his medical history (associated diseases, treatments performed, possible allergies) and family history.
- Examination of the external appearance of the eyes and eyelids.
- Autorefractometry – allows the measurement of diopters with the help of a special device.
- Determining visual acuity – consists of the patient reading some numbers and letters on a light panel, located at a distance, then reading a printed text (near vision testing). At this moment, if necessary, glasses are prescribed.
- Checking the ocular motility (eye movements) – to detect strabismus, or a paresis, and then, testing the binocular vision (the ability of the two eyes to work simultaneously).
- Bio microscopy – allows examination of the anterior part of the eyeball (cornea, iris, lens). Sometimes, a colored substance (fluorescein) can be used. The method allows better visualization of possible wounds at the level of the anterior part of the eye. This substance does not change vision.
- Examination of the fundus (the inside of the eye) – to visualize the retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve.
- Measurement of eye pressure, especially in people over 35 years old or in people with a family history of glaucoma, in those with a particular appearance of the papilla of the optic nerve.
- The final discussion between the patient and the doctor – the diagnosis is established, if necessary, glasses and treatments are prescribed, and other necessary investigations are done to obtain additional details (there are many other ophthalmological examinations that can be carried out, but only if necessary). On this occasion, the patient, if he wishes, can ask for additional clarifications.
In certain situations, the examination may not include all these steps – for example, when the patient comes with an ocular foreign body, even if the vision is checked, it is not the time to prescribe glasses.
Important things to consider
Refer to Target’s official website search tool to find the nearest Target Optical Center near you. You can also make an appointment using this tool, but it will not display the prices. So, to be sure you’re OK with the price, we recommend that you call the exact location you are planning to go to for your eye exam.
How can I save money?
Before making an appointment, make sure you look for any special promotions and/or coupons. Usually, the official Target website, and app as well, have coupons that are readily available. For instance, at the time this article was written, the company’s official website had a $30 off coupon for signing up for their e-mail newsletter.
Also, you may be eligible for other discounts. For instance, if you are an AARP member, you may receive an extra $15 off on your eyewear acquisition.
