Consumer Reports magazine announced that Costco Optical topped its list of all eyewear retailers, according to data gathered from its 2009 annual survey. Costco Optical earned the highest score for overall satisfaction among chains. Costco also beat out most competitors for price and ultimately topped the ratings of optical retailers, including large chains, independent local optical shops and private eyecare practitioners’ offices.

According to the magazine, a pair of glasses from Costco Optical cost a median of $157, compared with a median of $211 at independent optical shops and $212 at eye doctors’ offices. Consumer Reports also stated that 83% of survey participants who had purchased their glasses at an independent local optical boutique were highly satisfied with the variety, compared to 69% who had purchased from big retailers.