YONKERS, N.Y.—Consumer Reports has released their most recent survey about its readers' eyeglass-shopping experiences and overall satisfaction among chains, discount retailers and online eyeglass sellers.

Consumer Reports surveyed almost 19,500 readers to find out how much they paid for eyeglasses and to gauge their level of satisfaction regarding their overall shopping experience for them. Frame selection, customer service and employee expertise were among the attributes also rated. Respondents spent a median of $244 out-of-pocket on their last pair of prescription frames.

Costco was a standout for overall satisfaction—including cost—among chains such as EyeMasters, LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Sears Optical and other discounters including BJ's Optical, Sam's Club Optical and Walmart Vision Center. Costco also topped the ranking when Vision Monday last reported on the Consumer Reports survey in 2009.

According to this survey, despite its fair rating for its selection of frames, Costco earned top marks for cost, quality and follow-up service. While readers were essentially pleased with their purchase at retailers like EyeMasters,
Pearle Vision and Sears Optical, results were mixed. LensCrafters was singled out as the place to get eyewear the fastest with almost half of respondents who shopped there saying they had their glasses the same or next day, the survey found.

Consumer Reports found that selection and low prices were the biggest draw for online eyeglass retailers.

The full report and ratings of eyeglass retailers is available in the August 2013 issue of Consumer Reports and online for subscribers at www.consumerreports.org.