My first-ever Costco eye appointment was with a specialist who had an OD. An OD is a doctor of optometry degree, which means that the person has completed optometry school and is licensed to perform eye exams and vision tests.
I immediately felt much more comfortable. If you're getting an air-puff test in a small room about 20 feet away from cooking hot dogs, it feels important to have a licensed specialist conducting the examination.
I have seen optometrists my entire life and was rarely told anything beyond the fact that I did not have 20/20 eyesight. That all changed during my first vision appointment at Costco, where I found out all sorts of new information about my eyes.
For example, I learned that I have astigmatism, which means that my eyes are more of a football shape than round. While the name sounds a little scary, it's not uncommon. I was also further educated on the base curve and diameter of my contact lenses.
When I left, I felt better than when I arrived, and that's a good sign at any health practitioner's office.