The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has released "Profitability Perspectives: Rethinking the Value of Contact Lenses," a report analyzing patient profitability factors in U.S. optometry practices. Based on primary data collected between November 2025 and May 2026 from 20 optometry offices across various U.S. communities, the study indicates that contact lens patients generate 29% to 86% higher annual profits compared to eyeglasses-only patients. The research, conducted by an independent team including professors from the University of Manchester, University of Waterloo, and Appalachian State University, attributes this upside to contemporary contact lens performance driving patient satisfaction and clinical success. The publication includes implementation tools and will be highlighted at the American Academy of Optometry 2026 Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California.
A new national survey conducted by the Contact Lens Institute, in partnership with the Opticians Association of Canada and Optik Magazine, indicates that Canadian opticians play a significant role in the contact lens experience. The findings suggest that many opticians would welcome an even greater opportunity to contribute to patient success. Published on October 9, 2026, the report focuses on the professional involvement of opticians within the Canadian market. Specific quantitative data regarding the extent of this role or the number of respondents is not provided in the available summary text.
Four major UK optical organizations launched a public health campaign to increase awareness of early childhood eye tests after analysis estimated that only around 5% of children aged five and under had an eye test in 2025. The initiative highlights the critical window for detecting conditions like amblyopia before school starts. Supporting data indicates more encouraging uptake among those under 16, with 39.7% to 46.1% tested. However, a survey revealed that 29% of parents have never taken their child for a full eye test, and 53% of non-glasses-wearing children lack professional testing. Campaign backers include Fight for Sight and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, aiming to correct misconceptions about age requirements for testing.
German optical retailer Mister Spex published its Eye Health Report 2026, analyzing 3,412 professional screenings conducted across Germany with Skleo Health. The report reveals that 24% of participants reporting no symptoms showed abnormalities requiring further evaluation. This discrepancy is pronounced among those aged 60 and over, where 57% had undetected eye problems despite claiming no complaints. Additionally, 80% of respondents had not undergone an ophthalmic check-up for more than two years. Among individuals with a family history of glaucoma or diabetes, 10% displayed early signs of these conditions. While 17% of participants under 40 reported screen-related symptoms like blurred vision, only about one in four exhibited clinical abnormalities, suggesting most issues were functional rather than structural. The full report is available in German only.
At Silmo 2026, the French optical importers and distributors union (Sidol) presented research showing that while 78% of French consumers are aware of smart glasses, only 7% have purchased them. Adoption is highest among 18-24 year-olds at 23%. Key desired features include instant translation (49%), GPS navigation (44%), and photo/video capture (43%). However, price remains the main barrier for 59% of respondents, followed by difficulty perceiving daily utility. The study notes that consumers still view opticians primarily as health professionals rather than electronics retailers, expecting traditional services like visual correction adaptation over technical setup assistance.
A Xerfi barometer for the Rassemblement des opticiens de France reported optical revenue growth of 2% in July and 0.5% in August compared to the same periods last year. Performance varied by distribution channel: chains, branches, and franchises saw a 4% increase in July and 1% in August, while independents grew 1.5% in July but stagnated in August. Cooperative groups rose 1.5% in July but fell 0.5% in August; mutualists declined 3% in July before recovering slightly with 0.1% growth in August. Regionally, all areas posted gains in July, led by the West (+3%) and South (+2.5%). In August, only the South maintained positive growth at +1.5%. September data remains unavailable, though survey expectations indicate 55% of opticians anticipate stable sales, 35% expect declines, and 10% foresee increases.
The Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (ZVA) released its 2025/26 industry report, indicating a stable but less dynamic German optical market. Revenue rose by 0.6% in 2025 to over €7 billion, lagging behind inflation, while complete eyeglass sales dropped 2% to nearly 12 million units. The number of optical businesses fell to approximately 10,700, with the top ten companies now holding 55% of total revenue. Online sales of glasses and accessories remained insignificant at a 5% revenue share, with only 6% of purchases decided online. ZVA President Kai Jaeger noted that structural changes are advancing, particularly affecting small owner-operated businesses due to succession issues. The report emphasizes that personal consultation remains the dominant model, though digital tools like online booking are increasingly adopted.
Editorial relevance: The report provides authoritative data on the German optical market, highlighting that online sales remain a minor channel compared to brick-and-mortar retail.
ClearVision Optical surveyed approximately 500 eyecare professionals (ECPs) regarding lightweight eyewear trends. Nearly 9 in 10 respondents rated the category as "very important" or "somewhat important," with similar proportions carrying such frames. When defining lightweight eyewear, 78% cited titanium, while 62% focused on weight itself. Comfort and a lightweight feel were the primary reasons patients choose these frames, noted by nearly 80% of ECPs, followed by all-day wearability at 52%. However, durability remains a concern; respondents rated lightweight frame durability at an average of 5.6 out of 10, indicating perceived trade-offs between comfort and strength. The report suggests balancing material flexibility with durability when selecting inventory.
Silhouette Germany received the "Company of the Year 2022" title from Focus Money Deutschland Test, conducted by the Institute for Management and Economic Research (IMWF). The award recognized performance during the pandemic, specifically evaluating companies that excelled in 2021. In the Eyewear and Contact Lenses category, which included 40 analyzed brands, only four received prizes. Silhouette achieved a perfect score in the "Most Trusted" sub-category based on social listening analysis of millions of posts mentioning approximately 21,000 companies across over 200 industries. The study assessed reputation, recommendation, trust, and quality among optician partners and customers. This recognition highlights Silhouette's standing as the most trusted eyewear brand among German consumers, attributed to its reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and sustainable business practices.
Optovision announced it received a "Very Good" rating (score 1.34) in the category of product quality within this year's markt intern performance survey for spectacle lenses. The company highlighted this result as central to its new marketing campaign, which aims to support partner opticians in differentiating themselves from competitors by emphasizing the benefits of high-quality eyewear purchases at local specialist stores. The full results of the lens performance survey are available on optovision.com/lsp.
The Federal Employment Agency reported that 723 opticians were registered as unemployed in Germany in September 2026, a 0.4% increase from the same month in 2025. Job seekers in the sector totaled 1,196 individuals, marking a 6.3% rise compared to September 2025. Concurrently, 1,063 open positions were recorded, maintaining high demand levels above spring figures. The data indicates a resilient labor market where vacancies significantly exceed the number of unemployed opticians. While unemployment rose slightly year-over-year, the persistent shortage of qualified specialists remains evident, with the count of available jobs surpassing those seeking work.
New research from Alcon, conducted by Wakefield between April 1 and 8, 2026, highlights a disparity between parental perceptions of contact lens benefits and actual usage among US teens and young adults aged 13 to 25. While 70% of parents believe contact lenses could benefit their children, only 23% of those needing vision correction currently wear them. Parents cited improved appearance (43%), convenience (30%), and sports performance (30%) as key advantages, with 81% considering age 13 or older appropriate for initiation. The study also revealed awareness gaps: half of parents expressed only moderate confidence in noticing vision problems, and 21% believed their children would not report visual difficulties. Additionally, three-quarters of parents noted daily screen use exceeding three hours, raising concerns about myopia progression.
Visión y Vida is collecting cases from opticians to complete the second part of its "Visual Poverty in the Elderly" study. Opticians must register at least five cases via a brief survey during eye exams for patients over 75 to be listed as collaborators. The registration deadline was September 11, with results scheduled for presentation on October 7, coinciding with World Sight Day. A previous report indicated that more than two million elderly people in Spain may have compromised visual health due to economic reasons, noting that optical aid costs can reach 50% of monthly pensions.
A survey by Visión y Vida and the Fórum de Gafas, Lentes y Monturas involving 1,402 respondents indicates that 81.2% perceive their vision has worsened due to habitual screen use. The study highlights that 35.8% spend five or more hours daily on computers or tablets, while 65.1% report occasional visual fatigue. However, experts caution that these findings reflect subjective perceptions rather than proven causality, noting a lack of solid scientific evidence linking screens directly to vision loss. Instead, screens may reveal underlying visual system inefficiencies. Regional data shows Catalonia leads in high computer usage at 45.8%, while Galicia reports higher light sensitivity issues. The report emphasizes prevention and public awareness regarding near-vision demands without confirming direct physiological damage from devices.
A survey by L’Échommerces.fr involving 4,864 independent business owners across France reveals that optician-managers earn an average gross monthly income of €3,300. This figure is lower than the national average for full-time private-sector employees (€3,602) and trails behind pharmacists (€5,200) and tobacco shop owners (€3,400). The study indicates that company size correlates with higher earnings, while 45% of all respondents reported declining incomes over the past two years. However, the survey does not provide specific year-over-year revenue trends for opticians alone. Overall sentiment remains cautious, with less than 10% of participants expecting improved economic conditions in the near future.
The report "Radiografía de la salud visual en la tercera edad," presented on October 7 in Madrid by Visión y Vida and Visión España, reveals that 18.4% of people over 75 in Spain cannot afford low-vision aids. An additional 25.7% have uncertain affordability according to vision professionals. The study indicates that 25.7% of those with visual poverty could improve their quality of life through such equipment. Clinical data shows 49.2% of this age group has visual acuity of 0.1, yet 81.2% perceive their vision as good or very good. Cataracts affect 50.5% of participants, with 46.6% waiting over a year for surgery. The report highlights economic barriers and the need for early diagnosis to maintain autonomy.
Mister Spex and Skleo Health published their 2026 Eye Health Report on World Sight Day, analyzing 13,986 screenings conducted in over 60 German stores. The data shows that 29% of participants without subjective vision complaints exhibited abnormalities requiring further examination, with the rate rising to 61% for those over 60. Additionally, 14% of all participants had at least one clinical abnormality, such as reduced visual acuity or signs related to drusen or glaucoma. The report indicates a preventive care gap, noting that 81% of participants had not visited an ophthalmologist in more than two years. Mister Spex offers these screenings to identify potential issues early, though they do not replace medical diagnosis. Authors caution that self-selection bias may influence the results.
To mark World Sight Day on October 8, 2026, Mister Spex and Skleo Health published their 2026 Eye Health Report, analyzing 13,986 professional screenings conducted at over 60 Mister Spex stores across Germany. The data reveals that 29% of participants who reported no symptoms showed findings requiring further assessment, rising to 61% among those aged over 60. Additionally, 14% of all participants had at least one clinical abnormality, such as reduced visual acuity or signs indicating drusen or glaucoma. The report also identifies a preventive care gap, with 81% of participants not having seen an ophthalmologist in more than two years or never having had an examination. Mister Spex offers these store-based checks to identify potential issues early and connect customers with specialist ophthalmology care via the Skleo Health platform.
Editorial relevance: The report highlights a significant gap in preventive eye care and asymptomatic clinical findings, underscoring the value of accessible in-store screening services for optical retailers.
According to the latest annual report by DREES, France’s national research and statistics office for the healthcare sector, the value of the French optical market rose by just 0.9 percent year-on-year to approximately €8.3 billion in 2025. This figure represents a clear slowdown compared to 2024. The data highlights a deceleration in optical spending within the French market during the reported period.
The value of the French optical market increased by 0.9 percent year on year to approximately €8.3 billion in 2025, according to a DREES annual report. This figure represents a slowdown from 2024, when optical spending grew at a higher rate. DREES serves as the national research and statistics office for the healthcare sector. The data reflects total market value rather than unit volume or online sales specifically.
The Vision Council released "Focused inSights 2026," a report based on an online survey of 1,089 U.S. adults conducted April 13–30, 2026. The study found that 78% of respondents experienced eye fatigue after screen use in the past three months, yet 39% of those with symptoms never raised them with a healthcare professional. Additionally, 63% were unfamiliar with digital eye strain, and half knew little about dry eye disease. Among patients seeking help, eye doctors are the top information source (40%) and their recommendations are the most critical factor in product selection (38%). Kris Stevens, Vice President of Research at The Vision Council, emphasized the importance of initiating conversations during existing exams. Results carry a margin of error of approximately 3%.
The Vision Council released its Focused inSights 2026 report, revealing that while 78% of surveyed U.S. adults experienced eye fatigue after screen use in the past three months, 39% never discussed these symptoms with a healthcare professional. Based on a national survey of 1,089 adults, the findings indicate low awareness, with 63% unfamiliar with digital eye strain and half unaware of dry eye disease. Despite this, eyecare providers remain the top information source for 40% of respondents and the most influential factor in product selection for 38%. Kris Stevens, Vice President of Research, emphasized starting conversations during existing exams. The report was shared at Academy 2026 Anaheim (Sept. 30–Oct. 3), where panel members receive free access to the $3,000-valued document alongside educational toolkits.
The Vision Council released "Focused inSights 2026," a report based on an online survey of 1,089 U.S. adults conducted April 13–30, 2026. Findings indicate 78% experienced eye fatigue after screen use in the past three months, yet 39% of symptomatic respondents never raised issues with healthcare professionals. Awareness gaps persist, with 63% unfamiliar with digital eye strain and half lacking knowledge of dry eye disease. Eye doctors serve as top information sources (40%) and primary influencers for treatment product choices (38%). The report was shared at Academy 2026 Anaheim (Sept. 30–Oct. 3). Eyecare providers joining The Vision Council’s research panel receive free access to the full report, valued at $3,000. Non-members may purchase it directly.
Jobson Optical Research has released the 2026 Eyecare Industry Consolidation Index, a report analyzing market consolidation and private equity trends within the eyecare sector. The index functions as a directory covering more than 40 private equity acquisitions and corporate consolidations. For each company listed, the report provides data including the year formed, investor identity, corporate office location, key executives, and a comprehensive list of locations. The document is currently available for purchase at a price of $2,500.
The Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association (ODMA) held O-SHOW26 in Melbourne, marking the event's return to the city after several years in Sydney. The two-day trade fair attracted 1,192 unique visitors, excluding exhibitors and non-buyers, with total attendance reaching 1,615 when including supplier attendees. Practice decision-makers comprised a significant portion of the audience, with 30% identifying as owners or owner-optometrists. Victoria accounted for nearly 65% of attendance. Key themes included myopia management shifting toward prevention, highlighted by the HOYA-supported Myopia Mastery Program, and evolving frame trends featuring bold colors and tactile textures. A new fashion runway was introduced to showcase products.
Francisco Javier Vargas, Executive President of the Chilean Optical Industry Chamber, advocates for integrated market oversight following reports of explosive growth in optical stores. An El Mercurio report indicates 899 optical shops exist in the Metropolitan Region, a 50% increase since 2021, with an 81% rise in Santiago Centro over five years. Vargas argues this expansion does not reflect real market demand, noting many stores remain empty while patients wait for ophthalmological care. He highlights concerns regarding informal operations, potential money laundering, and poor technical quality of eyewear. The Chamber is engaging with tax authorities, health ministries, and municipal bodies to coordinate inspections across sanitary, labor, and customs domains, aiming to address public health challenges and protect consumer rights within the regulated visual health sector.
The Vision Council released "Focused inSights 2026," a report based on an April 2026 survey of 1,089 U.S. adults, revealing that 39% of respondents with eye strain or dry eye symptoms have never consulted a healthcare professional. The data indicates significant awareness gaps: 63% of participants had never heard of digital eye strain or knew only its name, while half reported similar unfamiliarity with dry eye disease. Despite this, eyecare providers remain the primary influence; 40% of respondents cited eye doctors as their top information source, and 38% identified doctor recommendations as the most critical factor when selecting treatment products. Kris Stevens, Vice President of Research at The Vision Council, emphasized that patients trust eye doctors more than other sources, suggesting that initiating conversations during existing exams is the key step to improving care access.
The Contact Lens Institute released "Profitability Perspectives: Rethinking the Value of Contact Lenses," a report analyzing U.S. practice profitability. Based on data from 20 optometry offices collected between November 2025 and May 2026, the study indicates contact lens patients generate 29% to 86% higher annual profits than eyeglasses-only patients. Researchers attribute this upside to patient satisfaction and clinical success with contemporary products. The report includes implementation tools and reviews prior CLI research on patient value. CLI plans to amplify these findings at the American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California, held September 30 to October 3, 2026.
CooperVision released the report “Unmet Opportunities: Multifocal Contact Lenses and the Anti-Aging Movement (U.S.),” which combines survey data from US adults aged 38 and older with market insights on healthy aging. The findings indicate that while consumers increasingly invest in anti-aging products, awareness of multifocal contact lenses remains low, creating a significant gap between consumer behavior and available vision solutions. The report highlights untapped opportunities for eyecare professionals to introduce these lenses earlier in the patient journey. It provides practical guidance for integrating anti-aging themes into presbyopia discussions, including annual exam prompts designed to facilitate natural, patient-centered conversations about maintaining an active lifestyle through vision correction.
A national survey by the Contact Lens Institute, conducted with the Opticians Association of Canada and Optik Magazine, reveals that 247 Canadian opticians are deeply involved in contact lens patient care. The study, titled "Vision for Growth," found that 91% answer patient questions and provide insertion training, while 90% offer removal training. Although 68% rate their contact lens knowledge comparable to spectacle lenses, 77% expressed significant interest in optimizing wear experiences. Two-thirds desire greater involvement in patient education. High demand for further training exists, with 77% likely to engage if courses are CE-accredited. Additionally, 93% actively encourage dual wear of glasses and contacts.
GlassesUSA.com announced the launch of The 2026 State of Glasses Wearers in America, a national vision education and research hub developed with ophthalmologist Norman A. Saffra, MD, FAAO. The initiative stems from an online survey conducted in June 2026 among 519 US adults aged 18 to 80 who wear prescription glasses daily. Key findings revealed that nearly 70% of respondents continued using their glasses despite suspecting their prescription had changed, while 56.1% delayed obtaining new eyewear due to cost. Additionally, 79.4% reported symptoms associated with screen use, and 45.9% wait until experiencing vision problems before seeking an eye exam. The hub features educational videos by Dr. Saffra addressing topics such as progressive lenses and lens indexes, alongside practical guides on measuring pupillary distance and ordering prescription glasses online.
The Vision Council released its "Focused inSights 2026" report, based on a survey of 1,089 US adults, revealing that while eye strain symptoms are common, many individuals do not seek professional care. Data indicates 78% experienced eye fatigue after screen use in the past three months, yet 39% of symptomatic respondents never raised these issues with a health care provider. Additionally, 63% had never heard of digital eye strain or knew only its name, and half reported similar unfamiliarity with dry eye disease. When seeking help, eye doctors were the top information source for 40% of respondents, and their recommendations were the most critical factor for 38% when choosing treatment products. The Council shared these findings at the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting in Anaheim from September 30 to October 3, 2026.
Silmo Paris 2026 concluded at Paris Nord Villepinte with 32,108 trade visitors from nearly 150 countries, a decrease from 33,358 in the previous year. The event featured over 950 exhibitors and 1,500 brands showcasing new frames, sustainability initiatives, and digital solutions like connected eyewear. Sophia Denison from the Savannah College of Art and Design won the Optic Design Contest for her project "Dreamscape." Austrian manufacturer Andy Wolf received the CSR Award, while British optician Jessica Gowing was named International Optician of the Year by the International Opticians‘ Association. The next edition is scheduled for September 24–27, 2027, marking the fair’s 60th anniversary.
At the American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California, SightGlass Vision presented two studies examining how children use myopia-management spectacles with DOT lenses compared to standard single-vision lenses. Conducted with Indiana University and Midwestern University, the research assessed visual and behavioral responses during activities such as reading, gaming, walking, and simulated motion capture tasks including obstacle detection and object fixation. Results indicated no significant differences in viewing behavior or head position between lens types across age groups or scenarios. David Webley, senior director at SightGlass Vision, stated that practitioners need not instruct children to alter their behavior when prescribing these lenses. The findings suggest DOT lenses support comparable visual function to single-vision glasses for tested daily activities. However, DOT lenses are not available for sale in the US.
CooperVision released a report titled “Unmet Opportunities: Multifocal Contact Lenses and the Anti-Aging Movement (U.S.),” combining survey data from US adults aged 38 and older with market insights on healthy aging. The findings reveal that while consumers actively invest in anti-aging products, many remain unaware of multifocal contact lenses’ potential to support youthful vision. This awareness gap presents untapped opportunities for eyecare professionals to introduce these lenses earlier in patient care. The report provides practical guidance for integrating anti-aging themes into presbyopia discussions, including annual exam prompts to facilitate natural conversations about lens options.
On June 25, 2026, The Vision Council released "Focused inSights: Beyond UV Awareness," a research report supported by HOUSE of MODO. Based on a survey of 608 U.S. adults conducted in April and May 2026, the study examines why 37% of U.S. adults (approximately 82 million people) do not wear sunglasses despite routine outdoor exposure. Findings indicate that most non-wearers are former users who stopped due to practical barriers such as forgetfulness, discomfort, and loss or breakage, rather than a lack of UV awareness; 65% are already familiar with UV risks. The report suggests that reactivating these consumers requires improvements in comfort, cost, and style, noting that three in four non-wearers feel the category was not designed for them. The full report is available for free download.
The Vision Council released its Q2 2026 Consumer inSights report, based on a survey of 12,137 U.S. adults conducted between April 10 and June 12, 2026. The findings indicate a stabilizing market following cautious spending, with consumers deliberately stretching existing eyewear rather than skipping purchases due to affordability issues. Spending remains distributed across price tiers: the under-$100 segment edged down, while the $200+ tier increased. Key insights include that 16% of recent buyers purchased smart eyewear, and contact lens sales shifted toward corporate and chain locations (62%). FSA/HSA usage is common among those with access, with three-quarters using them for eye exams. The report is complimentary for members and available for purchase by non-members.
Editorial relevance: Provides quarterly data on U.S. consumer spending tiers, smart eyewear adoption rates, and channel shifts relevant to optical ecommerce strategy.
The Vision Council released its Market inSights and Provider inSights reports for Q1-Q2 2026, revealing that while the optical industry surpassed $19 billion in value in Q2 2026, this growth was primarily due to higher per-unit pricing. Unit volumes declined across nearly all categories, with exam volume dropping by nearly 2.5 million visits compared to the first half of 2025. Provider sentiment softened significantly; 63% believe the U.S. economy worsened in early 2026, and 61% reported tariffs impacting their practices. Despite these headwinds, 49% of providers now offer smart eyewear, up from 39% a year ago, and 92% carry frames priced at $350 or more.
Editorial relevance: This report highlights that optical market revenue growth is driven by price increases rather than volume, with significant declines in patient visits and provider confidence affecting the broader eyewear supply chain.
20/20 Magazine published findings from its annual Wholesale Lab Usage Survey, conducted by Jobson Optical Research in July 2026. The study surveyed 230 eyecare professionals at independent locations using wholesale labs for lens processing or other eyewear services. This data highlights the interdependent relationship between independent practices and prescription labs, which serve as manufacturers, distributors, educators, and technical experts. For trending purposes, the report includes three years of data: 216 respondents from the July 2024 survey and 237 respondents from the July 2025 survey. All surveys were conducted online via the proprietary Jobson Optical Research Database. Respondents entered a sweepstakes to win a $200 Amazon.com gift card. Complete survey findings are available by contacting Jennifer Waller, Director of Research & Business Analytics.
20/20 Magazine published its annual Sport Eyewear MarketPulse Survey, conducted by Jobson Research in June 2026. The study gathered data from 218 respondents at independent optical locations dispensing eyeglasses, of which 196 dispensed sport eyewear. The report highlights consumer demand for fitness-oriented gear and premium optics to enhance performance, positioning sport eyewear as a viable category for dispensaries. Authored by Jillian Urcelay, the survey provides a snapshot of the current market status without detailing specific revenue figures or unit sales volumes.