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New research shows that a significant number of vision corrected U.S. adults are interested in purchasing both contact lenses and glasses, representing a largely untapped ‘dual wear’ growth opportunity for the eye care community.
CLI recently surveyed more than 2,000 Americans, asking them a wide range of questions about what they use to improve their vision, what drove their choices, and how their preferences may vary based on other factors in their lives.
While only one in four (23.6%) adults reported using both contact lenses and glasses, there’s considerable interest in dual wear among the remaining population. Almost one in five glasses-only wearers are very interested in contact lenses (18%), and the same percentage (18%) of contact lens-only wearers are very interested in glasses. In total, this represents an unrealized prescribing opportunity for more than one-third of all patients.
The newest report from the Contact Lens Institute examines U.S. consumer beliefs and behaviors influenced by inflationary pressures. The analysis affirms the immense value that patients place on their vision and contact lenses, correlated with strong category purchasing power and spending. It also reveals several contact lens-related behaviors that may change with personal financial challenges and advises the eye care community to proactively address these potential shifts.
Remarkable Resilience: Prescribing Contact Lenses in a Challenging Economy is part of our See Tomorrow initiative, which explores consumer perspectives surrounding issues that can influence contact lens fitting and wear. The latest work polled 2,439 U.S. adults ages 18 and older from August 9-17, 2022, with 251 active contact lens wearers answering a series of detailed questions.
When compared to other products and services, how important are contact lenses? Respondents ranked their contact lenses (84%) and eyeglasses (75%) as extremely or very important—the highest scores among 26 categories of goods and services.
Notably, 94% of contact lens wearers indicated they would make sacrifices in other areas first. In another test of perceived value, wearers said they would more than double what they’re currently paying before giving up their contacts altogether.
When compared to other products and services, how important are contact lenses? Respondents ranked their contact lenses (84%) and eyeglasses (75%) as extremely or very important—the highest scores among 26 categories of goods and services.
Notably, 94% of contact lens wearers indicated they would make sacrifices in other areas first. In another test of perceived value, wearers said they would more than double what they’re currently paying before giving up their contacts altogether.
Watch the main stage panel presentation from Vision Expo East 2023, featuring, Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLE-AC, of ASB Opticianry Education Services in Vancouver, Wash; Inna Lazar, OD, of Greenwich Eye Care in Old Greenwich, Conn. and Pro Eye Care in Darien, Conn; and Jennifer Tsai, OD, of LINE OF SIGHT in New York, N.Y., all of whom are 2023 Contact Lens Institute Visionaries; Alysse Henkel, senior director, Market Research & Analytics with The Vision Council; and Michele Andrews, OD, CLI chairperson.
