COVID-19 Impact on the Optical Industry: Update

The Vision Council and VisionWatch are continuing to track the evolving eyewear and eyecare behavior of American consumers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the COVID-19 situation continues to change every day, and throughout the day, U.S. consumers are changing their behavior to avoid contracting the virus.

The Midpoint March COVID-19 Optical Impact Consumer Study builds upon the February study with new trend graphs highlighting daily response patterns for each survey question. By conducting identical consumer surveys in February and mid-March, VisionWatch is able to track trends in consumer behavior on a daily basis as it relates to eye exams and intent to purchase eyewear.

In this report, we see a changing trend over the last month:

  • The percentage of the population that are extremely concerned with COVID-19 has increased over 60% from mid-February to mid-March.
  • Consumers are also taking more precautions to avoid COVID-19 with over 80 million adults avoiding hospitals, health centers and doctors offices.
  • Extra concern and precautions are having a negative impact on eye exams and eyewear purchases.

VisionWatch will issue a full report at the end of the month and next month as we continue to monitor changes. Click here for the full report.

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