Market Insights: Are consumers postponing or canceling their eye exams?
The Vision Council serves as a leading resource for the most comprehensive optical industry research, fielding surveys on a regular basis to monitor attitudes and behaviors among consumers, industry member companies and eyecare professionals. Below is a snapshot of compelling data from the research team’s recent studies.
Almost half of Americans will continue to postpone or cancel their eye exams during COVID-19
As of the middle of May, certain population groups are more likely to postpone or cancel their eye exam in response to COVID-19. Younger adults aged 18–34 years old report that they will postpone or cancel eye exams at a rate higher than the national average (50% vs. 44%). Even though older adults are generally more susceptible to COVID-19, research continues to show them to be the least willing to change their overall eye exam behavior in response to the virus.
Additionally, adults whose last Rx eyewear purchase was from an independent ECP are less likely to postpone or cancel their eye exam. Adults whose last Rx eyewear purchase was from a big box, national chain or corporate retailer or from an online website are more likely to postpone or cancel their exam plans while COVID-19 is still a threat.
Q: Will you postpone or cancel any eye exams or trips to the eye doctor while COVID-19 is still a threat? Figures will not sum to 100%, because other answer options removed.
*By location of last Rx eyewear purchase.
Source: The Vision Council VisionWatch COVID-19 US Consumer Study, 5/1–5/15/2020, n = 5,028
Inactive optical employees feel that returning to work would be risky
The majority of optical employees who are inactive with their business report being furloughed (43%), while a lower percentage report being laid off (23%) or leaving their positions voluntarily (23%). A large majority of inactive ECPs believe returning to their normal place of employment would be a moderate to large risk to their health and well-being.
Q1: What is the reason that you are no longer active at your location? Figures will not sum to 100%, because “Prefer not to answer” option removed.
Q2: How much of a risk to your health and well-being do you think returning to your normal place of employment would be? Figures will not sum to 100%, because of rounding.
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 ECP Panel Study, 5/11–5/16/2020, n = 423
The Vision Council’s latest webinar is now available for download. Presented by The Vision Council’s research team on May 21, the presentation provides an updated view on consumer, member and eyecare provider sentiment and behavior based on recent study results.
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From consumer opinions to optical market reports, The Vision Council offers hundreds of industry studies for free to members as well as exclusive access to custom research projects. To learn more about how industry research and analysis can drive your business forward, contact Nathan Troxell at ntroxell@thevisioncouncil.org.