Market Insights: ECPs Report on Business Impact of Face Mask Policies

Last week, we reported an increase in voluntary mask usage among U.S. eyecare patients from June to July. We continued our analysis of mask use and policy compliance in this week’s ECP Insights Panel survey. Following are three highlights from that survey.

Majority of ECPs require employees and patients to wear face masks

Most ECPs (~97%) reported that mask use is required for both employees and patients, with the majority of these policies being mandated by state or local governments. Approximately 3% of ECPs indicated that they are not requiring employees or patients to wear masks.

Q: Are you currently requiring employees and staff to wear masks at your location? Are you currently requiring patients and visitors to wear masks at your location? Is this requirement mandated by the state or local government?​
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 US ECP Panel Study, 8/10–8/15/2020, n = 154

1 in 5 ECPs believe they have lost sales due to patient mask requirements at their locations​

While wearing face masks has become a way of life for many Americans in 2020, it is probable that mask requirements are keeping some Americans from visiting optometry practices and eyewear retailers. In fact, the belief that mask requirements have led to lost sales is prevalent among 21% of ECPs surveyed, while another 18% are uncertain of the impact on sales.

Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 US ECP Panel Study, 8/10–8/15/2020, n = 148 ​

Mask policy compliance issues experienced among one-third of ECPs

It is evident that face masks have created some ‘churn’ among optometry patients and eyewear retail customers. Approximately 70% of ECPs reported having a formal policy for handling patients that do not wear face masks. Nearly one-third of ECPs (32%) indicated that they have experienced patients leaving their practices due to not wanting to wear a face mask. Another 20% of ECPs have had to remove patients from their practices due to face mask policy noncompliance.

Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 US ECP Panel Study, 8/10–8/15/2020, n = 148

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.

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