Market Insights: Increases in mask usage, patient volume, and capture rate seen in July
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.
Voluntary mask usage among US eyecare patients increased from June to July
Masks continue to be a polarizing issue across the country. In recent surveys, more US adults are indicating that they will voluntarily wear masks to their next eye doctor or eyewear retailer visit in July (64%) compared to June (57%). This increase could be partially attributable to consumers’ heightened concern and desire to protect themselves in response to the reported increase in Covid-19 cases in July.
Eyecare providers should continue to communicate their mask policy to patients in advance of their appointments and visits. It is also recommended that ECPs have masks on-hand for patients to wear in case they forget their masks or do not have one.
Q: Will you wear a protective face mask when visiting your eye doctor or eyewear retailer within the next six months?
Source: The Vision Council VisionWatch COVID-19 US Consumer Study, 6/1–6/30/2020, n = 10,364; 7/1–7/31/2020, n = 4,922
Overall patient volume is showing signs of improvement from June to July
ECP responses indicate a steady increase in overall patient volume during the month of July. Nearly half of all ECPs surveyed (48%) reported that patient volume in the last week of July either increased or returned to normal levels. That is up from 34% during the last week of June.
Q: How would you describe the number of customers / patients your location served within the last week compared to a normal week? Figures may not sum to 100%, because of rounding.
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 ECP Panel Study, 6/29–7/4/2020, n = 175; 7/13–7/18/2020, n = 169; 7/27–8/1/2020, n = 172
ECP responses indicate that capture rate continues to improve modestly
While not improving at quite the same pace as patient volume, ECP responses indicate that capture rate has improved modestly during the month of July. Approximately 62% of ECPs reported that capture rate was normal or higher than normal during the last week of July, compared to 56% during the last week of June.
Q: How would you describe the capture rate at your location within the last week compared to a normal week? Figures may not sum to 100%, because of rounding.
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 ECP Panel Study, 6/29–7/4/2020, n = 175; 7/13–7/18/2020, n = 169; 7/27–8/1/2020, n = 172
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.