Market Insights: Recent changes in consumer sentiment and behavior during COVID-19
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.
Consumer concern about COVID-19 continues to impact eye exam and eyewear purchase behavior, but to a lesser degree
The level of consumer concern about COVID-19 has been increasing over recent weeks, possibly in response to an increase in cases across the U.S. However, consumers are less likely to modify their eye exam and eyewear purchase behavior in response to that concern compared to the earlier months of the pandemic. In fact, the percentage of consumers who report that they will postpone or cancel eye exams and eyewear purchases has declined by 31% and 4%, respectively, during the same time the percentage of highly to extremely concerned consumers has increased by 16%.
One explanation for this change in behavior could be that more optometry practices and optical retailers are now open and scheduling patient visits compared to the period in March and April when a significant number of businesses were closed completely due to state and local guidelines and regulations. It is also likely that consumers are becoming more comfortable visiting health care offices and retailers as they adjust to new safety protocols and guidelines.
1Q: On a scale of 1–10 how concerned are you over the recent global coronavirus threat and outbreak?
(Sum of 8, 9, 10 responses shown)
2Q: Will you postpone or cancel any eye exams or trips to the eye doctor while COVID-19 is still a threat?
(Sum of Postpone or Cancel responses shown)
3Q: If you need new eyeglasses or contact lenses while coronavirus is still a threat, which of the following actions are you likely to take? (Sum of Postpone or Cancel responses shown)
Source: The Vision Council VisionWatch COVID-19 US Consumer Study
Most patients are returning to their previous ECP with scheduled appointments
As most optometry practices and optical retailers are now open across the U.S., ECPs indicate that 71% of patients that they are seeing are returning, previous patients, while 29% are new, first time patients.
The majority of ECPs (52%) report that the number of patients walking in for an exam without an appointment has decreased from the same time last year. This is not surprising given that many ECPs are now requiring appointments to limit the overall number of people in the practice at any one time.
1Q: For July 2020, what percentage of patients/customers are returning/previous/regular patients versus new, first-time patients?
2Q: Compared to this time last year, has your practice seen an increase or decrease in patient and customers walking in for an exam without an appointment?
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 ECP Panel Study
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