Market Insights: Recent positive changes in optical consumer buying behavior

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.

Optical consumers are adjusting buying behavior by taking extra precautions when shopping in-person or buying online

The COVID-19 pandemic is still impacting consumer buying behavior of vision correction products. However, recent results indicate that most consumers will find a way to purchase the optical products they need while COVID-19 is still a threat – whether that means taking extra precautions when visiting an optical practice or retailer (41%), buying vision correction products online (14%), or purchasing as they normally would (31%).

The percentage of consumers who reported they will postpone or cancel purchases (17%) is the lowest in the last six months, down significantly from its high-point in April (40%).

This mirrors a similar trend in patient eye exam behavior that was reported last week, in which the majority of patients (41%) report that they will keep their originally scheduled in-person eye exams instead of canceling or postponing them.

1Figures will not sum to 100%, because multiple selections allowed. “Other” response removed.
2(Extra handwashing or wearing a face mask) Source: The Vision Council VisionWatch COVID-19 US Consumer Study, March–August 2020, n = 37,629

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.