Contact Lenses and Solutions in Switzerland

PROSPECTS

Daily disposable lenses preferred for greater comfort, hygiene and convenience

A rising number of people in Switzerland require some form of vision correction from increasingly younger ages, with this believed to be linked to increasingly indoor lifestyles and the more widespread use of digital devices for hours on a daily basis. Younger people tend to prefer contact lenses over spectacles to correct their vision, believing that these are more suitable for their busy lifestyles while also often having a greater focus on their appearance.

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses benefit from aiding hydration and oxygen flow to eyes

In terms of the material used in the manufacturer of contact lenses, silicone hydrogel continues to achieve positive growth in both daily disposable lenses (DD) and frequent replacement lenses (FRP) in Switzerland. The major benefits of this material are that it ensures better hydration and allows oxygen flow through the contact lenses to the eyes.

Contact lens solution hit by dynamism of daily disposable lenses but benefits from dominance of frequent replacement lenses

As a result of the popularity and good performance of daily disposable lenses (DD), which are deemed more comfortable, sales of contact lens solutions declined further in 2019 as these products are not required to be used with daily disposable lenses. However, frequent replacement lenses (FRP) still dominate overall value sales of contact lenses, and wearers of this type of contact lens are recommended to use contact lens solutions to clean and care for them, and, in addition, the use of contact lens solutions in this case is considered better for the consumer’s eye health.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Leading players’ investment and strength creates high entry barriers

Contact lenses is a difficult industry for new players to enter, especially start-ups, due to the complexity of manufacturing. Therefore, in Switzerland, the competitive landscape remained highly concentrated among big players in 2018.

Internet retailing grows as competition intensifies online

Contact lenses are products that require personal in-store advice when first ordered, as their prescription has to be tailored to the individual consumer’s vision need, but they can subsequently be purchased online. Consumers generally prefer this as they can obtain discounts and order multiple products at once.

Omnichannel strategy proves successful for Visilab

In 2018, Visilab SA increased its retail sales significantly and gained a bigger value share in both optical goods stores and eyewear. While the majority of its sales are represented by spectacles, its success in contact lenses has ensured the company a top five position in Switzerland.

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