Contact Lenses in the United Kingdom

TRENDS

In 2016, contact lenses continues to benefit from increased sales of daily disposable lenses, especially those products made from silicone hydrogel. Daily disposable lenses has seen the strongest current value growth, increasing by 5% in 2016. These products are found to be more comfortable and convenient for UK consumers who think that daily disposable is a better option that avoids the need for solutions and cleaners, and thereby prevents possible allergies and other inconveniences. In addition, consumers of daily disposable lenses do not need to clean their lenses unlike with frequent replacement lenses and they can just remove the lens after one use.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Vistakon is the leading player in contact lenses and it also saw the strongest gain in value share in 2015, increasing its share to 28%. The company's strength is due to its Acuvue brand, which benefits from wide distribution and investments in marketing which targets both consumers and healthcare professionals. Johnson & Johnson Inc is the global brand owner behind Acuvue contact lenses which is why this brand offers a combination of prestige, quality and good value for money. The Acuvue website offers a free contact lens trial and a lot of explanations related to contact lenses for those consumers that are considering wearing them for the first time or who have any doubt about their current contact lenses.

PROSPECTS

Contact lenses is predicted to increase at a CAGR of 4% in constant 2016 value terms over the forecast period, rising to sales of £837 million in 2021. This CAGR would be slower compared to the one recorded over the review period but it would still remain high. Contact lenses will increase due to higher demand for toric, multifocal and silicone hydrogel lenses, which are more expensive than spherical and hydrogel lenses. Over the forecast period, the value share of daily disposable lenses is expected to continue growing at a more dynamic rate than frequent replacement lenses, although this category will likely also have a positive impact on the constant 2016 value growth of contact lenses.

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