Eye Care in Sweden

2020 IMPACT

Low levels of pollen lead to a decline in growth, while the outbreak of COVID-19 encourages consumers to purchase eye care online

Eyecare is set to record a slight decline in growth for 2020; however, this is due to a decline in allergy eye care, rather than it being the outcome of COVID-19. The relatively low levels of pollen during spring and early summer resulted in less allergy-related problems among the general population.

Standard eye care continues to drive demand, with digital screen use and demographic factors boosting sales

Standard eye care products are regularly consumed in Sweden, used on an as-needed basis, or as a complementary treatment for other illnesses. As a result, growth is driven by demographic factors, as well as the prevalence of general eye problems and disorders.

Bausch & Lomb Nordic AB takes the lead from Théa Nordic AS, as it acquires leading eye care product Viscotears

The move to e-commerce actively favoured by pharmacies and medical industry players, allowed players to maintain sales during the initial outbreak of COVID-19. Brand activities in allergy eye care follows cycles related to pollen.

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

The ongoing use of digital screens following the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, supports high levels of growth

Growth in eye care is predicted to be stifled in 2020, as the low pollen count results in a decline in sales for allergy eye care. However, by 2021, growth is set to be positive again, with strong growth throughout the forecast period leading to a 5% current value CAGR.

With share increasing due to the outbreak of COVID-19, e-commerce will continue to increase its position across the forecast period

Chemists/pharmacies are set to continue leading share in Sweden in 2020; however, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, e-commerce is set to substantially increase its growth during the year. This creates an opportunity for online pharmacies, with many expected to improve their e-commerce platforms across the forecast period, to respond to the increased demand.

Ongoing demand for eye care is driven by the health and wellness trend, and health care professionals

Demand for standard eye care is also predicted to gain momentum as opticians, and health care professionals are expected to start actively encouraging Swedes to book regular eye examinations. Chained optical goods store Specsavers, ran a promotional campaign in collaboration with the Visually Impaired National Association at the end of 2018, to create greater awareness amongst the population, highlighting the need for correct eye care health.