Eyewear in the US

Eyewear continues to enjoy sales growth

Eyewear in the US saw its second consecutive year of growth in 2019, as the prevalence of digital eye strain and consumers’ increasing prioritisation of health and wellness continued to drive sales of contact lenses, spectacles and sunglasses. With the exception of conventional contact lenses, which continued to be made obsolete due to innovations in daily disposable and frequent replacement contact lenses, every category within eyewear recorded growth in both retail volume and retail value sales terms in 2019.

Prevalence of digital eye strain spurs product innovation

With consumers of all ages becoming increasingly dependent on digital devices for both work and play, digital eye strain, or the physical discomfort caused by extended use of digital devices, is a growing concern in the US market. As a result, eye care companies and professionals alike are dedicating portions of their websites and other communication channels to educating consumers about digital eye strain, often positioning their products as viable solutions.

Global leaders benefit from brand recognition in a consolidated market

With the exception of spectacle frames, eyewear in the US is consolidated, with a limited number of global players accounting for the majority of sales thanks to their diverse portfolios of both owned and licensed brands. In contact lenses, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc, Alcon Laboratories Inc and CooperVision Inc continued to account for more than half of total retail value sales, aided by their brands’ strong recognition in the US market and the rapid growth of their daily disposable contact lenses.

Optical shops dominate despite internet retailing growth

Thanks to the necessity of having a comprehensive eye exam prior to renewing a prescription, as well as both the convenience and security of purchasing contact lenses, spectacle frames and sunglasses through one’s own certified eye care professional, optical shops remained the largest channel for eyewear in 2019. While its sales are still dwarfed by those of optical shops, internet retailing continued to be the fastest-growing channel, as operational and digital innovations, including monthly subscriptions and virtual try-ons, made it easier than ever for consumers to purchase all eyewear categories online.

Eyewear expected to continue growing as trends gain traction

Over the forecast period, eyewear is expected to deliver growth in current value sales terms as the technological and societal trends that have driven sales in recent years show little sign of slowing down. Of all categories, contact lenses, driven by daily disposable lenses, is expected to deliver the fastest growth as an increasing number of contact lens wearers choose the health and convenience benefits offered by daily disposable contact lenses.

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