The World Market for Eyewear

Delivery

This report comes in PPT.

Key Findings

Consumers’ price sensitivity rising amid economic uncertainty

2026 will be another year of growth in the global eyewear industry, with overall value sales predicted to rise by 4.4% in current terms (fixed exchange rates), to USD171 billion, slightly below the 4.6%growthrecorded in 2025. Consumer behaviour continues to evolve, with market polarisation driven by strong demand for both premium and budget basics offerings.

Myopia control sees the fastest growth, while sunglasses outperform expectations

Myopia control spectacle lenses and myopia control contact lenses are expected to register the highest growth rates in 2026, at 19.8% and 12.8%, in current terms, respectively, benefiting from stronger optician recommendations, rising parental awareness and wider product availability. Meanwhile, sunglasses will perform strongly, with 5.1% growth at current prices, driven by premiumisation.

North America maintains steady performance amid challenges

North America will maintain a steady performance amid ongoing challenges and is forecast to account for 34% of global eyewear absolute value gains between 2026 and 2031. Despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, the overall market is being supported by eyewear's essential role in eye health and increasing consumer awareness of vision care.

Eyewear increasingly moving towards an omnichannel model

Although offline retail still constitutes the major channel for the eyewear industry (86% of value in 2026), with a focus on professional guidance, e-commerce continues to grow significantly faster, with sales rising by 7% in 2026, versus 4% for offline channels. As a result, the eyewear market is increasingly moving towards omnichannel models to support customer retention.

Chinese players set the pace

The Chinese players Conant, Mingyue and Mudi, are the ones to watch in 2026, with each posting a CAGR exceeding17% over the 2020-2025period. Mudi (32% CAGR) has become a top seller by leveraging daily lenses on TikTok (Douyin) and Tmall through its agile e-commerce network, while Mingyue has positioned itself as a premium local lens alternative to Western brands.