The Vision Council’s Consumer Insights Q2 report, a nationwide survey of more than 12,000 U.S. adults, reveals the latest trends and data on how patients are accessing care and making purchasing decisions in the optical space. The survey includes questions about vision correction, managed vision care (MVC), eye exams, prescription eyewear, reading glasses, and plano sunglasses.
“For the first time, we’re seeing indications that broader economic uncertainty, particularly ongoing trade negotiations and tariff concerns, may be influencing how consumers allocate their spending on vision care.
Inside the Numbers
While the findings reveal that in-person eyewear and contact lens purchases remain strong compared to online, patient spending trended toward lower-cost options. Specifically:
- Eyeglasses: 87% of consumers purchased in-store; however, 41% of consumers spent less than $100, a slight increase from Q1. Of note, spending of $200+ declined among in-person shoppers.
- Contact Lenses: 65% of purchases were in-person, up from 61% in Q1, while online dropped to 35%
- Plano Sunglasses: 78% were purchased in-person, with 44% spending under $50.
Alysse Henkel, VP of Research and inSights at The Vision Council, connected the dots regarding how the current state of the economy may impact this data. “This quarter marks a potential turning point in consumer behavior,” she says. “For the first time, we’re seeing indications that broader economic uncertainty, particularly ongoing trade negotiations and tariff concerns, may be influencing how consumers allocate their spending on vision care. The increased price sensitivity, especially for in-person eyewear purchases, suggests that consumers are hedging against potential future price increases.”
Other Key Findings
Additional insights from the survey center around eye exam rates and MVC:
- Eye exam rates remained consistent with Q1 — 64% of adults reported an exam within the past 12 months
- 73% of those with MVC had an exam vs. just 46% without vision coverage
- Most recent eye exams occurred at independent practices (62%) compared to corporate locations (37%)
- 67% paid under $50 for their eye exam.
The Vision Council members can access the report at no cost, while non-members can purchase the report for $3,000.