Contact Lens Institute (CLI) and United Opticians Association released new research highlighting the role opticians play in shaping contact lens patient experiences, while also identifying opportunities for expanded education and involvement. The findings are available as a free downloadable report and are part of CLI’s See Tomorrow initiative.
Patient Trust and Expectations
The survey data was collected from 500 U.S. and Canadian contact lens wearers ages 18-61. Among the highlights, the data show strong confidence in opticians:
- 89% of patients believe opticians are important in helping them achieve the best vision possible.
- 83% say opticians are extremely or very valuable to their contact lens experience.
- 84% of respondents report that interactions with opticians increase their confidence about contact lens wear and care.
- 85% say they would definitely or probably turn to an optician for help with contact lens issues.
Patient trust in opticians’ performance exceeded 80% for all contact lens education and related tasks, comparable to ratings for optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Gaps Between Expectations and Practice
Regarding patient expectations, more than 80% of respondents said they expect opticians to answer questions, provide insertion and removal training, and recommend resources to improve the contact lens experience. Currently, about two-thirds of opticians report these responsibilities.
Additionally, follow-up care stands out as an area for improvement. While 70% of patients expect home follow-up after a new prescription, only 34% of opticians report conducting this outreach.
Demand for Expanded Education
The report also highlights opportunities for professional development. Among opticians, 56% express interest in more involvement in the contact lens patient experience. Also, 67% report strong interest in additional contact lens training. Preferences for education delivery are split, with 52% favoring online learning and 48% preferring in-person options.
“Success with contact lens wear is a team effort, and opticians play a vital role,” says Stan Rogaski, CLI’s executive director. “Our new research reinforces past CLI See Tomorrow findings that every member of the practice contributes to the wearing experience, and it highlights opportunities for practice leaders to better leverage opticians’ knowledge and the trust that patients place in them.”