The Vision Council has released its Consumer inSights Q1 2026 report, offering a snapshot of U.S. consumer behavior across vision care products and services. Based on a survey of more than 12,000 adults conducted between Jan. 21 and March 17, 2026, the report shows that economic pressures are influencing purchasing decisions. The report looks at several categories, including eye exams, prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and sunglasses.
According to The Vision Council, the findings point to a more cautious consumer, with spending on vision care products declining slightly compared to prior quarters. The report shows that consumers are increasingly prioritizing value, opting for lower price points and reducing the number of items purchased in some categories.
Key Q1 2026 Highlights
Some of the takeaways from the report include:
- Value-priced sunglasses were popular. 55% of consumers spent less than $50 on non-prescription sunglasses.
- Daily contact lenses grew. Daily disposable contact lens usage was up compared to Q1 2025.
- Independent practices were the primary destination for eye exams. More than 60% of adults received an eye exam at an independent practice. However, fewer consumers purchased eyewear at the same location.
- Managed vision care influenced exam frequency. Uninsured consumers were more likely to delay care.
- Reading glasses purchasing habits shifted. Single-pair reader purchases were on the rise, now matching multiple-pair purchases.
Also, the report indicates that more than half of consumers purchased shorter supplies of contact lenses, reinforcing the broader trend toward essential spending.
About the Consumer inSights Report
“Consumers are making more value-conscious choices, and that extends to vision care,” says Kris Stevens, a representative from The Vision Council’s inSights Research Program. “With inflation and broader economic uncertainty continuing to shape household budgets, it’s no surprise that discretionary spending is under pressure, and eyewear is not immune.”
The Consumer inSights report, available for free download for The Vision Council members, can be purchased for $3000. This report is part of The Vision Council’s inSights Research Program, which provides quarterly data, special reports, and annual forecasts to track the health of the optical industry.