Market Insights: ECPs report increased local and state COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions

The Vision Council serves as a leading resource for the most comprehensive optical industry research, fielding surveys on a regular basis to monitor attitudes and behaviors among consumers, industry member companies and eyecare professionals. Below is a snapshot of compelling data from the research team’s recent studies.

Local and state government public safety guidelines and restrictions have increased in recent weeks

The number of coronavirus cases in the United States crossed the 11-million mark last Sunday, according to a Reuters tally, reaching yet another grim milestone as the third wave of COVID-19 infections surged across the country. In response, many local and state governments have begun to reimpose public safety guidelines and regulations on individuals and businesses leading into the Thanksgiving holiday. ​

According to recent surveys, more than half of ECPs (57%) reported an increase in public safety guidelines and regulations from the previous week.

Q: Over the last week has your state or local government increased public safety guidelines / regulations, in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak (e.g. mandatory face-mask usage in public areas, restaurant/bar closings, etc.)?
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 US ECP Panel Study, 11/9–11/14/2020, n = 140

Two-thirds of ECPs anticipate more regulations and business shutdowns to come before the end of the year

Even with recent news of the positive progress of multiple vaccine programs, the future remains uncertain. More than two-thirds of ECPs (67%) anticipate more regulations and shutdowns in their area before the end of 2020.

Q: Are you anticipating the implementation of any further local or state government shutdowns or additional regulations to slow the spread of COVID-19 in your area before the end of 2020?
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 US ECP Panel Study, 11/9–11/14/2020, n = 141

ECPs reported taking steps to prepare for another potential round of business shutdowns and increased government regulations, such as ordering additional inventory of personal protective equipment (39%) and optical frames and contact lenses (11%).

One-fifth of ECPs indicated that they are encouraging patients to get an exam soon, before any further shutdowns (23%).

Investment in telemedicine or virtual care systems was at the bottom of the list with only 6% of ECPs indicating that they were preparing for increased regulations and shutdowns in this way.

Q: Are you taking any of the steps below to prepare for another round of government shutdowns / regulations to slow the spread of COVID-19? (select all that apply)​
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 US ECP Panel Study, 11/9–11/14/2020, n = 232

From consumer opinions to optical market reports, The Vision Council offers hundreds of industry studies for free to members as well as exclusive access to custom research projects. To learn more about how industry research and analysis can drive your business forward, contact Nathan Troxell at ntroxell@thevisioncouncil.org.

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