Market Insights: Preview of Executive Summit Research: Register Today

01/19/2021

The highlights below are a preview of research that will be presented at the upcoming 2021 Executive Summit. The Vision Council Research Team will present three sessions covering the latest market statistics and consumer insights:

State of the Industry – VisionWatch Market Update at 11:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday, January 27
Optical Consumer Insights During the COVID-19 Pandemic at 3:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday, January 27
Healthcare Behavior and Consumer Spending Insights During the COVID-19 Pandemic at 11:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, January 28

Agenda highlights, including details on keynote speaker sessions, general sessions and breakout sessions, are available here.

We look forward to seeing you virtually at this not-to-miss event. Register today!

Eye exams rank in the “Top 3” in terms of frequency of healthcare related exams and visits

When considering the total landscape of consumer healthcare exams and routines, eye exams rank #3 in terms of the most frequent type of healthcare exams, check-ups and appointments among U.S. adults. Slightly more than 1 out of every 2 adults (52%) report having an eye exam at least once per year. Dental exams rank #2 with 65% of adults going one or more times per year and general physical exams with a primary care physician (PCP) rank #1 with 68%.

Not surprisingly, dental exam frequency benefits significantly from the twice per year teeth cleaning regimen that has been established as the norm – 36% of adults report going to their dentist two times every year, which is higher even than the 21% that report going to their dentist only once per year. This “twice per year” routine for dental exams is somewhat unique among all other healthcare appointments. Physical exams with PCPs is the next highest category for multiple annual visits, but only 14% of adults report seeing their physicians two or more times per year, 22 points lower than repeat dental exams. Only 10% of adults report having an eye exam two or more times per year.

Figures will not sum to 100%, because of rounding.
Source: The Vision Council Proprietary National Tracking Poll conducted by Morning Consult, 1/4/2021–1/5/2021, n = 2,200

Consumer optical buying patterns have stabilized over the last five months of the pandemic

We have been monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on optical product purchasing behavior since February 2020 through our VisionWatch consumer surveys. In recent months, survey results appear to indicate that consumer optical buying patterns have somewhat stabilized – there have been no significant changes to consumer responses since August. From our December surveys, 17% of consumers will postpone or cancel their optical purchase due to COVID-19, which is down from a high of 40% back in April. Most consumers—nearly 9 out of 10—are going to make an optical purchase if needed. They may adjust their buying behavior by taking extra precautions when visiting a store in-person or by shopping online for their eyewear and contact lenses to limit interactions and physical contact. Overall, it appears that most consumers have adapted to the “new normal” and will be purchasing optical products as needed in some shape or form as the pandemic continues.

Figures will not sum to 100%, because multiple selections allowed. “Other” response removed. *extra handwashing or wearing a face mask
Source: The Vision Council VisionWatch COVID-19 US Consumer Study, March – December 2020, n = 51,363