Consumer inSights Q1 2026

The Consumer inSights Q1 2026 report from The Vision Council provides a detailed snapshot of consumer behaviors and preferences across the U.S. vision care market. This report examines patterns in vision correction, eye exams, managed vision care (MVC) usage, and purchasing habits for prescription eyewear, contact lenses, readers, and plano sunglasses. Covering over 12,000 U.S. adults, it delivers an extensive look at how consumers access eye exams, the factors influencing their eyewear purchases, and the balance between online and in-person buying channels.

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Report Methodology

This iteration of Consumer inSights was fielded between January 21 and March 17, 2026, in partnership with Full Circle Research. Approximately 4,000 completed surveys were obtained each month from U.S. adults aged 18 and over, resulting in a total sample size of 12,031 respondents. Soft quotas based on U.S. Census benchmarks (gender, age, region, income, race, and Hispanic origin) ensured representativeness across demographics. Surveys were completed online via desktop, tablet, or mobile devices, with 69% of respondents using a mobile device or tablet.

Results are representative of the U.S. adult population, with a margin of error of ±0.9% at a 95% confidence level for the full sample. The report focuses on unmodeled consumer responses, offering direct insights into behaviors and attitudes, with trending data spanning Q1 2022 through Q1 2026.

Key Findings

• Similar to Q4 2025, over 60% of adults report getting eye exams at an independent practice. 
• The channel split for eyewear purchases remained more balanced across practice types than exams.
• 55% of consumers spend less than $50 on non-prescription sunglasses.
• Nearly half of consumers who bought reading glasses purchased multiple pairs.
• A little over a third of contact lens wearers use daily lenses, and just more than half purchased a relatively short supply.

Why It Matters

The Consumer inSights series is essential for eyewear retailers, manufacturers, and healthcare professionals who aim to anticipate consumer needs and capitalize on market opportunities. As purchasing channels and price preferences shift, understanding these behaviors is critical for driving engagement and improving product positioning. The report also underscores opportunities to re-engage consumers who delay eye exams or overlook their vision benefits, helping providers refine outreach strategies.

By identifying where consumers are spending, which brands they trust, and how they perceive value, this report provides actionable data to strengthen business strategies, improve patient engagement, and shape the future of the eyewear and vision care industries.

Report Delivery 

The report will be delivered via download in a PDF format.