Focused inSights: Frame Buyers 2024
The Focused inSights: Frame Buyers 2024 report by The Vision Council presents a comprehensive analysis of how eyecare providers in the U.S. make decisions about frame inventory. This report explores current patterns in frame purchasing behavior, inventory composition, brand preferences, and the challenges providers face when sourcing product. With insights into the balance between boutique and corporate brands, the influence of consumer demand, and how providers define and assess frame quality, this study delivers a valuable look into the operational and strategic priorities of optical practices in 2024.
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Report Methodology
The data in this report was collected through an online survey conducted via Qualtrics in July and August 2024. A total of 282 eyecare providers who are responsible for frame inventory purchasing participated. The survey has a margin of error of ±5.8 percentage points. All respondents work in practices that handle frame inventory selection and procurement, ensuring the findings reflect hands-on industry experience.
Key Findings
Buying Group Participation and Inventory Practices
Over 80% of respondents are members of buying groups such as ABB Optical Group, PECAA, and Vision Source. Most providers display between 200 and 1,200 frames, with a median count of 600. Nearly 70% of providers update their frame inventory quarterly, and 73% introduce new styles every 3 to 6 months.
Frame Quality and Purchase Drivers
Frame quality is the top factor influencing inventory decisions, cited by 80% of respondents and rated as “extremely important” by 95%. Durability is the most critical quality dimension, and most providers rely on visual inspection to assess it. Other key drivers include price, fashion trends, and profit margin.
Brand and Style Preferences
While 40% of providers express a strong preference for boutique brands, large corporate and licensed designer brands together make up more than half of their inventory. Square and rectangular frames dominate both provider preferences and current inventory, making up 53% of stocked styles. Most practices favor mid-market pricing, with roughly half of their inventory falling into that segment.
Procurement Challenges and Manufacturer Criteria
Although 87% report no difficulty obtaining their preferred product mix, others cite issues such as high minimum buy-ins and limited patient demand. When selecting frame manufacturers, providers prioritize a variety of styles, ease of working with the product, and warranty policies.
Why It Matters
This report is essential for frame manufacturers, suppliers, and optical retailers aiming to better understand what drives eyecare provider purchasing decisions in 2024. As practices seek to align their inventory with patient preferences, cost efficiencies, and supplier flexibility, insights from this report can inform product development, marketing strategies, and sales outreach. The Focused inSights: Frame Buyers 2024 report serves as a strategic tool for staying competitive in today’s evolving optical market.
Report Delivery
The report is available as a downloadable PDF.
For more information, please contact The Vision Council’s Research Team.