Provider inSights Q1 and Q2 2025 Report

The Provider inSights Q1 and Q2 2025 Report, published by The Vision Council, delivers critical insights into the operational trends, challenges, and outlook of eyecare providers across the United States. The report draws on feedback from a broad range of eyecare professionals including optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists, and practice managers, capturing the pulse of practices as they navigated the first half of 2025. The report sheds light on key industry developments including economic sentiment, inflation impacts, staffing shortages, practice investments, smart eyewear sales, telehealth services, and tariff concerns.

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Methodology

This study was conducted online, targeting a diverse panel of U.S.-based eyecare professionals, including optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists, and practice managers. All respondents were affiliated with practices providing eye exams or prescription eyewear services. The sample size of 206 provides a margin of error of ±6% at a 95% confidence level. The survey was not weighted, and no quotas were imposed, ensuring organic representation across independent practices, corporate chains, and private equity-backed clinics.

Key Findings

Tariffs and Pricing

Nine in ten providers report tariffs have most strongly impacted wholesale eyewear prices. Eight out of 10 also noted tariffs are affecting wholesale practice supplies.

Inflation

69 percent of providers said inflation influenced their practice in the first half of 2025, and 30 percent expect continued impacts for the rest of the year.

Staffing and Hiring

Hiring challenges persist for 72 percent of practices, with little improvement expected in 2025. Staff retention has improved by eight percentage points compared to 2024 but is projected to remain steady for the remainder of the year.

Telehealth

76 percent of providers do not currently offer telehealth services.

Smart Eyewear

Four out of ten providers offer smart eyewear to their patients.

Why it Matters

This report is an essential resource for industry leaders, investors, and practitioners seeking to understand the evolving landscape of vision care. With exclusive, trended data and expert analysis, the Provider inSights Report delivers actionable intelligence to help navigate challenges, uncover opportunities, and make smarter business decisions in the optical industry.

Report Delivery

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