Increasing usage and acceptance of eyewear products in general, and prescription eyewear in particular, is a critical driver for market growth. With a large percentage of the population afflicted with conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism, the demand for corrective eyewear is on the rise. Plano sunglasses, which are sunglasses fitted with non-Rx lenses, provide protection for the eyes against harmful UV radiation. These non-prescription products are expected to witness lower demand in the organized sector in developing geographies; however, they contribute largely to the overall revenue due to high retail prices.

Spectacles enjoy widespread global popularity owing to high degree of penetration in developing and developed economies alike. Due to lifestyle changes, which involve increasing formal employment and extensive usage of computers, the number of individuals using corrective eyewear is also on the incline. Contact lenses are gaining user acceptance due to increased awareness and convenience of use. Daily disposable and weekly disposable contact lenses are expected to be the preferred modality, due to their cost effectiveness and low dependency on eye care products.

The low availability of eyesight testing centers and eye examinations in developing regions has resulted in lower penetration of eyewear products in these geographies. This could emerge as a viable opportunity for market players, as healthcare services are essential for the prescription and renewal of corrective eyewear.

This report studies and analyzes the global eyewear market based on the available product types, the distribution channels employed, and geographical segmentation, which consists of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW) region. The study also provides an in-depth analysis of the various factors driving and restraining the eyewear market, as well as the potential opportunities for all the stakeholders involved. 

Key players in this market include Johnson & Johnson, CooperVision, Bausch & Lomb, CIBA Vision, Luxottica, Safilo, and Essilor among others.

Any product worn on or over the eye can be termed as eyewear. It encompasses three major product types: spectacles, contact lenses, and plano sunglasses. The rapidly increasing wearer base, with a growing percentage of presbyopes is the strongest driving force for the growth of the eyewear market. In addition, the high renewal rate of lenses due to frequent replacement cycles and changes in lens prescriptions is expected to fuel the market over the forecast period. 

The increasing number of refractive surgeries such as LASIK (Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) in order to reduce or eliminate the individual’s dependency on prescription corrective eyewear is a major factor inhibiting the eyewear market. These procedures are becoming progressively more affordable for a large percentage of the population. Additionally, there is a higher degree of awareness regarding these surgeries, which is expected to act as a restraint on market growth. However, refractive surgeries are still unaffordable for many consumers, particularly in developing nations. 

Increase in disposable income is another factor that is expected to aid in the growth and development of the eyewear industry. Players in the market are attempting to target the mid-priced segment in order to increase their customer base. The premium priced high-end segment enjoys steady popularity in developed regions such as North America, but does not experience high demand in developing geographies. 

The supply chain for eyewear includes participants starting from those involved in raw material production until the final point of sale. These consist of raw material manufacturers, eyewear product manufacturers, distributors, and retailers; possible intermediaries include healthcare providers, involved in the dispensing of corrective eyewear. 

The global eyewear market has been segmented on the basis of product types, major geographies, and distribution channels. North America is the largest contributor to the market in terms of demand, closely followed by the Asia Pacific region. Some of the major players in the eyewear market are Johnson & Johnson, Luxottica, Safilo, CooperVision, Bausch & Lomb, Essilor, and Hoya among others.