Contact Lens Institute report unveils opportunity to meet high contact lens application demand

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Contact lens manufacturer Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has released a preview of its recent report studying the market and consumer demand of contact lenses in the US. The company’s latest See Tomorrow consumer research was conducted by Prodege from February 1-9 through an online survey, according to a news release. An in-depth report based on the research findings will also be published next month.¹

CLI stated that 1053 vision-corrected adults ages 18-64 in the United States were included in the research. The sample size for glasses wearers who had never tried contact lenses was 579. The main findings from the research were that there is a high interest and demand in contact lenses that has not yet to be met. The study cites that almost 1 in 2 glasses wearers who have never tried contacts say they are highly interested in trying them. Of that polling population, 1 in 10 said their eye care provider had recommended that they consider contact lenses. Exam staff, optical or eyewear display staff, and administrative staff had recommended contact lenses at lower rates, coming in at 6%, 3%, and 2% respectively.¹

Additionally, 51% of glasses wearers reported that their lack of contact lens trial was directly influenced by in-practice behaviors. Research participants said that not being asked about contact lenses (20%), not being told they were a candidate (19%), and not being provided with contact lens information (18%) were specific deterrents to not seek out contact lenses as an option.¹

“Our research has consistently shown that vision-corrected adults are waiting for their doctors to raise the possibility of contact lens wear—a straightforward action that enhances patient satisfaction and practice success,” said Stan Rogaski, CLI’s executive director, in the release. “This latest work delved even deeper into how that and other behaviors by practice teams play enormous roles in attracting or dissuading consumers from contemplating contact lenses and their many benefits.”

Research participants were also asked to weigh in on influences that would make them consider contact lenses. Of the 25 factors, participants ranked having their eye care provider explain why contact lenses would benefit them first at 66%. Understanding how to insert and remove lenses, being given trial lenses at their appointment, having a wide range of price and performance options, and being aware of contact for specific eye conditions also ranked high among participants.¹

Additionally, the report noted that eye care providers have the significantly more influence in recommending contact lenses over exam and eyewear display staff. Of the research participants, 66% percent said their eye care provider’s recommendation was influential, compared to 22% for exam staff and 8% for eyewear display staff.¹

“Opportunities to grow contact lens prescribing, with all the positives that brings to patient and practice, are substantial and well within reach of eye care offices. The Contact Lens Institute is excited to put this information into the hands of the eye care community, and offer ideas and insights for easy implementation,” said Rogaski.

CLI will also be detailing the research findings during Vision Expo East 2024 during a panel titled “Beyond Vision: Behaviors to Supercharge Your Contact Lens Business,” to be held on March 16 at 11 am ET. CLI panelists will include Jason Compton, OD, FAAO, Sabrina Gaan, OD, Scott Moscow, OD, and Adam Ramsey, OD, with moderation from Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FCLSA.¹

Reference:

1. Simple Communications Adjustments Could Supercharge Contact Lens Adoptions, According to New Research. Contact Lens Institute. News Release. Published March 14, 2024. Accessed March 14, 2024.