Vision Expo East 2025: Revising your frames board to align with trends, mitigate cost increases

Alysse Henkel, vice president of Research and inSights at The Vision Council, discussed consumer spending trends in the eyewear industry. Henkel referenced data from a monthly consumer survey of 4,000 American adults, which tracks how much people are spending out-of-pocket on their eyewear. The data shows that at the end of 2022, consumer spending on eyewear was split evenly, with 35% spending over $200 and 35% spending under $100. However, this represents a shift from a couple years prior, where the spending was more balanced. Over the past 9 quarters, the under $100 spending category has grown, while the over $200 category has declined. This aligns with broader economic trends, where 74% of consumers reported trading down their purchases in 2022 due to inflation. Henkel suggested that this indicates people are becoming more conscious of their spending and looking for more budget-friendly options.

For eyewear providers, Henkel recommended ensuring a good selection of budget-friendly frames, as this segment may grow. Current data shows frame boards are typically 50% mid-market, 25% luxury, and 25% budget. Henkel advised optometrists and practices to consider growing their budget frame offerings to cater to cost-conscious consumers. Overall, the key takeaways are that consumer spending on eyewear is shifting towards more budget-conscious purchases, likely driven by broader economic factors like inflation. Eyewear providers should respond by ensuring they have an appealing selection of affordable frame options to meet this growing demand.