EYEWEAR MARKET ANALYSIS

Global eyewear market is expected to reach US$ 388.48 Bn by 2031, from US$ 216.65 Bn in 2023, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% during the forecast period (2024-2031).

Eyewear is intended to be worn over the eyes for protection against environmental factors or for improving vision impairment. Eyeglasses or spectacles, sunglasses, goggles, and contact lenses are common types of eyewear. Eyewear is also used as a fashion statement due to rising sense of fashion among people, and people are adopting trendy and designer sunglasses due to the latest trend emerging in the market. Furthermore, safety glasses are used in the construction industry to provide protection to workers against flying debris. Eyewear products are gaining huge demand from the aging population as old aged people are highly prone to a developed wide range of vision-related problems.

Global Eyewear Market- Regional Insights

• Europe is expected to be the largest market for eyewear, accounting for 45% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the eyewear market in Europe is attributed to the increasing demand for eyewear in countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia.
• Asia Pacific is expected to account for 25% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the eyewear market in Asia Pacific is attributed to the increasing demand for eyewear in countries such as India and China.
• North America accounted for 15% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the global eyewear market in North America is attributed to the increasing demand for eyewear in countries such as the U.S. and Canada.

Figure 1. Global Eyewear Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Analyst’s Views:

Global eyewear market is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period due to the rising aged population worldwide and increasing prevalence of ophthalmic disorders. Increased spending on fashionable and designer eyewear among millennial also contributes to the market growth. However, the market may face restraints from growing preference for corrective surgeries like LASIK ( Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) and availability of low-cost generic optical products.

Asia Pacific presents lucrative opportunities for eyewear market players, owing to rising disposable incomes, increasing health awareness, and fast growth of the fashion and lifestyle industry in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. North America will likely retain its leading position and continue exhibiting high demand supported by the rapid adoption of new technologies and trends. Europe is also forecast to offer decent opportunities for premium and luxury eyewear brands in countries such as France, Italy, and Germany.

Manufacturers are investing heavily in product innovation including the development of lightweight frames, applications of advanced materials, and customizable eyewear. Increasing focus on omni-channel strategies by key players supported by Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology will redefine the eyewear shopping and fitting experience going forward.

Global Eyewear Market- Drivers

• Changing lifestyle and consumer preference for fashionable eyewear: Modern lifestyles have significantly increased screen time as more people spend long hours working, studying, socializing, and consuming media on smartphones, laptops, tablets and other digital devices. Prolonged screen usage often leads to digital eye strain with symptoms like headache, dry eyes, blurred vision, and tired eyes. Consequently, consumers are increasingly conscious of protecting their eyesight and wear glasses or contact lenses not just for vision correction but also as a way to relieve digital eye strain. This has boosted the demand for designs and technologies that provide comfort as well as blue light protection. Frames with anti-reflective lenses and computer glasses with blue light filtering have become very popular. According to the 2021 WHO (World Health Organization), around 2.2 Bn people worldwide have near or distance vision impairment, and this number is estimated to increase further due to aging populations and rising rates of chronic diseases. As accessibility to eye care and corrective devices improves globally, more people are addressing their vision impairment, thereby expanding the potential market base. Evolving fashion trends have also bolstered the sales of these products. From tech-inspired styles and colorful frames to vintage-inspired silhouettes, eyewear companies regularly launch new collections targeting the aesthetic sensibilities of different demographic segments. Customers want frames that align with their personality and complement their overall look. Innovations like virtual try-on tools allow online shoppers to virtually "try on" glasses and see their appearance before purchasing, improving customer confidence in buying online. Younger consumers especially show high appetite for latest designs and trends, continuously renewing the styles in the marketplace.

• Increasing preference for contact lenses and spectacles: The preference for contact lenses and spectacles has been steadily rising across global markets in recent years. More and more people are opting for contact lenses over traditional spectacles due to their convenience and aesthetics. Contact lenses are becoming the more popular choice as these do not obstruct vision and make it possible to comfortably do a variety of activities like swimming, workouts, and others. Unlike glasses, contact lenses are nearly invisible and do not inhibit styles and fashion choices. This rising demand can be attributed to growing health awareness among the populations. As routine eye checkups become common, more people are diagnosed with vision problems at an early age for which these people need corrective aids like lenses and glasses. Increasing digital screen time from gadgets like smartphones, laptops, TVs, and others is known to cause digital eye strain over long periods which leads to issues that require lenses or spectacles. In 2020, the World Health Organization data estimated that around 2.2 Bn people globally suffer from near-sightedness, and this number is expected to touch almost 5 billion by 2050. As lifestyle change with increasing urbanization, nuclear families and busy schedules, there is more dependency on devices with digital displays which has enhanced the requirement for corrective eyewear devices. The continuous technological advancements have also made contact lenses and spectacles more appealing and customizable for users. Products now come in varied materials, improved designs, styles and finishes along with features like blue light protection coatings. Market leaders are rushing to add new innovations that make vision correction convenient, comfortable, and fashionable. This is drawing more consumers to regularly update their eyewear prescriptions and purchase new pairs based on their preferences. With growing awareness about eye care and options available, it is anticipated that the demand for contact lenses and spectacles will keep rising significantly over the coming years, thus propelling the global eyewear market to new heights of growth.

Global Eyewear Market- Opportunities

Customized and specialized eyewear products: Customized and specialized eyewear products have great potential to disrupt the global eyewear market and drive significant future growth. As lifestyles become increasingly personalized, consumers are demanding eyewear that uniquely matches their individual style and visual needs. Traditional "one-size-fits-all" frames do not adequately cater to this rapidly growing demand for tailored eyewear solutions. Through advancements in technologies like 3D printing, laser cutting, and customized lens designs, eyewear manufacturers now have the ability to offer truly personalized products at scale. This allows them to meet the specific fit, design, and vision requirements of each consumer.

According to a 2020 report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, over 65% of global consumers surveyed were willing to pay more for customized products that are tailored to their unique needs and preferences. As awareness of the benefits of personalized eyewear increases among consumers through effective marketing, customized options are poised to gain substantial market share worldwide in the coming years. Younger demographics especially strongly desire eyewear that expresses their individuality, and customized products allow both indie designers and large brands to capitalize on this large target segment.

The customizable nature of these products also enables eyewear companies to tap into numerous previously underserved market niches. For example, specialized sports frames tailored for specific activities like cycling or skiing more effectively protect athletes' vision. Progressive lenses that are uniquely calibrated for an individual's prescription and lifestyle needs can vastly improve comfort and visual outcomes for patients. As such innovations become mainstream, these are well-positioned to supercharge future growth across the entire global eyewear market.

Untapped rural market in developing countries: The untapped rural market in developing countries provides tremendous opportunities for growth in the global eyewear market. A large proportion of populations in rural areas across nations like India, Nigeria and Indonesia still lack access to basic eye care and vision correction products. According to World Bank data from 2022, approximately 50-60% of people in rural India have vision problems, but nearly 35% lack access to spectacles. A similar situation exists in rural Nigeria where over 40% of people require vision correction but only 15% use eyeglasses regularly.

This immense unmet need in rural emerging markets can be converted into a promising avenue for eyewear brands and manufacturers. With growing economic development and infrastructure spend and schemes promoting healthcare access even in remote regions, more people in villages will gain the ability and disposable income to prioritize their vision health over the next 5 years. International organizations like the World Health Organization have urged governments to focus on establishing primary eye care centers within easy reach of all communities as an important public health initiative. Successful implementation of such programs can boost awareness and generate consistent demand.

Eyewear companies need to devise innovative rural distribution and retail strategies to capitalize on this sizable untapped segment. Simplified low-cost product portfolios, localized manufacturing and supply chain operations as well as diverse retail channels including village-level entrepreneurs, eye care camps and e-commerce can help them penetrate deeper rural areas at scale. As rural residents gain ophthalmic services and affordability improves, their adoption of eyeglasses for vision correction as well as preferences for newer segments like sunglasses and reading glasses will likely increase multifold. This will present a major growth driver sustaining the long term momentum of the overall optical industry.

Global Eyewear Market- Trends

Increasing preference for premium and designer brands: In recent times, there has been a noticeable shift in preferences of consumers towards premium and designer eyewear brands globally. Consumer demand for high-quality products with emphasis on style, aesthetics, and brand value has increased significantly. This changing trend is influencing strategies of players in the eyewear market. Customers now want eyewear products that make a fashion statement and reflect their personality and taste. There is greater willingness to pay higher prices for branded eyewear that come with perceived notion of premium quality, latest designs, and latest lens technologies and after-sales service. This preference for premium branding over generic products has pushed many mainstream eyewear brands to elevate their product offerings, increase focus on celebrity endorsements and luxury retail experience. For example, brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Michael Korshave expanded their premium products portfolio targeting the luxury and fashion-conscious segment. The trend is quite evident in markets like the U.S., Western Europe, China, and India where disposable incomes are rising and more customers want affordable luxury. As per U.S. Department of Commerce reports, 2022, the overall eyewear export from U.S. grew from US$ 2.56 Bn in 2020 to US$ 3.07 Bn in 2022. During this period, the exports of premium designer frames witnessed disproportionately higher growth of over 20% annually compared to around 5% for generic frames. This highlights growing global demand for premium and luxury eyewear products. In order to leverage the ongoing preference for premium brands, eyewear companies are differentiating their offerings with new material innovation, latest lens technologies, celebrity endorsements and emphasis on brand reputation. Partnerships with luxury brands have also increased. These strategies are helping players to expand their customer base and command premium pricing. The growing trend clearly underlines the increasing willingness of customers to pay more for branded products that signify status and personality.

Growing demand for sunglasses with advanced lens technologies: The global eyewear market has been witnessing major changes over the past few years due to evolving consumer needs and advancements in lens technology. Sunglasses are no longer considered a mere fashion accessory but a lifestyle product that can make a major difference in terms of vision correction and eye protection. Myopia control lenses that can potentially slow the progression of near-sightedness in children are another revolutionary technology gathering interest.

Manufacturers are proactively leveraging these innovations to differentiate their offerings. For instance, major brands like Luxottica and Essilor have launched product lines with self-tinting and anti-blue light lenses. The popularity of outdoor and water sports has also boosted the need for high quality lenses that filter 100% of UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays and offer clarity of vision. Direct-to-consumer e-commerce platforms are further helping consumers sample and choose from a wide array of specialized lens types and coatings. According to a 2021 study by the Centres of Disease Control and Prevention, the number of eye injuries from outdoor recreational activities rose by over 10% from 2019 to 2021 with over 60% treatable by use of protective eyewear.

This has prompted lens companies to invest heavily in technologies like polarized photochromic coatings and compressive surf lenses that can make sunglasses safer, functional and comfortable for a variety of sporting needs. The adaption of new materials like blue blocking polycarbonate and high-index plastic in frame design have also enhanced product attractiveness. Sunglasses with advanced vision care solutions are clearly redefining industry prospects by attracting both fashion-conscious customers and those seeking visual performance and eye protection features.

Global Eyewear Market- Restraints

High cost of premium branded eyewear products: The high cost of premium branded eyewear products is significantly restraining the growth of the global eyewear market. Premium brands charge a large premium for their products solely based on the brand name rather than the quality or functionality of the products. While the materials and craftsmanship used in premium brands may be superior, the prices charged are excessively high and often several times more than non-branded eyewear using similar quality materials. This premium pricing makes such eyewear unaffordable for the masses and limits the addressable market size considerably.

This is restricting various market segments like youth and value-conscious customers from making regular purchases and upgrades. Many such customers settle for unbranded or lesser known brands just to fulfill their eyewear needs due to the steep pricing of premium options. The premium brands thus fail to attract a large portion of potential customers globally. This pricing barrier results in consumers prolonging the replacement cycle and reduces the total number of units sold annually in the market. According to data by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, in 2021 nearly 30% of customers in Europe cited eyewear affordability as their primary concern for delaying or avoiding an eyewear purchase.

Moreover, the pricing divide between premium and non-premium options has increased substantially over the past few years. For instance, top luxury brands now commonly charge anywhere between US$ 300 and US$ 500 or more for basic frames without lenses, whereas decent quality unbranded frames are easily available at under US$ 50. This expanding differential makes premium brands out of reach of the masses and shifts customers towards cheaper alternatives. Unless premium brands make conscious efforts to address affordability by offering more affordable designer lines or providing EMI/leasing options, their customer base will remain limited to urban metros and high income groups only.

Penetration of counterfeit products: The growing penetration of counterfeit products in the eyewear market poses a significant challenge for brands and manufacturers. Counterfeit products are directly impacting the sales and revenues of established brands. As consumers are often unable to discern the difference, they end up purchasing these counterfeits mistakenly. This leads to loss of customers and brand loyalty for established manufacturers over time. The negative impact of counterfeits goes beyond just lost revenues. Fake eyewear copies do not undergo strict quality control checks and often compromise on factors like ultraviolet protection, prescription accuracy and frame durability. This poses vision-related health risks to consumers. In some cases, counterfeit lenses have led to impaired vision or even eye injuries.

Counterbalance: One effective approach is to focus on enhancing brand reputation and consumer trust through robust authentication measures and transparent supply chains.

Recent Developments:

New Product launches:

• Bausch + Lomb is a global eye health company that provides a range of products and services to help people see well. Bausch + Lomb's product portfolio includes contact lenses, lens care products, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, and ophthalmic surgical devices. In October 2023, Bausch + Lomb announced the U.S. launch of SeeNa, an ophthalmic diagnostic system for refractive cataract patients that is fully integrated with Bausch & Lomb’s Intelligence surgical planning software to streamline surgical planning and information flow.
• In October 2023, Alcon announced the launch of TOTAL30 Multifocal, the monthly Water Gradient multifocal contact lens. The lenses have begun to roll out in the U.S., and in select international markets. Alcon is a leader in eye care, operating in the ophthalmic surgical and vision care markets. Alcon's portfolio includes products for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery, such as advanced technology intraocular lenses (ATIOLs) and surgical solutions.

Mergers and Acquisition:

• Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, is a leading medical technology company, the company's product portfolio covers a wide range of medical solutions, including visualizing minimally invasive surgical procedures for various medical fields such as ENT (Ear Nose Throat), spine, pathology, oncology, and dentistry.
• In December 2023, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG acquired the Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center (International) B.V. (D.O.R.C.). The acquisition will enhance and complement ZEISS Medical Technology’s broad ophthalmic portfolio and range of digitally connected workflow solutions for addressing a wide variety of eye conditions, including retinal disorders, cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors.

Figure 2. Global Eyewear Market Share (%), By Price Range, 2023

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Top Companies in the Global Eyewear Market

• Luxottica Group SpA
• Essilor International S.A
• Carl Zeiss AG
• Hoya Corporation (Life Care)
• Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.
• Cooper Companies Inc.
• Fielmann AG.
• Safilo Group Spa
• Marcolin S.p.A.
• De Rigo S.p.A.

*Definition: Eyewear refers to any device worn over both eyes and occasionally a single eye for one or more purposes. Historically, eyewear was used for vision improvement and correction, but it has evolved into eye protection, fashion, and aesthetic purposes. Eyewear can also be used for specialized or niche purposes such as active shutter 3D systems and night-vision goggles.