April 26, 2023 — The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has published its comprehensive report about the significant yet untapped opportunity within the eyecare community of prescribing both contact lenses and glasses. Expanding upon data originally previewed at Vision Expo East in March, the full report, “Double Duty: The Patient & Practice Potential of Dual Contact Lens & Glasses Wear,” is now available for download.
Drawing from recently conducted custom research with more than 2,000 prescription vision-corrected U.S. adults, the latest report from CLI’s See Tomorrow series combines insights from industry leaders and includes previously unpublished data from The Vision Council. Additionally, columns authored by 2023 CLI Visionaries are placed throughout the publication, each offering examples of how to implement practice management behaviors based on the data.
According to CLI’s findings, more than 1 in 3 patients (36%) expressed interest in dual wear, and the report further explores why consumers define choice as a strongly compelling proposition with accompanying infographic illustrations into situational wear by activity, time of day, and day of the week.
The report details the demographics of dual wearers—employment status, household income, education, gender, and vision insurance coverage—while offering an understanding of what prompts a dual wearer to choose contact lenses or glasses. For both types of vision correction, convenience scored high at 31% and 37%, respectively, and details about self-confidence, quality of vision, physical activities, fashion, and comfort elements are also explored.
CLI’s research identified the need for eyecare professionals to discuss trials. Among glasses-only wearers, 32% said that a free contact lens trial would increase their consideration, and among those who reported that contact lenses were discussed at their most recent exam, only 10% were subsequently offered a trial. When glasses were discussed during exams for contact lens-only wearers, only 1 in 3 were offered the chance to look at glasses in the office.
“Having an industry association with our specific focus advance glasses prescribing—in conjunction with increased contact lens wear, of course—may be unexpected. But we firmly believe that the greatest potential for consumer satisfaction and professional success has a foundation in holistic eye care,” writes CLI executive director Stan Rogaski and CLI board chair Michele Andrews, O.D., in the report’s opening letter. “While some of the findings affirm what we have long suspected, and others are surprising, all contribute toward a more informed and effective community of eyecare professionals.”
Hear more from Dr. Andrews in an EB Facebook Live from Vision Expo East.
For more information: contactlensinstitute.org.