Oct. 31, 2023 — The Vision Council (TVC) has revealed opinions and habits of U.S. consumers regarding vision correction, managed vision care, eye exams, prescription eyewear, reading glasses, and plano sunglasses in its latest report, Consumer inSights Q3 2023.
 
While data remained largely consistent with TVC’s inSights Q1 and Q2 reports, the Q3 report offers insight on the average consumer exam cycle. Findings indicate the average time between exams is 17 months, with 40% of respondents having an eye exam exactly one year ago and 1 in 3 having their last exam over a year ago. TVC notes that the median number, 12 months, is a better estimate of typical consumer behavior.
 
According to Alysse Henkel, TVC senior director of market research and analytics, the report underlines the importance of prioritizing annual eye exams. Despite 79% of respondents relying on some form of vision correction, 34% report not receiving an eye exam in the last year. Henkel says this points to an “incredible opportunity for our industry to engage these consumers and emphasize the value in completing an eye exam annually, especially if you use a form of vision correction.”  
 
Findings also indicate a disparity between generations, as Generation Z and millennial respondents undergo annual exams less frequently than Generation X and baby boomers.
 
Additionally, 66% use prescription eyewear, and 53% of those respondents made an eyewear purchase in the last 12 months. Two-thirds report having some type of managed vision care coverage. Thirty percent report using reading glasses, and 59% wear plano sunglasses.
 
The reports are available here as a complimentary download for members and for nonmembers to purchase.
 
For more information: thevisioncouncil.org.