Sept. 12, 2024 — The Vision Council (TVC) has released a new report analyzing the vision care habits and purchasing trends of Canadian consumers during the first half of 2024. The survey provides detailed insights into areas such as managed vision care, eye exam frequency, and buying behavior for prescription eyewear, reading glasses, and nonprescription sunglasses.

Key findings from the Consumer inSights Canada Q1 and Q2 2024 report show that 45% of Canadians have managed vision care benefits, with 53% receiving coverage through employers and 25% through government programs. Eye exams are often infrequent, with the average Canadian going 21 months between appointments. Eyewear purchases also follow a longer cycle, with an average gap of 26 months between buys.

The report notes that 46% of Canadians have purchased blue light-blocking glasses, indicating growing concern over screen exposure. In terms of eyewear purchases, 87% of recent purchases were made in person, while 13% were bought online. Contact lenses, however, were more frequently purchased online, at a rate of 23%.

Additional data from the report shows:

• 81% of respondents use some form of vision correction, including glasses, reading glasses, and contact lenses.
• 49% of respondents had an eye exam in the past year.
• 32% reported paying $99 or less out-of-pocket for their glasses or lenses.
• 56% of Canadians wear nonprescription sunglasses.

The full report is available here as a complimentary download for members and for nonmembers to purchase.