Opticians
Companies in this industry sell prescription and other eyeglasses and contact lenses; they usually include a lab on premises to grind lenses to specifications. Major companies in the US include LensCrafters, National Vision, Pearle Vision, and Visionworks of America, as well as Fielmann (based in Germany) and GrandVision (the Netherlands).
Global revenue for the retail optical industry - including contact lenses, eyeglasses, and prescription and non-prescription sunglasses - is expected to reach a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% from 2022 to 2030, according to Grand View Research. About 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from some form of vision impairment, which has not yet been addressed, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
The retail optical industry in the US includes more than 12,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $10 billion.
Optometrists are covered in a separate industry profile.
Competitive Landscape
Demand is driven by demographics, fashion, and changing health care practices. Most important is the aging of the US population, which is increasing demand for eye exams and glasses. Large retailers enjoy economies of scale in purchasing and can offer a wider range of product styles. Small retailers can often compete successfully with large chains by offering convenient locations, specialized products, or superior service. Eyeglass purchases are mildly cyclical with the economy, as many consumers view extra glasses as an expense that can be deferred. The US industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 70% of revenue.
Although e-commerce only accounts for a small percentage of the eyeglasses market, a growing number of companies are selling glasses online. Warby Parker, most notably, has made waves by building a competitive online business before opening brick-and-mortar stores. The company is also one of several businesses that offer online eye exams. Responding to the trend, optometric industry advocates have argued that it is crucial for patients to receive custom fittings and have eye exams performed by doctors. Traditional eyeglass retailers have also moved into online sales, however.
Products, Operations & Technology
Opticians' main revenue come from the sales of glasses and contact lenses, which account for about 50% of the industry's revenue. Prescription eyeglasses
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Also includes the following chapters:
Quarterly Industry Update
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Industry Indicators
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Business Challenges
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Trends and Opportunities
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Call Preparation Questions
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Financial Information
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Industry Forecast
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Industry Websites
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Glossary of Acronyms