The US optical industry grew in overall value in 2025, reaching an estimated $69.5 billion, even as the number of products purchased and eye exams conducted declined, according to The Vision Council (TVC)’s “Market inSights 2025 With 2026 Forecast.”
The report indicates that while unit sales fell across nearly all major categories, higher prices and a focus on value helped sustain revenue growth. Consumers appeared to prioritize fewer, higher-cost purchases amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
Incorporating transaction data, retail location information, and consumer surveys to provide a comprehensive view of the US optical market, the report covers prescription lenses, frames, contact lenses, plano sunglasses, reading glasses, and eye exams, as well as trends in vision correction use, managed vision care participation, and retail channels.
Key Findings
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Total industry value increased modestly from 2024 to $69.5 billion. Ophthalmic lenses remained the top prescription category by value, while plano sunglasses led nonprescription sales.
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The total value of eye exams rose, despite a decline in the number of exams performed. The average exam cost increased by $10 compared to 2024.
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Economic uncertainty and evolving trade policies affected consumer sentiment, but spending remained relatively resilient, indicating more selective purchasing rather than disengagement.
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Sales of plano sunglasses increased by 2% in 2025, in contrast to declines in most other optical categories.
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In-person purchases dominated, with more than 80% of frames and lenses sold in physical stores. Contact lenses had the highest proportion of online sales.
The report also includes a 2026 forecast, highlighting potential areas for growth, including continued consumer spending and possible impacts from tax refunds that could offset the downward trend in product volume.
The full report is available to members for free and for nonmembers to purchase here. OM