In recent years we have seen the opticians market concentrate into the hands of fewer but larger businesses. Three major chains dominate the market, Specsavers, Vision Express and Boots Opticians. Market leader Specsavers has continued to add to its already high store numbers in the UK and opened its 900^th outlet in 2019, Vision Express took a leap forward when it bought Tesco Opticians at the end of 2017 and Boots Opticians continues to benefit from its strong heritage brand. But competition remains fierce, as online sellers build momentum, particularly in the contact lens sector. In retailing new entrants promise to deliver their own stylish designs at prices that undercut the brands.

In 2019 the market for optical goods and services grew by 3% to reach £3,339 million, helped by growth in the population, the ageing population and the ability of opticians to add value to sales with products such as varifocal spectacle lenses. The market for contact lenses, within this total, benefited from innovation including varifocal lenses and healthier, more comfortable materials.

This Report covers core goods and services sold through opticians including:

• Eye tests

• Prescription sunglasses

• Spectacle frames and lenses (we use the terms glasses and spectacles interchangeably)

• Contact lenses (including aftercare)

• Contact lens solutions through opticians, chemists and other outlets

• Non-prescription sunglasses including those sold by outlets other than opticians.

In addition, this Report includes eyecare solutions, such as Optrex, eyebaths and eye masks, which are used for the treatment of sore and tired eyes.

For the purposes of this Report, retail opticians’ shops and optical practices refer to shops staffed by qualified opticians. There are three types of practitioner:

Optometrists or Ophthalmic Opticians (often abbreviated to OOs) are registered with the General Optical Council and specialise in sight testing and the prescribing and dispensing of spectacles and optical appliances. They are trained to recognise eye diseases and abnormalities which may require further medical intervention.

Ophthalmic Medical Practitioners (OMPs) are fully qualified doctors with a speciality in eyes and eyecare. They are registered with the General Medical Council and can test sight and prescribe spectacles and other appliances. They are also trained in the detection and treatment of eye diseases and abnormalities.

Dispensing Opticians (DOs) are qualified to dispense, fit and supply spectacles, but they require an additional certificate to fit contact lenses. Dispensing opticians with additional qualifications can become contact lens opticians. Contact lenses may also be fitted by qualified OMPs and optometrists.

The following products may be discussed in the consumer analysis and referenced within the Report. However, they are excluded from market value sizes:

• Eye creams and gels for the skin around the eyes

• Prescription and over-the-counter eye drops for the treatment of allergies or eye infections

• Accessories such as spectacle cases and contact lens containers

• Laser eye surgery

• Hearing aids

• Minor Eye Conditions Service

Value figures throughout this Report are at retail selling prices unless otherwise stated. Market sizes at constant 2019 prices are calculated using Mintel’s chemist goods and personal services deflator.

In the light of new evidence from a variety of market sources, some market size data has been revised and may not therefore be directly comparable with previous Reports.

Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland.