Visiting the optician is the gateway to sales of optical goods in this regulated industry. People must have an eye examination by a qualified professional in order to get a prescription and once they have a prescription they usually go on to buy the eyewear they need to correct their vision. This is one reason why opticians have remained fairly insulated from competition from generalist retailers and online sellers, and up until recently the main battleground for market share has been among the opticians chains and independents. But are people prepared to check their own vision, perhaps with an app? Do they value the health checks that an eye examination includes?
In a climate where the grocery superstores are keen to add any services they can in order to generate non-food sales, we are seeing expansion of in-store opticians. The grocers have already made significant inroads into pharmacy, a similar sector, and opticians are a logical next step. The in-store opticians employ qualified staff in just the same way that a conventional optician must and can deliver similar levels of care and similar ranges, but often at extremely low prices. The big issue for conventional opticians is competing, as high street shops are loaded with many more operating costs including rent and rates. While an in-store optical outlet only needs to make a contribution to cover its use of space, a standalone high street shop is much costlier to run. So competition is intensifying as Tesco (run by Galaxy), Asda and Sainsbury’s (via an arrangement with Mee) add to their in-store opticians chains.
This report takes a look at optical goods and sunglasses. It examines consumer spending, looks at what consumers are buying and where they are buying it. It examines the demographic profile of people who are buying from supermarkets or online and also looks at the factors that influence their decisions about where to buy.
This report covers core goods and services sold through opticians including:
Eye tests
Prescription sunglasses
Spectacle frames and lenses (we use the term glasses and spectacles interchangeably)
Contact lenses (including aftercare)
Contact lens solutions through opticians, chemists and other outlets.
In addition, this report includes eye care solutions, such as Optrex, eye baths and eye masks, which are used for the treatment of sore and tired eyes.
The report also covers sales of non-prescription sunglasses including those through opticians and all other retail outlets.
For the purposes of this report, retail optician shops and optical practices refer to shops staffed by qualified opticians. There are three types of practitioner:
Optometrists (OOs, Ophthalmic Opticians) 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 eye care. 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.
Excluded
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
Spending on laser eye surgery
Hearing aids.
Value figures throughout this report are at retail selling prices unless otherwise stated. Market sizes at constant 2013 prices are calculated using Mintel’s chemist goods and personal services deflator.
In the light of new evidence from a variety of market sources the market size data have been restated and may not therefore be directly comparable with previous reports.
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