In 2015 consumer spending on all optical goods and services rose by 2.4% in the year to reach £2,975 million. The best performing market segment was contact lenses, which saw sales increase by 2.9% to reach £564 million. The optical retail sector is concentrated into the hands of three large chains, Specsavers, Boots and Vision Express. Specsavers focuses on value, Boots positions itself as a health-led retailer and Vision Express is positioned as a quality optician with good healthcare. Independent opticians are gradually losing market share and many regional chains including Conlons and Rayners have been taken over by the multiples. Asda and Tesco have been improving market share helped by expansion of their in-house chains. These supermarket opticians are positioned at the low end of the price spectrum. Online selling has not made significant inroads in this marketplace but is becoming more established in contact lenses than in prescription spectacles.

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 eyecare solutions, such as Optrex, eye baths and eye masks, which are used for the treatment of sore and tired eyes.

The report also looks at the market for non-prescription sunglasses including those sold by outlets other than opticians.

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

• Spending on laser eye surgery

• Hearing aids.

Value figures throughout this report are at retail selling prices unless otherwise stated. Market sizes at constant 2014 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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