The market for optical goods and eyecare products was worth over £2 billion in 1999. Although the ageing population is helping to stimulate growth in the demand for optical goods and services, it is fashion that is perhaps having a greater influence on the sector. In an expanding designer market, the sale of couture frames is helping opticians to increase the average transaction value in the stores and the general image of the trade. With designer labels flourishing, new product development has been increasingly important in the spectacle frames market. However, retail promotion has been central in stimulating demand in the marketplace, with many offers such as 'two-for-one', and 'half-price frame sales' becoming, until recently, a central feature of the marketing strategy for many major groups. Yet are these promotions appealing to the wider customer? The contact lens market has moved very rapidly and there has been a huge uptake of daily-wear lenses, and the market has been driven by price in a similar way. Will price continue to play such a major role in the marketing strategy for contact lenses?

· Retail promotion has been particularly successful in stimulating demand in the marketplace.

· Is the 'designer' factor a stronger market driver than the ageing UK population?

· Many consumers are trading up to more fashionable styles, which has increased transaction value.

In the UK, almost six out of ten opticians businesses are small, but how large is their market share? This report looks at the retail market for spectacles, contact lenses and tablets, as well as sight tests and related items or services which are sold through opticians. With much emphasis placed upon franchising as it commits dedicated and motivated staff, and supplies the large chains with a route of expansion that requires less financial input, this report asks key industry figures about their sector. How much of an impact will the internet have on future trade, and what will be the outcome for those retailers based only in the UK? Opticians analyses the current trends in the marketplace and determines likely future developments.

Other Mintel reports of relevance are:

- Optical Goods and Eyecare, Market Intelligence, April 1999

- Sunglasses, Market Intelligence, April 1998.

If you want more details about this particular report, please contact the Mintel information team on +44 (0)20 7606 6000 or email them at enquiries@mintel.com.