Usa: optimistic market outlook for prescription Eyewear

The market outlook for prescription eyewear remains very optimistic as suggested by Vision Council of America's most current monthly survey. Thanks go out to holiday shopping and the idea of starting the New Year right by having proper vision care. Following a 3.8 percent increase in November, the Prescription Eyewear 3-Month Purchase Index (P-3MPI), which measures consumers spending plans on prescription sunglasses and eyeglasses, posted a strong growth of 9.1 percent to a level of 113.9 in December (the largest reading since April). The spike in the P-3MPI was largely fueled by contact lenses. Spending plans for contact lenses surged by a staggering 46.3 percent following a double digit decline in the past month.

The sunglass market, on the other hand, appears weak as indicated by the latest survey. The Sunwear 3-Month Purchase Index (S-3MPI), which gauges spending plans on prescription and non-prescription sunwear, slid back slightly following a short rebound last month. S-3MPI dipped 0.8 percent to 96.2 on the heels of 25.0 percent increase in the previous reading. The declining demand was driven mostly by prescription sunglasses and sun clips. The market for non-prescription sunglasses appears stable.

The Vca Consumer Barometer Study is a monthly survey to analyze consumer intent regarding future eyewear purchases and eye exam frequency. It also gathers information on spending plans and consumer ideas on the eyewear industry.