Forecasts for eyeglasses market

According to consultancy company Euromonitor, in 2005 the world market for eyeglasses will have a turnover of 8 billion euros. Contributing to the upturn in sales of corrective, polycarbonate and antireflection lenses, and multifocal lenses in particular, is the increase in the population aging rate (in 2025 there will 15% more over 60s, rising to 21% in 2050) and the growing demand from emergent markets, such as India and China.

In these countries, 65% of the population need glasses, but only 22% wear them. Again according to Euromonitor, in the eyewear sector corrective lenses represent 41% of total global sales compared to 27% for frames, 15% for sunglasses, 11% for contact lenses and 5% for lenses worn after surgery.

(Source: Borsa & Finanza)