January 2014 Optical Business Rating Increases From December, Decreases From Prior Years’ January Ratings

NEW YORK—According to the latest Jobson Optical Research Optical Business Barometer (OBB), which rates independent ECPs' attitudes toward current and future optical business, the overall optical business rating has increased to 3.70 for January 2014, comparing to a December 2013 rating of 3.65. Though the month-to-month rating has increased, the January 2014 rating has declined from previous January ratings of 3.84 in 2013 and 3.81 in 2012, showing the lowest January rating since 2011.   Despite the decrease from January ratings of previous years, independent eyecare professionals' confidence rating, measuring their outlook of overall optical retail business for the upcoming six months, increased to 3.73 in January 2014 from a 3.70 rating in December. The 3.73 rating also compares to a 3.85 rating in January 2013 and 3.79 rating in January 2012, showing the lowest January outlook rating since 2011.   See more