Optical Services Industry Trends

Aging US Population

An aging US population will have greater need for eye care and will also have the financial resources to pay for it. Between 2000 and 2010, the large 45 to 64 age group will grow 30 percent. This group has the most rapid change in the quality of vision, has frequent eye examinations, and can afford to buy multiple pairs of glasses and contact lenses.

Internet Optical Stores

Because glasses must be tailored to the shape of an individual's face, in particular to the distance between the eyes, Internet sales of glasses haven't been as successful as Internet sales of contact lenses. New systems for measuring faces may improve the ability of Internet optical stores to fit frames and lenses to an individual's face.