The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has partnered with the United Opticians Association (UOA) on new consumer and professional research exploring the role of opticians in the contact lens patient experience.
The findings are the focus of a recent report released ahead of this week’s Vision Expo in Orlando, Florida, and of two panel discussions held during OptiCon ‘26.
First up: Some background on this research.
See here to get familiarized with CLI’s ongoing See Tomorrow initiative of bi-annual custom research on the perspectives of eyecare providers (ECPs) and consumers.
And check out all our recent coverage on this—including the latest on cross-generational perceptions and drivers of Generation X, Millennial, and Generation Z patients within the eyewear space.
Now to the latest.
We’ll start with the basis for these findings: Two sets of online surveys conducted across North America earlier this year, from Jan. 19-27 (for consumers) and Jan. 19-Feb. 9 (for opticians).
- 500 U.S. and Canadian contact lens wearers (ages 18-61)
- 20% and 80% from the U.S. and Canada, respectively
- 34% Millennials, 34% Gen Z, 33% Gen X
- Their eyewear preferences:
- 30% primarily wear contact lenses
- 36% primarily wear glasses
- 30% wear lenses and glasses the same amount of time
- 19% only wear lenses to correct their vision
- Nearly 70% of respondents reported receiving annual eye exams (followed by 23% every other year)
- 248 U.S. opticians*
- 42% Gen X, 35% Millennials, 13% Boomers, 9% Gen Z (based on n = 202)
- Their practice leadership:
- 48% operating in an optometry-led practice
- 33% operating in an optician-only practice
- 13% operating a joint ophthalmology-optometry practice
- 6% operating in an ophthalmology-led practice
- The vast majority of respondents practiced in corporate retail (40%) and private practice (30%)
*72% of these respondents self-reported as holding a contact lens certification from the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) and/or another body.
And the report?
Vision for Growth: Opticionary’s Essential Role in Contact Lens Wear and Care “reinforces past CLI See Tomorrow findings that every member of the practice contributes to the wearing experience, according to Stan Rogaski, CLI’s executive director.
- The data also “highlights opportunities for practice leaders to better leverage opticians’ knowledge and the trust that patients place in them,” he added.
In the report, Rogaski and UOA Executive Director Gwen Cooper, MPA, CFRE, emphasized the findings unveil “several opportunities to engage and further educate” opticians.
- “Doing so has the potential to elevate patient care and expand the public’s appreciation for the substantial vision and lifestyle benefits of contact lenses,” they wrote.
Now with that in mind … let’s take a look at these findings.
With nearly 20 topics covered, we’ll give you an abbreviated rundown—starting with patients’ overwhelmingly positive viewing of opticians for contact lens success.
- 89% say opticians are important for achieving the best vision possible
- 83% say opticians are either extremely or very valuable for their contact lens experience
- 84% say their interactions with opticians increase their overall contact lens wear and care confidence
So, safe to say patients are relying on opticians for lens care assistance?
Indeed. In fact, over 85% of lens wearers reported favoring opticians as their first point of contact when experiencing any lens-related issues.
Even further: Around 90% (9 in 10) of patients expressed familiarity with opticians providing contact lens education and training—including expecting them to:
- Answer lens wearing questions
- Provide hands-on lens insertion and removal training
- Recommend resources for an improved lens wear experience
Stick with this patient expectation for a moment.
Sure—as a matter of fact, the findings revealed a gap between patient expectations and opticians’ current practice.
Case in point: In post-prescription follow-ups, about 70% of patients reported expecting an optician to follow up with them after receiving a new contact lens prescription.
- But the reality: Just 34% of opticians reported actually doing this.
The takeaway: Opportunities exist for opticians to improve patients’ engagement and overall satisfaction with their lens experience.
And while we’re on the subject of satisfaction …
It’s a perfect segue into contact lens dropout. Or, rather, how opticians can prevent dropout.
What the report found: Lens training (insertion and removal, to be precise) can make or break a patient’s decision to continue with their lens wear.
- The number: 74% of new lens wearers said more hands-on training on how to handle any lens issues would be a major incentive in their decision to continue wearing them.
Noted. Did the report dive into patient perceptions of opticians at all?
It did … particularly in terms of what factors they prioritize when evaluating opticians.
The answer(s): An optician’s contact lens knowledge and professionalism (expertise).
- And in polling: 60% of patients reported being “very satisfied" with the current guidance they receive—while 32% reported being “somewhat satisfied.”
- See here (page 21) for the top sources of lens dissatisfaction
Translation: There’s room for improvement for opticians to offer more contact lens education and overall communication.
Is that something opticians want to pursue?
Indeed it is. Over half (56%) of optician respondents reported interest in getting more involved with the contact lens patient wearing experience—and keep in mind: 48% said their current contact lens knowledge is similar to that of spectacle frames and lenses.
On the topic of professional education: Two-thirds (67%) indicated a high interest in additional contact lens training, if offered (either virtual or in-person, with the preferences split 50/50).
So! What’s the big-picture takeaway?
In general, the recent survey findings highlighted the critical—yet often underutilized—role opticians play in creating a positive contact lens experience for patients.
For the future: Opticians may want to consider increasing their involvement in contact lens education, training, and follow-up to improve patients’ overall experience—and their expertise.
So where can I see the full report for myself?
Head over here to download and view all 31 pages (for free!).