Polycarbonate lenses remain a top choice in the eyecare industry, offering exceptional durability and UV protection in a lightweight design. But who’s actually choosing them, and how can eyecare professionals better position these lenses for their patients?

Analyzing over 7 million transactions from 1,000 ECP locations across the U.S., clear trends emerge:

• Children lead the way: With 77.75% adoption, polycarbonate lenses remain the top pick for pediatric patients, driven by safety concerns and eyecare provider recommendations.

• Young adults shift priorities: Adoption drops to 65% in the 18-24 group, as style and cost considerations take precedence.

• Middle-aged patients opt out: From ages 25-44, usage falls below 55%, suggesting a missed opportunity to communicate long-term durability benefits.

• Older adults see value again: At 61.50% adoption among 65+ patients, there’s a renewed interest in impact resistance and reliability.

What This Means for Your Business

• Are you emphasizing the right product benefits to the right patients?

• How can you bridge the gap between self-pay and managed vision care adoption?

• What role does eyecare provider education play in boosting sales?

By tailoring marketing strategies to each age group, eyecare providers can increase polycarbonate sales and help more patients experience the safety and comfort these lenses provide.

The full story goes deeper. Explore the complete dataset, uncover insights by payer type, and see how leading practices are adjusting their strategies here. —RON KREFMAN, OD