The Vision Council (TVC) has published its latest Consumer inSights Q2 2025 report, analyzing consumer behaviors and spending patterns across vision correction products and services. Based on a survey of more than 12,000 U.S. adults, the report examines trends in areas such as managed vision care, eye exams, prescription eyewear, reading glasses, and nonprescription sunglasses.

The findings indicate a modest shift in out-of-pocket spending during the second quarter, reflecting heightened price sensitivity among consumers. This shift is believed to be influenced by broader economic factors, including uncertainty around future prices of imported goods and reciprocal tariffs announced by the Trump administration in April.

The report highlights that in-person purchases continue to dominate, with 6 out of 7 glasses transactions occurring in physical retail settings. Fewer consumers spent over $200 on eyewear this quarter (a 2-percentage-point decrease from Q1), while 41% spent under $100 (up 3 percentage points). Among in-store purchases of nonprescription sunglasses, 44% of consumers spent less than $50 on their most recent pair.

“For the first time, we’re seeing indications that broader economic uncertainty, particularly ongoing trade negotiations and tariff concerns, may be influencing how consumers allocate their spending on vision care,” says Alysse Henkel, TVC vice president of research and insights. “The increased price sensitivity, especially for in-person eyewear purchases, suggests that consumers are hedging against potential future price increases. As we continue to monitor these trends, understanding the intersection between global policy shifts and everyday health-related decisions becomes even more critical.”

Other key findings from the report include the following:

• Eye exam rates remained steady, with 64% of adults having had an exam in the past year.

• Among individuals with managed vision care, 73% received an eye exam in the past 12 months, compared to 46% of those without coverage.

• Two-thirds (67%) of consumers who had an eye exam in the last three months paid less than $50 out-of-pocket.

• Thirty-two percent of consumers who purchased prescription glasses this quarter used funds from an FSA or HSA to cover part of the cost.

The full report is available here as a complimentary download for members and for nonmembers to purchase.