The Vision Council (TVC) has released its Market inSights Q1 2025 report, providing an overview of the optical industry’s performance during the first quarter of the year. The report details the total market value and volume of core optical products and services, along with updated forecasts for the remainder of 2025.

“This most recent Market inSights quarterly report delivers visibility into the current state of the optical industry and what consumers are prioritizing,” says Alysse Henkel, vice president of research and insights. “Looking at how the data compares to previous quarters and year-over-year comparisons has better empowered us to update our 2025 estimated forecast to aid industry leaders looking to plan strategically for the future.”

According to the report, the market value and volume of eye exams remained steady from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025, an unusual trend given the typical seasonal increase associated with managed vision care benefit resets. Prescription lenses led the category in market value, rising 1.4% compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, the volume of frames sold declined year over year, though the average price per frame increased.

The report also highlighted notable growth in several categories. Plano sunglasses saw double-digit growth in both market value and volume over the previous year and quarter, while readers experienced gains in both metrics as well. Contact lenses posted a 12% increase in volume since Q4 2024.

These findings are based on a combination of consumer retail credit card data, patient billing and payment records, optical retail location data, and consumer surveys. TVC notes that all data sources are routinely reviewed, with estimates subject to adjustment as new information becomes available.

The full Consumer inSights Q1 2025 report, which includes more than three years of trended data, is available here as a complimentary download for members and for nonmembers to purchase.