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Canadian Vision Care Landscape: New Report Reveals Key Trends in 2025
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Toronto, ON – A newly released report offers a detailed snapshot of the Canadian vision care market, revealing crucial data on consumer behavior and access to eye health services. The Consumer insights Canada report, covering the first two quarters of 2025, provides actionable intelligence for industry stakeholders, from suppliers to practitioners.
Report Overview and Methodology
The Vision Council’s latest Canadian research series analyzed data collected from an online survey of 3,077 Canadian adults aged eighteen and over. Conducted monthly between january 1 and June 12, 2025, the survey was administered in both English and French, utilizing a variety of devices. Data was carefully weighted and validated to accurately reflect the national demographics of Canada, considering factors like age, gender, income, and geographic region.
Key Findings: A deep Dive into Consumer Habits
Vision Correction and Eye Exam Frequency
The study found that a significant majority – 82 percent – of Canadian adults utilize some form of vision correction. Specifically,69 percent rely on prescription eyewear,encompassing glasses,contact lenses,and prescription sunglasses.
Did You Know? The Canadian National Eye Care Survey (CNECS) highlights the growing prevalence of myopia, or nearsightedness, among canadian youth, potentially driving increased demand for vision correction services in the future.
While half of respondents reported having an eye exam within the past year, a concerning 30 percent hadn’t seen an eye care provider in over two years.This gap presents a strategic possibility for patient reactivation and emphasizes the importance of proactive outreach initiatives. The Net Promoter Score (NPS) for eye exam providers registered a strong 46, indicating high levels of consumer satisfaction across both self-reliant and corporate practices.
Vision Care Insurance Coverage
Approximately 43 percent of Canadians have vision care insurance, with employer-sponsored plans being the most prevalent source, accounting for 52 percent of coverage. This suggests a strong link between employment status and access to affordable vision care.
Eyewear Purchasing Trends
Nearly half - 47 percent – of prescription eyewear users made a purchase within the last year. Purchases were almost evenly split between independent optical providers (46 percent) and larger corporate or chain retailers (51 percent). Interestingly,in-person purchases remain dominant,accounting for 87 percent of all prescription glasses transactions. Though, a notable 34 percent of individuals who previously purchased glasses online reverted to in-person shopping for their most recent pair.
Pro Tip: The return to in-person shopping may be driven by the desire for professional fitting,personalized advice,and the ability to try on frames before purchasing.
Data Summary
| Metric | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Vision Correction Usage | 82% |
| Prescription Eyewear Usage | 69% |
| Eye Exam in Past Year | 50% |
| No Eye Exam in Over 2 Years | 30% |
| Vision Care Insurance Coverage | 43% |
| Eyewear Purchase in Last Year | 47% |
| In-Person Prescription Glasses Purchases | 87% |
Why This Matters: Strategic Implications for the Industry
This report delivers a foundational understanding of the Canadian vision care landscape, empowering suppliers, retailers, insurers, and healthcare providers to refine their strategies based on real-world consumer behaviors. The expanded demographic and product-specific data supports more targeted planning in a dynamic and diverse market. Understanding these trends is crucial for optimizing service delivery and meeting evolving consumer needs.
are Canadians prioritizing convenience or personalized service when choosing where to purchase eyewear? How can eye care professionals effectively re-engage patients who haven’t had an exam in over two years?
Looking ahead: Long-Term Trends in Vision Care
Several long-term trends are poised to shape the future of vision care in Canada. The aging population will likely drive increased demand for age-related eye care services, such as cataract surgery and glaucoma management. Technological advancements, including telehealth and artificial intelligence, are also expected to play a growing role in eye care delivery. Moreover, increasing awareness of the link between eye health and overall well-being may lead to greater emphasis on preventative care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of Canadians use vision correction? 82% of Canadian adults use some form of vision correction.
- how frequently enough are Canadians getting eye exams? 50% of respondents had an eye exam in the past year.
- What is the primary source of vision care insurance in Canada? Employer-sponsored plans are the most common source, covering 52% of insured individuals.
- Are Canadians buying glasses online? While in-person purchases dominate (87%),34% of former online buyers returned to in-store shopping.
- What was the Net Promoter Score for eye exam providers? The NPS was 46, indicating a hi
