Optometry and Optical Dispensing in Australia - Industry Market Research Report

Looking up: Digital eye strain is on the rise as Australians become more reliant on technology

Optometry practices and optical dispensing stores have contended with an increasingly competitive operating environment in recent years. New corporate players have continued to expand, while online competition has intensified, influencing the industry's performance. Ensuing price wars have pushed prices downwards, as both online and bricks-and-mortar optometry chains have competed for the growing number of consumers seeking competitively priced eyewear. The COVID-19 pandemic added to the industry's challenges, with national and regional lockdown measures restricting operations for many optical dispensing stores and eye clinics. These lockdown measures translated into lower routine eye care examinations and a dip in sales of spectacles and sunglasses. At the same time, a dramatic increase in digital device use during COVID-19 lockdowns has seen a growing number of Australians across all age groups suffer from deteriorating ocular health and digital eye strain.

The industry covers registered optometrists, optical dispensers and orthoptists. Optometrists primarily test eyesight, diagnose sight defects, and prescribe or dispense spectacles and contact lenses. Optical dispensers mainly dispense spectacles or contact lenses. Orthoptists diagnose and treat ocular muscle disorders.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.