Contact lens fits increased in 2007

According to the GfK NOP Opticians Monitor, a regular survey of UK practitioners, the number of new contact lens fittings increased in 2007. In fact the survey showed a 9.9% increase in the number of new contact fittings from 2006 to 2007. New fits were defined as new to a particular type of lens, so does include refitting to a new lens type.

Daily disposable lenses continued their growth in the market to reach almost 40% of fittings during 2007. Monthly replacement lenses showed growth during the course of 2007 whilst those with a replacement schedule between 1 and 3 weeks showed a noticeable decline from the first half of the year to the second. Switch fits or refits between lens types accounted for about 50% of fits in 2007, new wearers made up 27% and lapsed wearers 19% of fits. Interestingly new wearers made up a higher proportion of daily disposable fits at 34% for daily disposable fits, with fits to lapsed wearers also higher at 24%, perhaps reflecting the lifestyle benefits that daily disposable lenses can offer to patients compared to previously worn lenses.

When looking at the age of patients fitted with contact  lenses, the average age for daily disposable patients was 33. However, the spread of ages seems to be increasing . While the number of fits to the median age groups was fairly stable, the number of fits to under 18s and over 54s showed a noticeable increase in the second half of the year compared to the first. This may reflect both an increasing awareness of contact lenses amongst teenagers, as well as the changing self perception of presbyopic groups who do not feel or want to be considered “old”, and still embrace active lifestyles. These two groups represent a great opportunity for those practitioners wanting to grow their contact lens business.

The average age for non daily disposables was slightly higher at 35.3, whereas for coloured lenses the average age was noticeably younger at only 24.6. When considering multifocal fittings the average age was 53.40. Significantly just over 30% of multifocal fittings were to patients over 54 years of age, further dispelling the perception that “seniors” are not interested in contact lenses or maintaining a youthful look.