GITNUXREPORT 2025

Optical Industry Statistics

Optical industry grows globally with innovations, market expansion, and technological advances.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The number of consumers purchasing eyewear online increased by over 45% during the pandemic, signaling a shift from brick-and-mortar stores

Statistic 2

The global optical market size was valued at approximately USD 136 billion in 2022

Statistic 3

The ophthalmic optics segment accounts for over 50% of the total optical industry revenue

Statistic 4

The contact lens market is projected to reach USD 15 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.8%

Statistic 5

Approximately 2.7 billion people worldwide suffer from refractive errors, which optical products aim to correct

Statistic 6

The Asia-Pacific region holds more than 60% of the global eyewear market share

Statistic 7

The global market for anti-reflective coatings is expected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2027

Statistic 8

The contact lens market's CAGR from 2020-2025 is estimated at 5.8%, indicating strong growth prospects

Statistic 9

The global glasses frame market is expected to reach USD 70 billion by 2028, from USD 45 billion in 2022

Statistic 10

Approximately 70% of visual impairment worldwide could be corrected with proper optical care

Statistic 11

The number of optometrists worldwide is estimated at over 200,000, with the majority practicing in North America and Europe

Statistic 12

The global market for digital eye strain solutions is expected to reach USD 4 billion by 2026, signifying rising demand

Statistic 13

The penetration of laser eye surgery has increased by 20% in the past five years in North America, indicating growing acceptance of surgical options

Statistic 14

The global bifocal lens market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2030, driven by aging populations

Statistic 15

Retail sales of sunglasses worldwide reached USD 16 billion in 2022, with the Asia-Pacific region leading sales volume

Statistic 16

The global spectacle lenses market size is projected to reach USD 56 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.7%

Statistic 17

The number of new optical retail stores increased by 18% between 2019 and 2023, reflecting industry growth

Statistic 18

The global reshaping and ophthalmic surgery market is projected to reach USD 10 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%

Statistic 19

The global market for optical sensors is expected to reach USD 5 billion by 2025, driven by automation and machine vision applications

Statistic 20

The majority of optical industry revenue in North America is generated from prescription eyewear sales, accounting for approximately 65%

Statistic 21

The global market for optical fibers is estimated to reach USD 11 billion by 2025, driven by increasing data transmission needs

Statistic 22

The average export value of ophthalmic devices from Germany was approximately EUR 2.5 billion in 2022, making it one of the leading exporters globally

Statistic 23

The global market for relay lenses in optical instruments is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2030, driven by automation and precision requirements

Statistic 24

The global market for ophthalmic diagnostic devices is projected to reach USD 4.7 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6%, driven by technological innovations

Statistic 25

The growth in home-based vision testing kits reached over 25% between 2020 and 2023, driven by telehealth adoption

Statistic 26

The market for wearable optical health devices, including smart contact lenses, is expected to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2025, reflecting technological trends

Statistic 27

The global market share for plastic optical fibers is approximately 65%, due to their lightweight and cost advantages

Statistic 28

The global demand for corrective eyewear is driven primarily by aging populations, with projections showing a 3.5% growth rate annually through 2030

Statistic 29

The optical industry ad spends globally reached USD 1.8 billion in 2022, emphasizing the importance of marketing in the sector

Statistic 30

The global market for ophthalmic pharmaceuticals is forecasted to reach USD 17 billion by 2025, driven by new drug developments

Statistic 31

The global adjustable-focus eyewear market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2023 to 2030, supported by innovations in adaptive lenses

Statistic 32

The global market for optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems is expected to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2026, driven by ophthalmology needs

Statistic 33

The global production of plastic optical fibers is expected to reach 500 million kilometers by 2025, supporting global communication needs

Statistic 34

The global market for intraocular lenses is projected to reach USD 6 billion by 2028, driven by an aging population and cataract surgeries

Statistic 35

The global optical component repair and refurbishing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030, reflecting industry maintenance needs

Statistic 36

The average annual expenditure on optical devices per household in North America exceeded USD 500 in 2022, indicating high consumer investment

Statistic 37

The total number of optical retail outlets worldwide surpassed 10,000 in 2023, showing market expansion

Statistic 38

The global market for optical filters is predicted to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2025, driven by applications in imaging and safety

Statistic 39

The global market for optical security features in banknotes and IDs is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% until 2027, driven by security needs

Statistic 40

The global demand for intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery is rapidly increasing, with a projected CAGR of 6% through 2028, due to aging populations

Statistic 41

The demand for prescription glasses is expected to increase by 4% annually until 2028

Statistic 42

The number of online optical stores has increased by over 30% from 2019 to 2023

Statistic 43

The usage of AR and VR headsets has increased by 80% from 2020 to 2023, driven by optical technology advancements

Statistic 44

The average price of a pair of prescription glasses has increased by 10% over the past three years

Statistic 45

The adoption of blue light filter lenses has grown by 60% from 2020 to 2023 among digital device users

Statistic 46

The eyewear rental market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030, driven by sustainability trends

Statistic 47

The market share of luxury eyewear brands increased by 15% in 2022, indicating a shift towards premium products

Statistic 48

The number of people wearing contact lenses increased by approximately 5% annually from 2018-2023, driven by comfort and aesthetic appeal

Statistic 49

Online optical prescriptions have increased by over 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a shift towards tele-optometry services

Statistic 50

The average lifespan of a pair of glasses is approximately 2 years before replacement due to damage or style change

Statistic 51

The adoption rate of personalized optical lenses increased by 25% in 2023, highlighting the demand for customization

Statistic 52

The use of smart glasses in industrial settings increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023 to improve safety and productivity

Statistic 53

The use of photochromic lenses increased by over 20% from 2019 to 2023, highlighting consumer preference for versatile eyewear

Statistic 54

The number of students enrolling in optical science and engineering degree programs increased by 15% between 2020 and 2023, demonstrating industry interest

Statistic 55

The adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly materials in optical manufacturing increased by 18% in 2023, reflecting a shift towards environmentally conscious products

Statistic 56

The demand for laser-based eye diagnostic devices increased by 22% from 2019 to 2022, indicating technological adoption in clinics

Statistic 57

The adoption of sustainable packaging in optical product manufacturing increased by 12% in 2023, aligning with environmental standards

Statistic 58

The use of AI in optical diagnostics has increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023, enhancing accuracy and efficiency

Statistic 59

The rate of stylish, fashion-oriented eyewear purchases increased by 20% in 2022, driven by consumer desire for aesthetic appeal

Statistic 60

The expansion of tele-optometry services has resulted in a 60% increase in remote eye exams during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating shifts in healthcare delivery

Statistic 61

The adoption of smart contact lenses for health monitoring is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25% through 2025, indicating innovative trends

Statistic 62

The global demand for corrective eyewear in emerging markets is projected to grow at a higher rate (4.5%) compared to developed markets, due to rising urbanization

Statistic 63

The share of eco-friendly optical lenses increased by 18% in 2023 compared to previous years, driven by consumer preferences for sustainable products

Statistic 64

The market share of modular and customizable eyewear solutions increased by 12% in 2022, reflecting consumer demand for personalization

Statistic 65

The adoption of eco-friendly production processes in optical manufacturing increased by 15% in 2023, reflecting sustainability initiatives

Statistic 66

Polycarbonate lenses account for over 40% of the optical lens market due to their impact resistance

Statistic 67

The use of 3D printing technology in optical components has grown by over 35% from 2020 to 2023, indicating technological advancements

Statistic 68

The growth of augmented reality (AR) devices integrated with optical technology is projected to grow at a CAGR of 42% until 2026, indicating significant technological advancement

Statistic 69

The use of 3D visualization in optical training and surgery planning has increased by 50% from 2020 to 2023, indicating technological advancement

Statistic 70

The number of collaborations between optical companies and tech firms grew by 35% from 2021 to 2023, reflecting integration of new technologies

Statistic 71

The number of patents filed related to optical materials and technologies increased by 15% from 2019 to 2023, reflecting innovation in the sector

Statistic 72

The growth in the use of biometric authentication in optical devices increased by 22% between 2020 and 2023, enhancing security features

Statistic 73

The adoption rate of biometric-enabled glasses increased by 30% from 2021 to 2023, reflecting technological integration in wearables

Statistic 74

The development of lightweight, durable optical composites grew by 20% from 2020 to 2023, driven by material innovation

Slide 1 of 74

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

The global optical market size was valued at approximately USD 136 billion in 2022
The ophthalmic optics segment accounts for over 50% of the total optical industry revenue
The contact lens market is projected to reach USD 15 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.8%
Approximately 2.7 billion people worldwide suffer from refractive errors, which optical products aim to correct
The demand for prescription glasses is expected to increase by 4% annually until 2028
The Asia-Pacific region holds more than 60% of the global eyewear market share
The number of online optical stores has increased by over 30% from 2019 to 2023
The global market for anti-reflective coatings is expected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2027
The usage of AR and VR headsets has increased by 80% from 2020 to 2023, driven by optical technology advancements
The contact lens market's CAGR from 2020-2025 is estimated at 5.8%, indicating strong growth prospects
The global glasses frame market is expected to reach USD 70 billion by 2028, from USD 45 billion in 2022
The average price of a pair of prescription glasses has increased by 10% over the past three years
Approximately 70% of visual impairment worldwide could be corrected with proper optical care

With a market valuation surpassing USD 136 billion in 2022 and rapid technological innovations, the optical industry is positioned for unprecedented growth, driven by rising global demand for eyewear, advanced diagnostics, and smart optical solutions.

Distribution Channels and Purchasing Behavior

The number of consumers purchasing eyewear online increased by over 45% during the pandemic, signaling a shift from brick-and-mortar stores

Distribution Channels and Purchasing Behavior Interpretation

The surge of over 45% in online eyewear purchases during the pandemic vividly illustrates that even in the eye of retail disruption, consumers are clearly opting for clearer, more convenient views—literally and figuratively.

Market Size and Segmentation

The global optical market size was valued at approximately USD 136 billion in 2022
The ophthalmic optics segment accounts for over 50% of the total optical industry revenue
The contact lens market is projected to reach USD 15 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.8%
Approximately 2.7 billion people worldwide suffer from refractive errors, which optical products aim to correct
The Asia-Pacific region holds more than 60% of the global eyewear market share
The global market for anti-reflective coatings is expected to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2027
The contact lens market's CAGR from 2020-2025 is estimated at 5.8%, indicating strong growth prospects
The global glasses frame market is expected to reach USD 70 billion by 2028, from USD 45 billion in 2022
Approximately 70% of visual impairment worldwide could be corrected with proper optical care
The number of optometrists worldwide is estimated at over 200,000, with the majority practicing in North America and Europe
The global market for digital eye strain solutions is expected to reach USD 4 billion by 2026, signifying rising demand
The penetration of laser eye surgery has increased by 20% in the past five years in North America, indicating growing acceptance of surgical options
The global bifocal lens market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2030, driven by aging populations
Retail sales of sunglasses worldwide reached USD 16 billion in 2022, with the Asia-Pacific region leading sales volume
The global spectacle lenses market size is projected to reach USD 56 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.7%
The number of new optical retail stores increased by 18% between 2019 and 2023, reflecting industry growth
The global reshaping and ophthalmic surgery market is projected to reach USD 10 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%
The global market for optical sensors is expected to reach USD 5 billion by 2025, driven by automation and machine vision applications
The majority of optical industry revenue in North America is generated from prescription eyewear sales, accounting for approximately 65%
The global market for optical fibers is estimated to reach USD 11 billion by 2025, driven by increasing data transmission needs
The average export value of ophthalmic devices from Germany was approximately EUR 2.5 billion in 2022, making it one of the leading exporters globally
The global market for relay lenses in optical instruments is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2030, driven by automation and precision requirements
The global market for ophthalmic diagnostic devices is projected to reach USD 4.7 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6%, driven by technological innovations
The growth in home-based vision testing kits reached over 25% between 2020 and 2023, driven by telehealth adoption
The market for wearable optical health devices, including smart contact lenses, is expected to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2025, reflecting technological trends
The global market share for plastic optical fibers is approximately 65%, due to their lightweight and cost advantages
The global demand for corrective eyewear is driven primarily by aging populations, with projections showing a 3.5% growth rate annually through 2030
The optical industry ad spends globally reached USD 1.8 billion in 2022, emphasizing the importance of marketing in the sector
The global market for ophthalmic pharmaceuticals is forecasted to reach USD 17 billion by 2025, driven by new drug developments
The global adjustable-focus eyewear market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2023 to 2030, supported by innovations in adaptive lenses
The global market for optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems is expected to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2026, driven by ophthalmology needs
The global production of plastic optical fibers is expected to reach 500 million kilometers by 2025, supporting global communication needs
The global market for intraocular lenses is projected to reach USD 6 billion by 2028, driven by an aging population and cataract surgeries
The global optical component repair and refurbishing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030, reflecting industry maintenance needs
The average annual expenditure on optical devices per household in North America exceeded USD 500 in 2022, indicating high consumer investment
The total number of optical retail outlets worldwide surpassed 10,000 in 2023, showing market expansion
The global market for optical filters is predicted to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2025, driven by applications in imaging and safety
The global market for optical security features in banknotes and IDs is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% until 2027, driven by security needs
The global demand for intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery is rapidly increasing, with a projected CAGR of 6% through 2028, due to aging populations

Market Size and Segmentation Interpretation

With a valuation of over USD 136 billion and promising growth in areas from contact lenses to digital eye health, the optical industry not only sharpens our vision but also illuminates a horizon where innovation, aging populations, and technological advances converge, making clear that seeing is truly believing in its market potential.

Market Trends and Environmental Sustainability

The demand for prescription glasses is expected to increase by 4% annually until 2028
The number of online optical stores has increased by over 30% from 2019 to 2023
The usage of AR and VR headsets has increased by 80% from 2020 to 2023, driven by optical technology advancements
The average price of a pair of prescription glasses has increased by 10% over the past three years
The adoption of blue light filter lenses has grown by 60% from 2020 to 2023 among digital device users
The eyewear rental market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030, driven by sustainability trends
The market share of luxury eyewear brands increased by 15% in 2022, indicating a shift towards premium products
The number of people wearing contact lenses increased by approximately 5% annually from 2018-2023, driven by comfort and aesthetic appeal
Online optical prescriptions have increased by over 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a shift towards tele-optometry services
The average lifespan of a pair of glasses is approximately 2 years before replacement due to damage or style change
The adoption rate of personalized optical lenses increased by 25% in 2023, highlighting the demand for customization
The use of smart glasses in industrial settings increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023 to improve safety and productivity
The use of photochromic lenses increased by over 20% from 2019 to 2023, highlighting consumer preference for versatile eyewear
The number of students enrolling in optical science and engineering degree programs increased by 15% between 2020 and 2023, demonstrating industry interest
The adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly materials in optical manufacturing increased by 18% in 2023, reflecting a shift towards environmentally conscious products
The demand for laser-based eye diagnostic devices increased by 22% from 2019 to 2022, indicating technological adoption in clinics
The adoption of sustainable packaging in optical product manufacturing increased by 12% in 2023, aligning with environmental standards
The use of AI in optical diagnostics has increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023, enhancing accuracy and efficiency
The rate of stylish, fashion-oriented eyewear purchases increased by 20% in 2022, driven by consumer desire for aesthetic appeal
The expansion of tele-optometry services has resulted in a 60% increase in remote eye exams during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating shifts in healthcare delivery
The adoption of smart contact lenses for health monitoring is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25% through 2025, indicating innovative trends
The global demand for corrective eyewear in emerging markets is projected to grow at a higher rate (4.5%) compared to developed markets, due to rising urbanization
The share of eco-friendly optical lenses increased by 18% in 2023 compared to previous years, driven by consumer preferences for sustainable products
The market share of modular and customizable eyewear solutions increased by 12% in 2022, reflecting consumer demand for personalization
The adoption of eco-friendly production processes in optical manufacturing increased by 15% in 2023, reflecting sustainability initiatives

Market Trends and Environmental Sustainability Interpretation

As optical technology sharpens and societal trends focus increasingly on sustainability, convenience, and innovation, the enduring rise in prescription demands, digital device protection, and eco-conscious eyewear signals a clear vision: the industry is not only improving the world's sight but also looking sharper—and greener—than ever before.

Product Innovation and Technology

Polycarbonate lenses account for over 40% of the optical lens market due to their impact resistance
The use of 3D printing technology in optical components has grown by over 35% from 2020 to 2023, indicating technological advancements
The growth of augmented reality (AR) devices integrated with optical technology is projected to grow at a CAGR of 42% until 2026, indicating significant technological advancement
The use of 3D visualization in optical training and surgery planning has increased by 50% from 2020 to 2023, indicating technological advancement
The number of collaborations between optical companies and tech firms grew by 35% from 2021 to 2023, reflecting integration of new technologies
The number of patents filed related to optical materials and technologies increased by 15% from 2019 to 2023, reflecting innovation in the sector
The growth in the use of biometric authentication in optical devices increased by 22% between 2020 and 2023, enhancing security features
The adoption rate of biometric-enabled glasses increased by 30% from 2021 to 2023, reflecting technological integration in wearables
The development of lightweight, durable optical composites grew by 20% from 2020 to 2023, driven by material innovation

Product Innovation and Technology Interpretation

As optical technology advances at a blistering pace—from polycarbonate lenses dominating the market for their resilience to a surge in 3D printing, AR, and biometrics—it’s clear that innovation is not just shaping the future of vision correction but redefining how we see and interact with the world.