GITNUXREPORT 2026

Optometry Industry Statistics

The global optometry industry is large, growing, and increasingly focused on technological innovation.

Jannik Lindner

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

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

72% of Americans need vision correction.

Statistic 2

Myopia prevalence in U.S. children 42%.

Statistic 3

93% of smartphone users experience digital eye strain.

Statistic 4

Adults over 40: 80% need reading glasses.

Statistic 5

Global myopia affects 2.6 billion people.

Statistic 6

U.S. diabetic retinopathy screening need 8 million annually.

Statistic 7

Women more likely to visit optometrist 15% higher.

Statistic 8

Children under 6: 5% amblyopia prevalence.

Statistic 9

50 million Americans over 40 have cataracts.

Statistic 10

Dry eye syndrome affects 16 million U.S. adults.

Statistic 11

1 in 4 children have uncorrected vision problems.

Statistic 12

Elderly 65+: 50% have age-related macular degeneration risk.

Statistic 13

Hispanic Americans 60% higher glaucoma risk.

Statistic 14

Screen time average 7 hours/day for adults.

Statistic 15

Contact lens wearers 45 million in U.S.

Statistic 16

Astigmatism prevalence 33% globally.

Statistic 17

Presbyopia affects 1.8 billion worldwide.

Statistic 18

90% of vision loss preventable with optometry.

Statistic 19

Urban vs rural eye exam rates 2:1 ratio.

Statistic 20

34% of adults skip annual eye exams.

Statistic 21

Average reimbursement per eye exam $120 in U.S.

Statistic 22

Medicare covers 80% of optometry services for seniors.

Statistic 23

Insurance denial rate for vision therapy 25%.

Statistic 24

Optometry practice overhead costs 60-65% of revenue.

Statistic 25

Scope of practice expansion in 35 states.

Statistic 26

Average malpractice premium $5,000/year.

Statistic 27

HIPAA compliance costs $8,000 average per practice.

Statistic 28

Dry eye treatment reimbursement up 15% in 2023.

Statistic 29

Corporate optometry ownership 45% of practices.

Statistic 30

Student debt average $200,000 for optometrists.

Statistic 31

FDA regulates 95% of optometric devices.

Statistic 32

Tax deductions for equipment 100% bonus depreciation.

Statistic 33

Prior authorization required for 40% specialty lenses.

Statistic 34

Global harmonization of optometry standards 70% aligned.

Statistic 35

U.S. antitrust scrutiny on practice sales rising.

Statistic 36

Pandemic relief grants averaged $50,000 per practice.

Statistic 37

Non-compete clauses banned in 10 states for optometrists.

Statistic 38

Supply chain costs up 20% for lenses post-2022.

Statistic 39

Continuing education mandates 20 hours biennially in most states.

Statistic 40

There are approximately 41,000 optometrists in the U.S. in 2023.

Statistic 41

Optometrist employment projected to grow 9% from 2022-2032.

Statistic 42

Average U.S. optometrist salary $124,300 in 2023.

Statistic 43

75% of optometrists work in private practice.

Statistic 44

Optometry workforce shortage affects 20% of U.S. counties.

Statistic 45

12,500 optometry students enrolled in U.S. schools in 2023.

Statistic 46

Female optometrists now 52% of workforce.

Statistic 47

Median age of U.S. optometrists is 48 years.

Statistic 48

1 optometrist per 2,500 people in U.S.

Statistic 49

Canada has 6,800 optometrists serving 38 million.

Statistic 50

UK optometrist count 14,000 in 2023.

Statistic 51

Australia 5,200 optometrists.

Statistic 52

Job openings for optometrists average 1,200 annually in U.S.

Statistic 53

65% of optometrists own their practice.

Statistic 54

Optometry residency completion rate 40%.

Statistic 55

India has over 20,000 optometrists.

Statistic 56

Brazil optometry workforce 25,000.

Statistic 57

Global optometrist shortage in rural areas 30%.

Statistic 58

U.S. optometry grads 1,800 per year.

Statistic 59

25% of optometrists plan retirement in next decade.

Statistic 60

Telehealth optometrists increased 300% post-COVID.

Statistic 61

Part-time optometrists 28% of workforce.

Statistic 62

Optometrist turnover rate 8% annually.

Statistic 63

The global optometry services market size was valued at USD 62.3 billion in 2023.

Statistic 64

U.S. optometry market projected to grow at 5.2% CAGR from 2024-2030.

Statistic 65

Eyewear market reached $139 billion globally in 2022.

Statistic 66

North America holds 35% share of global optometry market.

Statistic 67

Optometry equipment market valued at $4.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 68

Asia-Pacific optometry market to grow fastest at 6.8% CAGR.

Statistic 69

U.S. vision care market size $28.5 billion in 2022.

Statistic 70

Global contact lens market $11.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 71

Optometry practice revenue averaged $850,000 per U.S. practice in 2022.

Statistic 72

Europe optometry market $18.7 billion in 2023.

Statistic 73

Dry eye diagnostics segment to grow at 7.5% CAGR.

Statistic 74

Tele-optometry market expected to reach $5.6 billion by 2030.

Statistic 75

U.S. optical retail sales $40 billion in 2023.

Statistic 76

Global myopia management market $8.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 77

Pediatric optometry segment growing at 4.9% CAGR.

Statistic 78

Sunglasses market $16.5 billion globally in 2022.

Statistic 79

Optometric EHR market $1.2 billion by 2028.

Statistic 80

Low vision aids market $4.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 81

Orthokeratology market $1.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 82

Vision screening devices market $2.9 billion by 2030.

Statistic 83

U.S. optometry market share by independent practices 55% in 2023.

Statistic 84

Global spectacle lens market $28 billion in 2023.

Statistic 85

Digital eye care market to hit $10 billion by 2027.

Statistic 86

Optometry consumables market $3.4 billion in 2022.

Statistic 87

Latin America optometry growth 5.1% CAGR.

Statistic 88

AI-powered OCT devices adopted by 45% of practices.

Statistic 89

Tele-optometry visits up 400% since 2020.

Statistic 90

Digital phoropters in 60% of U.S. clinics.

Statistic 91

VR for myopia control used in 15% pediatric practices.

Statistic 92

EHR adoption rate 92% among optometrists.

Statistic 93

Femtosecond lasers in optometry rising 20% yearly.

Statistic 94

Slit-lamp biomicroscopy digital upgrades 70%.

Statistic 95

AI diagnostics accuracy 95% for glaucoma.

Statistic 96

Wearable eye trackers in 25% research clinics.

Statistic 97

3D retinal imaging standard in 80% practices.

Statistic 98

Remote refraction tech in 30% telehealth.

Statistic 99

Blue light filtering lenses 55% consumer adoption.

Statistic 100

Corneal topography devices 85% prevalence.

Statistic 101

Smartphone fundus cameras used by 40%.

Statistic 102

Blockchain for patient records piloted 10%.

Statistic 103

Hyperspectral imaging emerging in 5% advanced centers.

Statistic 104

Robot-assisted exams in trials 2%.

Statistic 105

Big data analytics in 35% large chains.

Statistic 106

AR contact lenses prototyped for 1% market.

Statistic 107

Optomap ultra-widefield 65% adoption.

1/107

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As a staggering 72% of Americans need vision correction, the eye care industry isn't just growing—it's fundamentally reshaping our global health landscape with rapid technological adoption and expanding clinical demands.

Key Takeaways

The global optometry services market size was valued at USD 62.3 billion in 2023.
U.S. optometry market projected to grow at 5.2% CAGR from 2024-2030.
Eyewear market reached $139 billion globally in 2022.
There are approximately 41,000 optometrists in the U.S. in 2023.
Optometrist employment projected to grow 9% from 2022-2032.
Average U.S. optometrist salary $124,300 in 2023.
72% of Americans need vision correction.
Myopia prevalence in U.S. children 42%.
93% of smartphone users experience digital eye strain.
AI-powered OCT devices adopted by 45% of practices.
Tele-optometry visits up 400% since 2020.
Digital phoropters in 60% of U.S. clinics.
Average reimbursement per eye exam $120 in U.S.
Medicare covers 80% of optometry services for seniors.
Insurance denial rate for vision therapy 25%.

The global optometry industry is large, growing, and increasingly focused on technological innovation.

Consumer & Demographics

72% of Americans need vision correction.
Myopia prevalence in U.S. children 42%.
93% of smartphone users experience digital eye strain.
Adults over 40: 80% need reading glasses.
Global myopia affects 2.6 billion people.
U.S. diabetic retinopathy screening need 8 million annually.
Women more likely to visit optometrist 15% higher.
Children under 6: 5% amblyopia prevalence.
50 million Americans over 40 have cataracts.
Dry eye syndrome affects 16 million U.S. adults.
1 in 4 children have uncorrected vision problems.
Elderly 65+: 50% have age-related macular degeneration risk.
Hispanic Americans 60% higher glaucoma risk.
Screen time average 7 hours/day for adults.
Contact lens wearers 45 million in U.S.
Astigmatism prevalence 33% globally.
Presbyopia affects 1.8 billion worldwide.
90% of vision loss preventable with optometry.
Urban vs rural eye exam rates 2:1 ratio.
34% of adults skip annual eye exams.

Consumer & Demographics Interpretation

The stark reality of these statistics is that from the moment we are children glued to screens, through the prime of life demanding corrective lenses, and into our golden years facing inevitable age-related decline, our collective vision is a national—and global—crisis in plain sight, which we ironically keep ignoring by skipping our annual exams.

Economics & Regulation

Average reimbursement per eye exam $120 in U.S.
Medicare covers 80% of optometry services for seniors.
Insurance denial rate for vision therapy 25%.
Optometry practice overhead costs 60-65% of revenue.
Scope of practice expansion in 35 states.
Average malpractice premium $5,000/year.
HIPAA compliance costs $8,000 average per practice.
Dry eye treatment reimbursement up 15% in 2023.
Corporate optometry ownership 45% of practices.
Student debt average $200,000 for optometrists.
FDA regulates 95% of optometric devices.
Tax deductions for equipment 100% bonus depreciation.
Prior authorization required for 40% specialty lenses.
Global harmonization of optometry standards 70% aligned.
U.S. antitrust scrutiny on practice sales rising.
Pandemic relief grants averaged $50,000 per practice.
Non-compete clauses banned in 10 states for optometrists.
Supply chain costs up 20% for lenses post-2022.
Continuing education mandates 20 hours biennially in most states.

Economics & Regulation Interpretation

Optometrists today must navigate a labyrinth of regulation, rising costs, and corporate consolidation, all while balancing clinical growth with the reality that their hard-won expertise is often reimbursed at rates that barely keep pace with their monumental student debt.

Employment & Workforce

There are approximately 41,000 optometrists in the U.S. in 2023.
Optometrist employment projected to grow 9% from 2022-2032.
Average U.S. optometrist salary $124,300 in 2023.
75% of optometrists work in private practice.
Optometry workforce shortage affects 20% of U.S. counties.
12,500 optometry students enrolled in U.S. schools in 2023.
Female optometrists now 52% of workforce.
Median age of U.S. optometrists is 48 years.
1 optometrist per 2,500 people in U.S.
Canada has 6,800 optometrists serving 38 million.
UK optometrist count 14,000 in 2023.
Australia 5,200 optometrists.
Job openings for optometrists average 1,200 annually in U.S.
65% of optometrists own their practice.
Optometry residency completion rate 40%.
India has over 20,000 optometrists.
Brazil optometry workforce 25,000.
Global optometrist shortage in rural areas 30%.
U.S. optometry grads 1,800 per year.
25% of optometrists plan retirement in next decade.
Telehealth optometrists increased 300% post-COVID.
Part-time optometrists 28% of workforce.
Optometrist turnover rate 8% annually.

Employment & Workforce Interpretation

Despite the growing demand and healthy salaries, a quarter of our eye care professionals are nearing retirement, and with a critical shortage already affecting rural areas, we'd better hope the next generation sees the writing on the wall—and that it's in a very large, clear font.

Market Size & Growth

The global optometry services market size was valued at USD 62.3 billion in 2023.
U.S. optometry market projected to grow at 5.2% CAGR from 2024-2030.
Eyewear market reached $139 billion globally in 2022.
North America holds 35% share of global optometry market.
Optometry equipment market valued at $4.2 billion in 2023.
Asia-Pacific optometry market to grow fastest at 6.8% CAGR.
U.S. vision care market size $28.5 billion in 2022.
Global contact lens market $11.4 billion in 2023.
Optometry practice revenue averaged $850,000 per U.S. practice in 2022.
Europe optometry market $18.7 billion in 2023.
Dry eye diagnostics segment to grow at 7.5% CAGR.
Tele-optometry market expected to reach $5.6 billion by 2030.
U.S. optical retail sales $40 billion in 2023.
Global myopia management market $8.2 billion in 2023.
Pediatric optometry segment growing at 4.9% CAGR.
Sunglasses market $16.5 billion globally in 2022.
Optometric EHR market $1.2 billion by 2028.
Low vision aids market $4.8 billion in 2023.
Orthokeratology market $1.5 billion in 2023.
Vision screening devices market $2.9 billion by 2030.
U.S. optometry market share by independent practices 55% in 2023.
Global spectacle lens market $28 billion in 2023.
Digital eye care market to hit $10 billion by 2027.
Optometry consumables market $3.4 billion in 2022.
Latin America optometry growth 5.1% CAGR.

Market Size & Growth Interpretation

The world is squinting so hard at its screens that we've turned poor eyesight into a nearly quarter-trillion-dollar global industry, proving that clear vision is both priceless and incredibly profitable.

Technology Adoption

AI-powered OCT devices adopted by 45% of practices.
Tele-optometry visits up 400% since 2020.
Digital phoropters in 60% of U.S. clinics.
VR for myopia control used in 15% pediatric practices.
EHR adoption rate 92% among optometrists.
Femtosecond lasers in optometry rising 20% yearly.
Slit-lamp biomicroscopy digital upgrades 70%.
AI diagnostics accuracy 95% for glaucoma.
Wearable eye trackers in 25% research clinics.
3D retinal imaging standard in 80% practices.
Remote refraction tech in 30% telehealth.
Blue light filtering lenses 55% consumer adoption.
Corneal topography devices 85% prevalence.
Smartphone fundus cameras used by 40%.
Blockchain for patient records piloted 10%.
Hyperspectral imaging emerging in 5% advanced centers.
Robot-assisted exams in trials 2%.
Big data analytics in 35% large chains.
AR contact lenses prototyped for 1% market.
Optomap ultra-widefield 65% adoption.

Technology Adoption Interpretation

In a remarkable digital metamorphosis, the optometrist's office now hums with AI diagnostics and telemedicine, yet steadfastly clings to the precise, human-centered art of seeing you clearly.

Sources & References

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