Transitions Optical Research Reveals Consumer Preferences

Wednesday, September 23 2015 | 00 h 00 min | Press Release

Nearly all Canadians would try a specific lens colour if they knew it could enhance their vision

LAS VEGAS– Recent research of Canadians and their eyecare professionals from Transitions Optical, Inc. confirms that the experience of learning about eyewear options is a positive and interesting one for most Canadians, and that Canadians are particularly interested in learning about the technology behind their eyewear. In a national survey, eight out of 10 Canadians said they look forward to hearing about new eyewear options from their eye care professionals.[i]

In a separate survey, eyecare professionals were asked what topics their patients were more interested in today than five years ago. Technology (78 percent) was the top trend reported, followed by overall health (66 percent), eye health (44 percent) and the environment (43 percent).[ii]

The consumer survey also explored awareness of the link between a lens’ colour and what that means for a wearer’s vision, and uncovered a technology education opportunity.

The survey found that nearly six out of 10 Canadians think that the colour of a lens has to do more with style and cosmetics rather than function and vision. Yet 90 percent of Canadians said they would be willing to try a specific lens colour if they knew it could enhance their vision.

“Most eyecare professionals say that they are inclined to discuss the functional benefits of lens colour even more than the fashion benefits – this is right on target to pique the interest of today’s technology-driven patients,” said Isabelle Tremblay-Dawson, senior marketing manager, Canada, Transitions Optical. “It’s an exciting time for eyewear because more people are allowing their eyeglasses to be an expression of themselves. Whether it’s lens colour, material or frame styles, many options exist so that consumers can enhance both their vision and style at the same time.”

Transitions Optical recently expanded its colour availability in Transitions^® Signature^™ and Transitions^® XTRActive^® lenses, now available in gray, brown and graphite green. In addition to offering another colour option to suit a wider range of style preferences, the brown and green colors enhance contrast, providing eyecare professionals an opportunity to discuss how these Transitions^® lenses enhance vision – appealing to the technology-focused patient as well as the fashion-forward one. For questions regarding product availability and pricing, eyecare professionals should contact their lens manufacturer or lab.

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 [i] Online survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Transitions Optical, Inc., among 1,000 Canadian adults, ages 18-69. The survey included oversamples to statistically significant subgroups of Asian Canadians, African Canadians and Aboriginal Canadians and was fielded between February 20th and March 6th, 2015.

[ii] Eyecare professional online survey was conducted by Breton Communications on behalf of Transitions Optical, Inc. among 218 professionals (22% optometrists; 63% opticians/dispensers; 15% other) between February 26 and March 13, 2015.