Do ECPs Want to “buy Canadian”?

Monday, March 10 2025 | 10 h 44 min | News

Survey: Canadian ECPs Show Strong Preference for Locally Sourced Optical Products

A recent survey conducted in February and March 2025 reveals that Canadian Eye Care Professionals (ECPs) are increasingly mindful of where their optical products come from, with a strong preference for Canadian-made options—if available at competitive pricing and quality. However, the results also highlight a lack of transparency in sourcing, with many ECPs unaware of the actual country of origin for the frames, lenses, and contact lenses they purchase.

Survey Participation and Respondent Profile

The survey gathered 131 responses from Canadian ECPs, with:

• 64% identifying as Optometrists
• 67% working in Independent Optometry Clinics, while the remainder were split among Independent Optical Stores, Retail Chains, and other business models.

This respondent mix provides insight into purchasing preferences among decision-makers in independent practices, a key segment of the optical industry.

Limited Awareness of Product Origins

The findings indicate that most ECPs do not know the exact country of origin for the products they stock:

• Ophthalmic Lenses – Only 27% of respondents were “Very Certain” or “Often” aware of their origin.
• Eyewear Frames – Awareness was higher, with 55% having some knowledge, but only 22% reporting certainty.
• Contact Lenses – Awareness was lowest, with only 12% “Very Certain” of country of origin.

This uncertainty is due in part to a lack of labeling requirements in Canada, as well as the complexity of global supply chains. One respondent noted:

“Even for companies that say their products are made in Canada, many of the parts are sourced elsewhere. It’s hard to know how much is actually being produced domestically.”

Another highlighted the need for clearer labeling:

“I would love to receive more information on where products are made if such information was available.”

Strong Preference for Canadian Sourcing

When asked where they would prefer to source their optical products—assuming equal price and value—ECPs ranked their preferences as follows:

1️⃣ Canada
2️⃣ Europe
3️⃣ Asia
4️⃣ USA

This aligns with growing consumer interest in Canadian-made goods, particularly in response to recent tariff threats and trade tensions. As one respondent put it:

“Since the tariff threats, many patients have asked about country of origin and specifically about Canadian-made products.”

Another added:

“Although buying Canadian hasn’t been a priority in the past, with the recent climate, it has been brought up more and more. Both patients and staff members want to be consciously buying Canadian.”

Would ECPs Switch to Canadian Alternatives?

If given the option, 53% of ECPs said they would make an effort to switch to Canadian-made products, while another 44% said they might, depending on cost, quality, and availability. Only 2.5% indicated that country of origin would not influence their purchasing decisions.

Some respondents emphasized the need for competitive pricing and quality to drive this shift:

“If the industry provided great quality at good pricing, I think more ECPs would actively choose Canadian products. But we have to make the shift collectively.”

Others noted the lack of available Canadian-made options, particularly in frames and lenses:

“I struggle to find Canadian brands from a manufacturing aspect and would happily stock Made in Canada alternatives that also support sustainability and environmental consciousness.”

Do Patients Ask About Country of Origin?

Although ECPs themselves are becoming more aware of sourcing, patient inquiries about country of origin remain limited:

• 15% of ECPs said patients frequently ask about the origin of their lenses, frames, or contact lenses.
• 40% reported occasional inquiries from patients.
• 28% said it is rare, and 17% have never been asked.

However, interest in Canadian-made options appears to be increasing:

“I will bring up the Made in Canada products, and most patients appreciate the information and choose Canadian. This has been more pronounced over the past month.”

The Challenge of Determining Country of Origin

For frames in particular, determining country of origin is not always straightforward. Even when labeled as “Made in [Country X]”, frame production often involves a global supply chain. Materials such as acetate, hinges, screws, and temples may be sourced from multiple countries before final assembly. As a result, a frame designed in Canada but assembled elsewhere may contribute to the Canadian economy, but not qualify as truly “Made in Canada.”

One respondent reflected on this challenge:

“One needs to define country of origin. Designed in Italy, manufactured in China, inspected and assembled in Italy, distributed by a U.S. company—so which is the origin?”

Another emphasized the value of Canadian design and branding even when manufacturing occurs abroad:

“Fully designed and made in Canada is rare. But frames designed by Canadian-domiciled companies still contribute to our economy and industry.”

What Should ECPs Ask Their Suppliers?

With limited transparency in product sourcing, ECPs can take a more proactive role by asking suppliers key questions, including:

🔍 For Ophthalmic Lenses:

• Where are these lenses manufactured and processed?
• Are coatings and edging done in Canada?
• Are fully Canadian-made lens options available?

👓 For Eyewear Frames:

• Where are these frames designed and assembled?
• Do Canadian-branded frames use imported components?
• Are there truly Made-in-Canada frame options?

🛠️ For Finished Jobs from Labs:

• Where do the lab’s lenses come from—Canadian sources or imports?
• Are coatings and edging services performed in Canada?
• Can I request Canadian-sourced materials?

One respondent summed it up:

“We should all be more mindful of where products are made and be able to speak to that comfortably.”

Final Takeaways

This survey confirms that while ECPs have limited awareness of product sourcing, there is strong interest in Canadian-made optical products, particularly as economic and political factors shift buying preferences. However, the industry faces challenges in transparency and availability, particularly for frames and lenses.

Looking ahead, greater visibility on product sourcing and clearer labeling could help both ECPs and patients make more informed choices.