New research from the Contact Lens Institute™ (CLI) and the United Opticians Association (UOA) suggests that opticians play a significant role in supporting successful contact lens wear, while many in the profession say they would welcome greater involvement and additional education opportunities.
The findings are presented in the latest report from CLI’s See Tomorrow series initiative, which examines the perspectives of both patients and opticians regarding contact lens care and education. Insights from the research will also be discussed during expert panel sessions at OptiCon ’26 @ Vision Expo 2026.
Strong Patient Confidence in Opticians
The survey, conducted in January 2026 among U.S. and Canadian contact lens wearers, found high levels of trust in opticians. According to the report, 89% of respondents believe opticians play an important role in helping them achieve the best possible vision, while 83% say opticians are extremely or very valuable to their contact lens experience.
Interactions with opticians also appear to influence patient confidence in lens care. The research indicates that 84% of contact lens users say discussions with opticians improved their understanding of proper wear and care. In addition, 85% report they would likely seek help from an optician if they encountered a contact lens issue.
Patients also indicated strong expectations regarding opticians’ roles in contact lens education. More than 80% expect opticians to answer questions, provide insertion and removal training, and recommend resources that improve the overall experience.
Gaps Between Expectations and Practice
Despite these expectations, the research suggests that some aspects of care may not always align with patient expectations. For example, 70% of patients expect opticians to follow up after a new contact lens prescription through phone, email, or text, yet only 34% of opticians report providing such follow-up.
Overall, patient trust in opticians’ ability to deliver contact lens education and support was rated above 80%, a level comparable to consumer confidence in ophthalmologists and optometrists.
Education Opportunities Identified
The research also explored opticians’ perspectives on their own training and professional roles. While nearly half of opticians (48%) say their knowledge of contact lenses is comparable to their expertise in spectacle frames and lenses, 38% report having somewhat less knowledge in this area.
More than half of respondents (56%) say they would like to become more involved in the contact lens wearing experience for patients, while 28% remain uncertain.
Interest in additional training appears strong: 67% of opticians say they would take advantage of further contact lens education if it were available. Preferences for learning formats were nearly evenly split, with 52% favoring online education and 48% preferring in-person options.
“Success with contact lens wear is a team effort, and opticians play a vital role,” said Stan Rogaski, executive director of the Contact Lens Institute. “Our new research highlights opportunities for practices to better leverage opticians’ knowledge and the trust that patients place in them.”
Gwen Cooper, executive director of the United Opticians Association, added that opticians are eager to expand their expertise. “Opticians are visibly proud of their roles in supporting contact lens wearers and are keen to learn and do more,” she said.
About the Research
The consumer research was conducted online by Prodege on behalf of the Contact Lens Institute from January 19–27, 2026, among 500 U.S. and Canadian contact lens wearers aged 18 to 61. A separate professional survey, conducted by CLI and the United Opticians Association between January 19 and February 9, 2026, included responses from 248 U.S. opticians.
A consolidated report of the findings is available through the See Tomorrow resource page on the Contact Lens Institute website.
Click HERE for the press release.
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