The most recent set of consumer data from VisionWatch Canada is firming up the confidence in the numbers released in the summer of 2015.  The Q4 data shows that the key measures from the initial study are confirmed, including 65% use of any vision correction device, 26% of the adult population having an eye examination in the last 6 months and a 2.5 year eyewear repurchase cycle.

The reported Contact lens penetration rate jumped from 9% to 14%, which likely reflects a baseline adjustment rather than real growth in the CL market per se.  The US is reported at 16%.

Also, the per cent of population with Private Vision Insurance Coverage is reported at 18% (versus 50% in the US).  This figure appears to be substantially understated.  The questionnaire wording used terminology unfamiliar to Canadian consumers which may have led to the understatement. Industry executives we spoke with, put the estimate closer to 40% of adult consumers with at least some level of private insurance coverage for eyewear.

Contact Lens internet channel sales as a per cent of total purchases were reported at 20%, remains a full order of magnitude higher than that of frames/glasses, which is included in “other” and accounts for 3% of total sales.

One significant point of departure from the US market is the high per cent of AR penetration in Canada versus US.  Per cent of glasses with AR is 62, twice that of the US market at 30%.  It appears as though Canadian Eye Care Professionals are doing a great job of promoting the benefits of AR coatings and consumers are getting the message.   Industry insiders, however, suggest that the penetration in foreign markets, particularly Europe, is above 80%. There is still upside potential in Canada.