VisionWatch 2013 frame market data: Sales up 2.7% from 2012

VisionWatch announced data from its continuous research study conducted by the Vision Council on frame market sales for 2013, which indicated that the market generated more than $8.87 billion in sales during 2013, with 70 million frames sold in the U.S.

The press release stated that 28.8% of adults purchased a pair of Rx glasses, with women purchasing more than men.

American households with annual incomes less than $60,000 wait about 2.5 years between purchasing a new pair of eyeglasses. Households with income of more than $60,000 wait about 1.9 years between eyeglass purchases.

Those from higher-income households drive frame sales, accounting for 56.4% of all frame unit purchases throughout 2013, and adults from higher-income households account for 59.1% of all frame sales revenue, according to the press release.

Frame sales by independent eye care provider retailers are up 3.4% in terms of units throughout 2013 and are up 4.7% by dollars, due to slightly rising prices. On the other hand, conventional optical chains have lost 3.9 share points over the past 5 years.

Metal frame popularity has decreased by 5% since mid-2008. Plastic frames and combination frames were more popular among younger frame buyers. Rimless and semi-rimless frames have also increased in popularity.