UK Optical Goods Retailing Market Report 2026

UK Optical Goods Retailing Market – Trends and Insights

• The optical goods market in the UK remains resilient supported by a stable demand base driven by an ageing population and greater consumer emphasis on preventive health. Despite ongoing economic pressures and sector‑wide margin constraints, the industry can take advantage of a growing shift among customers towards more premium, customised products and solutions.
• There has been a decline in purchasing of prescription glasses and contact lenses among women aged 18-34 and there is scope to use social media to drive purchasing and promote eyewear as the latest fashion statement. Key to appealing to this demographic could also be allowing them to buy directly via social media and using live streaming as more fashion retailers are doing.
• The rise in people taking part in sports and fitness activities has led to a surge in demand for specific eyewear for active lifestyles including sports sunglasses with wraparound styles to stay in place during activities, prescription sports glasses and sweat-resistant frames. There are opportunities for opticians to push the sports eyewear category via initiatives in-store and online, as well as partnerships and collaborations.

This Report Looks at the Following Areas:

• The short-, medium- and long-term impact of cost of living pressures on eye tests and purchasing of glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses.
• The reasons consumers choose a particular optician to get an eye test/contact lens check and barriers to not having an eye test in the last two years.
• Preferred channels and retailers for purchasing optical goods and the importance of value in driving purchasing.
• Most important factors when choosing one optical goods retailer to purchase from over another, with value a key purchase driver.
• Consumer interest when shopping online in virtual try-on and using social media for researching glasses styles and trends.

Report Scope

This Report examines the UK market for core goods and services sold through opticians including:

• Eye tests
• Prescription sunglasses
• Spectacle frames and lenses (the terms glasses and spectacles are used interchangeably)
• Contact lenses (including aftercare)
• Contact lens solutions through opticians, chemists and other outlets
• Non-prescription sunglasses, including those sold by outlets other than opticians.

In addition, this Report includes eye care solutions, such as Optrex, eye baths and eye masks, which are used for the treatment of sore and tired eyes.

For the purposes of this Report, retail opticians’ shops and optical practices refer to shops staffed by qualified opticians. There are three types of practitioner:

• Optometrists or Ophthalmic Opticians are registered with the General Optical Council and specialise in sight testing and the prescribing and dispensing of spectacles and optical appliances. They are trained to recognise eye diseases and abnormalities, which may require further medical intervention.
• Ophthalmic Medical Practitioners (OMPs) are fully qualified doctors with a speciality in eyes and eye care. They are registered with the General Medical Council and can test sight and prescribe spectacles and other appliances. They are also trained in the detection and treatment of eye diseases and abnormalities.
• Dispensing Opticians are qualified to dispense, fit and supply spectacles, but they require an additional certificate to fit contact lenses. Dispensing opticians with additional qualifications can become contact lens opticians. Contact lenses may also be fitted by qualified OMPs and optometrists.

The following products may be discussed in the consumer analysis and referenced within the Report. However, they are excluded from market value sizes:

• Eye creams and gels for the skin around the eyes
• Prescription and over-the-counter eye drops for the treatment of allergies or eye infections
• Accessories such as spectacle cases and contact lens containers
• Laser eye surgery
• Hearing aids
• Minor Eye Conditions Service.