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Eye care providers offer input
April 16, 2025
The Vision Council released new research exploring eye care provider sentiments related to daily operations of their practices, the eye care industry and the American economy during the second half of 2024.
The report, Provider inSights Q3-Q4 2024, highlights eye care providers’ expectations and the perceived impact of key economic factors including tariffs, inflation, staffing and hiring, and the integration of technologies such as telehealth and artificial intelligence.
How Do Eye Care Providers Feel About Future?
Findings from the report indicate that while more than half of eye care providers are somewhat optimistic about the future, challenges remain. Specifically, 54% of respondents expect the U.S. economy to either remain stable or improve in 2025.
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However, 70% reported that inflation had at least some influence on their practices during the second half of 2024, and 50% noted that tariffs would likely result in increased costs for eyewear products, supplies and materials.
Eye Care Providers Share Whether they Think It’s Getting Better
“Our most recent survey shows that eye care providers reported similar or slightly improved practice performance for the second half of 2024 compared to the previous two quarters, and are cautiously optimistic for 2025,” said Alysse Henkel, Vice President of Research and inSights at The Vision Council. “Even with this optimism, providers are well aware of the uncertain economic outlook and its potential impact on their businesses—many are delaying major investments, feeling the strain of inflation and facing persistent challenges in attracting and retaining skilled talent.”
Report Highlights on Eye Care Providers’ Feelings
- Tariffs and Pricing: 50% of providers say that tariffs would lead to increased prices of eyewear products, practice supplies and materials. Meanwhile, 21% believe that tariffs would not have any negative impact on their business or that short-term negatives could be offset by long-term benefits.
- Inflation Concerns: 70% of providers report that inflation had at least some influence on their practices during the second half of 2024. Some 35% expect inflation to have a severe or extreme impact on their practices in 2025.
- Staffing Challenges: Hiring remains the biggest challenge reported in the second half of the year, with little expected improvement in 2025.
- Workforce Shortages: On average, six-in-10 providers report that there is at least a moderate shortage of qualified professionals, and 36% of providers report a severe or extreme shortage of opticians.
- Industry Training Needs: Among providers experiencing labor shortages, 34% suggest that expanding training and educational opportunities could help address workforce gaps.
This study was conducted online from February 18 – March 4, 2025, and sent to an eye care provider research panel managed by The Vision Council.
Access the full report HERE. Members of The Vision Council can access immediately at no cost, while non-members can purchase the report directly for $250.
The full report includes:
- Eye care providers’ perspective on recent business performance and future economic expectations
- Industry workforce challenges and trends
- Insights on the usage of emerging technologies like AI and telehealth
For more information about the Provider inSights report or The Vision Council’s research program, visit thevisioncouncil.org.
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