As families settle into the school year, new research from Alcon reveals a gap between parents’ perceptions of the value of contact lenses and current wear among young people.
According to Alcon’s Student Vision Survey, while 70% of parents believe contact lenses could benefit their children, only 23% of people ages 13–25 currently use contact lenses as a form of vision correction.1 The findings come at a timely moment, as families have kicked off the school year and have had a chance to see how adolescents and teens are adjusting to new classes, activities and routines.
CONTACT LENSES FOR TEENS
The survey also sheds light on what may be driving parents’ perceived value of contact lenses for their kids, with many pointing to benefits that align with teens’ everyday lives. More than four in 10 cite the potential for higher confidence (42%), or improved feelings in how their child perceives their appearance (43%).1 Thirty percent point to greater convenience and 30% to better performance in sports or activities. That openness extends to when they perceive teens can start wearing contact lenses, with 81% of parents saying age 13 or older is appropriate, highlighting an opportunity for families to explore vision correction options that fit their teen’s needs, lifestyle and activities.1
INTRODUCING AL
To help make the first-time contact lens experience more engaging and approachable, Alcon is introducing AL this back-to-school season, a new collectible case created with young wearers in mind. Compact and portable, AL clips onto bags and backpacks and discreetly stores a backup pair of contact lenses in their blister packs, keeping them protected and close at hand. Bringing a playful element to contact lens wear, AL is intended to create excitement around an important new step for first-time wearers.
“A month into the school year, parents have a better sense of how their teen is navigating the classroom, sports and everyday activities,” said Dr. Amanda Nanasy,* Director, Florida Institute of Sports Vision, at The Eye Center, Past Chair, American Optometric Association Sports and Performance Vision Board. “It’s a natural time to check in on whether their vision correction is meeting their needs and to talk with an eye care professional about whether contact lenses may be a good fit. For teens who are ready to make that transition, AL can bring an approachable element to the experience while connecting new wearers with helpful resources as they get started.”
SUPPORT FOR FIRST-TIME WEARERS
AL brings the fun of a collectible with practical resources to support new contact lens wearers as they get started in a lens routine. Eligible patients who purchase an annual supply of participating Alcon contact lenses through participating eye care professionals may receive an AL collectible, while supplies last. Each collectible features a QR code that provides easy access to digital resources, including contact lens insertion and removal videos, complementing guidance from their eye care professional as new wearers get comfortable with their routine.
“The first-time contact lens experience is an important opportunity to help young wearers start off on the right foot,” said Dr. Carla Mack, Head, Global and US Professional Education and Development. “AL brings a fresh approach to that experience by combining something fun and collectible with practical resources new wearers can use as they get started. It’s a new way for us to engage the next generation of contact lens wearers while continuing to support the role of the eye care professional.”
Parents interested in learning more about healthy vision, finding a local eye care professional or exploring vision correction options can visit Back-to-School Contact Lenses & Eye Care | Alcon US or use Alcon’s Eye Care Professional Locator.
*Paid Alcon consultant
References
- Based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. parents of children ages 13-25; Alcon data on file, 2026. REF-29412
