The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has published an in-depth report on everyday actions that the eye care community can take to draw interest from potential and former contact lens wearers. Based on research with more than 1,000 vision-corrected adults segmented by glasses-only wearers, new contact lens wearers and contact lens dropouts, “Beyond Vision: Behaviors to Attract New & Returning Contact Lens Wearers” is the latest offering from CLI’s See Tomorrow initiative, which helps practices thrive using exclusive consumer data and insights.
The 26-page document includes multiple infographics depicting high-value takeaways, which are ideal for staff training. The 2024 CLI Visionaries contributed another 19 quick take columns and bulleted checklists offer practical implementation tips.
“With 47.8% of glasses wearers indicating a high interest in trying contact lenses, and lapsed contact lens wearers signaling what would motivate them to resume use, the tremendous untapped potential for the category is unmistakable,” said Stan Rogaski, CLI’s executive director.
“Our research found specific areas of consumer excitement, concern, and misperception that eye care practices can leverage to aid more efficient and effective contact lens conversations among likely candidates. Better yet, these aspects can be reinforced easily and quickly across the entire patient experience, from appointment scheduling to the exam to follow-up, by every member of the practice team.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Sources of contact lens influence are led by optometrists and ophthalmologists (66% of glasses wearers/46% of new contact lens wearers), opticians (44% of glasses wearers/26% of new contact lens wearers) and friends and family (40% of glasses wearers/31% of new contact lens wearers).
An explanation from the eye doctor on why patients can benefit from contact lenses is the top-ranking factor for patients’ consideration of contact lens wear.
Freedom from glasses (44%), personal appearance (42%) and ease of use (39%) are the primary motivators.
Practice behaviors that detract from contact lens trial include a lack of exam staff raising the subject, not alerting patients they were candidates and not providing contact lens information.
Patients’ fear factors include not wanting to touch their eye (44%) followed by infection concerns (25%) and affordability (30%).
The report shares insights into what might make a more recent dropout as well as those who abandoned wear long ago consider wearing contact lenses again.
CLI VISIONARIES
2024 CLI Visionaries who contributed to “Beyond Vision” are Monica Bhula, OD; Shelby Brogdon, OD; Andrew S. Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FCLSA; Jenn Seymour Brusven, LDO, NCLE-AC, ABO-AC, AAS; Ariel Cerenzie, OD, FAAO, FSLS; Angelica Cifuentes, OD; Jade Coats, OD; Jason Compton, OD, FAAO; Janelle Davison, OD; Sabrina Gaan, OD; Lisa Hornick, OD, MBA, FAAO; Diana Mejia; Scott Moscow, OD; Ashley O’Dwyer, OD; Shalu Pal, OD, FAAO, FSLS,
FBCLA, FIAOMC; Adam Ramsey, OD; Noha Seif, OD, FAAO, FSLS; Dana Shannon, OD, FAAO; and Jennifer Tsai, OD.
The Contact Lens Institute commissioned Prodege to conduct this research, from February 1-9, 2024, via an online survey. Respondents included 1,053 vision-corrected adults ages 18-64 residing in the U.S
The Contact Lens Institute advances the latest innovations in safe and effective contact lens and lens care products and services that provide unique benefits to patients while satisfying the evolving needs of eye care professionals. CLI undertakes activities that properly assess, enhance, promote and balance contact lens and lens care industry welfare and growth, including the safe use of products in the marketplace. Its members include Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, CooperVision,
and Johnson & Johnson Vision.
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All photos credit of the Contact Lens Institute.
