Concerns are rising among eye care professionals that tariffs will increase the cost of goods and hurt their bottom line, according to the latest wave of the Jobson Optical Research Survey. The survey, now in its third consecutive month since February 2025, shows growing anxiety across the industry.
The percentage of respondents who say they are very concerned about tariffs impacting their cost of goods rose from 69% in February to 81% in March.
IMPACT ON BOTTOM LINE
Plans to seek alternative manufacturers have remained consistent, with about 56% of respondents exploring that option since February. However, most manufacturers have yet to discuss potential price changes with their clients—though that’s starting to shift. In February, 93% said no such conversations had occurred; by April, that dropped to 86%.
Patient awareness is also increasing. In April, 30% of respondents reported that patients had asked about how tariffs might affect pricing. Nearly half of respondents said they are somewhat or very likely to adjust their frame portfolios based on where products are manufactured.
A majority of the respondents said that they expected increased tariff costs to push manufacturers to raise cost of goods. In April, 43% of respondents said that they are likely to “pass along 100% of any increase to my patients/customers.” Another 31% said they would likely pass along more than half of any increase. Eight percent said they would be likely to pass along less than half of the increase, and six percent said they would likely not pass along any increase in cost. Twelve percent said they are not sure.
In this wave of the report, 14% of respondents said that they have sought alternate sources from U.S. manufacturers for goods. Nearly 56% said they have not yet but are planning to. And 30% said they have not and do not plan to.
