According to the Vision Council of America, there are 187 million adults that use eyewear in the United States . This includes both corrective and non-corrective eyewear and represents 86% of the total US adult population in 2003. Women eyewear users outnumber men eyewear users 54% vs. 46%.
62% of the US adult population (135 million) wear prescription eyewear; 57% are women and 43% are men.
 Adult Americans who wear prescription eyewear:
Use eyeglasses only – 53%
Use eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses – 20%
Use eyeglasses and contact lenses – 13%
Use contact lenses only – 7%
Use eyeglasses, contact lenses & prescription sunglasses – 4%
Use prescription sunglasses only – 3%
Where Do People Buy Eyewear And What Are The Biggest Vision Problems?
Independent stores are the choice for consumers to purchase eyewear:
Plan to buy eyewear at an independent store – 44%
Plan to buy eyewear at a chain store – 27%
Plan to buy eyewear at a discount store – 21%
Plan to buy eyewear at another store – 7%
According to a 2002 study conducted by the National Eye Institute and Prevent Blindness America, women are 43% more likely to have vision problems than men. They also found that the three biggest vision problems among adults 40 years and older are:
- Myopia – 26%
- Cataracts – 17%
- Hyperopia – 10%
Another study commissioned by Vision Service Plan (VSP) and performed by National Market Measures, Inc. indicated that 25% of children have some sort of vision problem and that 48% of parents with children 12 years old and younger have not had a visit to an eye doctor.
Ophthalmologists: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), as of May 2004 the total number of practicing ophthalmologists in the US are 17,070. These ophthalmologists diagnose, manage and treat optical, medical and surgical disorders of the eye and visual system.
Optometrists: In 2002 there were 32,000 practicing optometrists in the US who diagnose, manage and treat conditions/disease of the human eye and visual system. They also conduct vision therapy and write prescriptions.
Opticians: In 2002 there were 63,000 opticians in the US . They interpret prescriptions, select lenses and frames and fit contact lenses, eyeglasses and vision aids that are prescribed by ophthalmologists and optometrists.
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