ECPs encouraged to complete Voice of the Eye Care Provider Survey

The European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) is inviting eye care professionals to complete its survey to provide insight into the optical sector.

The Voice of the Eye Care Provider Survey is being conducted by NielsenIQ (NIQ) in collaboration with ECOO following on from a similar survey completed in 2024.

The survey launched on 9 March and will run until 19 April 2026 with the aim of gathering data on current eye care practices, and to identify emerging trends across Europe.

All eye care professionals working in optical or optometric practice settings are encouraged to participate in the survey.

This includes business owners, employed practitioners, and independent professionals, however the survey is not intended for those working exclusively in hospital settings.

The 2026 survey focuses on three areas:

• Practice and professional profile, including ownership, size, staffing, and qualifications
• Services offered and patient care trends, including recommendations, treatment options, technology adoption
• Business climate and future outlook, including preparedness for change, and emerging trends.

Gabriëlle Janssen, ECOO president, commented: “Together with patient, consumer and market data, insights from eye care professionals are essential to provide a comprehensive view of the optical sector comprehensive view of the optical sector.”

Providing an encouragement for eye care professionals to participate in the survey, Janssen said: “By participating in the survey, eye care professionals have a direct opportunity to shape the understanding of their sector at a European level.”

“Their input helps ensure that the realities of day-to-day practice, emerging challenges and future opportunities are accurately reflected. The insights generated can influence policy discussions, support professional advocacy and guide strategic decisions within the industry,” she added.

Janssen concluded: “Ultimately, taking part is a simple but meaningful way to contribute to the future development of eye care across Europe.”

The results of the survey will be presented by NIQ at the ECOO General Assembly in May.

ECOO noted that, providing the response rate is sufficiently representative, both country-specific overviews and a European-level summary will be produced. Findings will be shared with ECOO members to support in informing and advising their own members.

The Voice of the Eye Care Provider Survey can be accessed online here.