The eyewear market in the UK is expected to see a steady growth in the coming years, according to analysts at Euromonitor International.
The consumer research company has recently released its latest report, Eyewear in 2025: The big picture.
The research suggested that the eyewear market in the UK has continued to grow, up 2.5% over the previous year. This makes the eyewear market in the UK a £5.7bn market.
Natasha Cazin, senior research consultant at Euromonitor International, gave OT a summary of the findings, and insight into the top consumer trends shaping the industry in 2025.
1 Growth expected in the market
Growth in the market was largely influenced by improvements in technologies, more premium products, and price increases.
“Contact lenses saw the biggest jump in value, especially with new options for children, like myopia control,” Cazin explained, adding that daily disposables also performed well.
Spectacle lenses is the biggest wedge of the market and this has continued to be seen in the latest report.
Cazin shared: “This is driven by progressive lenses, which is increasingly important, and myopia control lenses.”
However, the sunglasses section of the market did not see as much growth, Cazin highlighted. She explained: “With the cost-of-living crisis, people are seeing it as a nice-to-have fashion item, rather than a must-have.”
2 Prevalence of myopia and presbyopia driving growth
Giving a broad picture of the market, Cazin told OT: “In 2025 and onwards there is a very positive outlook for the eyewear industry.”
Analysts are watching two factors over the forecast period, balancing the effect of consumer uncertainty on the market, against the fact that eyewear is a health-related product.
Cazin said: “We have an ageing population and increased prevalence of myopia and presbyopia. These factors are always going to be driving growth.”
Summarising, she said: “The message is that eyewear faces a steady growth outlook over the next five years.”
3 Seeking value leads consumer trends
Euromonitor International’s Global Consumer Trends white paper sets out the biggest factors shaping consumer purchasing behaviour.
Analysts identified three major trends shaping consumer behaviours in the eyewear market, described as: ‘Wiser wallets,’ ‘Healthspan plans,’ and ‘Eco logical.’
The biggest factor for the UK market is the ‘Wiser wallets’ trend, Cazin said.
She explained: “With so much uncertainty, people are thinking more carefully about what they buy – and they want value.”
“These consumers are not just looking for big deals, or two-for-one, they want something that adds value for the long-term,” she said.
Euromonitor’s 2025 Lifestyle Consumer Survey found that 72% of people surveyed are worried about the rising costs of everyday living, and nearly half say they are planning to save money.
Cazin said: “We have to think about how consumers are shopping and respond to this.”
4 Consumers taking a long-term approach to health
A second trend seen in the market is ‘Healthspan plans,’ which represents consumer’s approach to “not only how we live, but also feeling better for longer,” Cazin said.
This is driven by the ageing population, along with lessons learnt through the pandemic, the analyst suggested. Increased access to wellness information and advances in technology have also helped to shape this trend.
Describing the impact of this behaviour, Cazin said: “Consumers are now investing in their health with a much more long-term vision than previously. It is all about preventative solutions.”
5 Sustainability balanced with affordability is key
Reflecting on the ‘Eco logical’ trend, Cazin noted that sustainability has been a factor in the eyewear market for some years, but suggested that the pandemic spurred manufacturers to include more sustainable materials in their offerings.
“Consumer minds are changing and they are thinking about the future of the planet,” she said.
Euromonitor research has found that two thirds of consumers aim to positively impact the environment.
Cazin highlighted: “Trust is really critical here,” but noted that affordability remains a barrier.
Consumers are more likely to choose sustainable options if they feel these options also have comparable benefits, Cazin suggested, sharing: “It is a balance between price and sustainability. If there are brands out there that can offer both, they are the ones that will do well.”
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