Lens research

Is there any area of science as devoid of research published in peer reviews journals as that of spectacle lenses? Nw lens designs are regularly introduced with impressive claims about their performance and design. This is usually supported by "data on file" references but little else. The is unusual. We would normally see the launch of a new drug or contact lens to be followed by a myriad of papers relating to tests and trials. Why not spectacle lenses? Is it anything to do with research funding? Please let me know your thoughts.