Lens sales lift major European markets

Spectacle lens sales buoyed optical sector growth in key parts of continental European last year, according to GfK.

Figures released by the research firm at Mido last weekend showed 2.6 per cent growth in lens sales across key markets including Italy, Spain, Germany and France.

Overall turnover increased 1 per cent to €15bn in 2013, with Italian and Spanish declines offset by 1.7 per cent growth in both France and Germany.

The sunglass market dropped 3.8 per cent over the year, while frame sales fell by 1.4 per cent, following a stable performance in the prior year. Contact lenses and care products grew 1 per cent.