Opticians are missing out on the eye comfort preparation market

Eye drops and other preparations represent a market worth over £50m but the retail optical sector currently commands just four per cent of this despite over half of sufferers seeking advice from health care professionals.

According to Alcon research shows that 77 per cent of the public have suffered an eye condition such as dryness, discomfort, itchyness, hayfever or contact lens related comfort issues. Of this number a similar percentage have bought products to relieve symptoms. The survey findings presented by Alcon show that of the 77 per cent that have bought products 55 per cent will visit a healthcare professional and of those 64 per cent will choose an optical practice.