Knowledgeable staff and a tidy, hygienic environment are important for 84.6 per cent of adults when choosing an optician, according to marketing company Key Note's Opticians & Optical Goods Market Assessment 2010.
The report updates its August 2008 market assessment and points out that for a substantial percentage of respondents to its original consumer research, price continued to be an important factor. An increasing percentage of respondents preferred to use large optician chains such as Specsavers and Boots for eye examinations or buying contact lenses or glasses, while a declining percentage use or would prefer to use smaller local opticians for their eye care needs.
The report pointed out that the 2009 downturn was the first reversal in an upward sales trend that had lasted some years. It noted that expenditure by opticians and suppliers of optical goods in areas such as main media advertising also declined in 2009 compared to 2008, partly due to the recession.
However, a growing population, in particular adults aged 60 and over, meant that the number of eye exams taken in the year to March 2009, increased over the corresponding period of 2007/2008 and helped to sustain income from this revenue source.
The report stated that in the laser surgery market, Optical Express, Optimax and Ultralase, accounting for six out of 10 of clinics in operation, increased their clinic networks in 2009.
The report costs £899.00 plus VAT, with details on 020 8481 8757.