NEW YORK—According to Vision Monday’s third and most recent (Dec. 5 to Dec. 16, 2008) survey of optical retailers and ECPs, December’s sales and eye exam levels are only just slightly better than that was reported in our second survey conducted in late October/November—but respondents do indicate that their buying patterns have shifted toward more moderate priced eyewear as consumers become more discriminating about purchases.

In a new exclusive report, posted on Vision Monday’s Web site today, chart data exclusively compares VM’s three most recent surveys. Forty percent said that the number of eye exams for the second half were “about the same” as last year’s period compared to 34.5 percent who said so in Oct/Nov, with 31.6 percent saying they were better in the period of Dec. 5 to Dec. 16 and 28.4 percent reporting they were down more than 5 percent in volume; in the earlier report, a higher proportion (31 percent) reported they were worse.

However, in results-to-date of the new December survey (still active on VisionMonday.com), 38.7 percent said they anticipated ending the 2008 calendar year with sales 5 percent or more ahead of last year, compared to 51.8 percent who said so in VM’s initial reader survey conducted in mid-August of this year and the 42.8 percent who said show in the second survey, conducted Oct. 24 to Nov. 4, 2008.

The survey, which queries retailers and ECPs about a range of topics ranging from sales of individual optical categories like spectacle lenses, sunwear and contact lenses as well as the price mix of their frames. A higher proportion of survey respondents in December, said they were purchasing more frames in the $100 to $150 category and in the under $100-retail than indicated so in the prior survey.

Also on VisionMonday.com is the special report and related stories, "Navigating the New Economy: Plotting a Course Through Tough Times" which includes exclusive retailer and ECP interviews and several stories which offer expert advice for coping in the current climate.