As one survey respondent, Art Geary of Halpern Eye Associates in Dover, Delaware commented, “Consumers are more cautious. Frame selections are skewing to the more moderately price inventory, however premium lens sales have held up fine. The patient seems to understand the frame is fashion or fun and discretionary, whereas the lens is function and should not be compromised if possible.”
Another respondent, Thomas Feiden, Sr. of Eye Health Center of Troy, N.Y., noted that patients “may not buy the designer frames but will spend for the premium lenses.”
Deborah M. Signorino, OD of Bryn Mawr, Pa. observed that “More patients are re-using their current frames for new prescriptions,” a trend that is helping keep sales of PALs and other premium lens steady.
Yet nearly as many of the eye care professionals surveyed said they are experiencing a drop in premium lens sales compared with a year ago. Nearly one-third of respondents reported that premium lens sales were worse in February and March 2009 compared with last year, a three-time increase over August, 2008. Conversely, the percentage of respondents who said their premium lens sales were better than they were a year ago has dropped significantly.
“I'm seeing more caution in making purchase decisions on lens and frame options. There is more of a value-oriented mind set out there,” observed Cosmo Salibello, OD of Optimeyes in Wood Village, Ore.
According to Marilyn Zimmardi of Maz Optical in East Patchogue, N.Y., “Patients are much more reluctant to upgrade on frames or lenses.”
Katheryn Dabbs Schramm of A Child’s View, an optical shop for children located in Mission Viejo, Calif., noted that “Consumers are delaying doctor visits, reusing frames, not purchasing as many lens options and second pairs. They still want quality, but are less willing to pay for it.”
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