February 26, 2008 
Have you ever thought how will be on the market of glass optics in the next five years? Hopefully we don’t get the same prediction as in the UK…
FLEXIBLE OPTICIANS ARE RIDERS OF THE STORM reports Mintel
(Applies to the UK market)
Optical goods market will grow slowly over the next five years than in the past five, claims well-known research organization for retail Mintel.
In this new report, analysts predict that the market of glass and contact lenses and eye examinations will increase by 7% in 2012 compared to growth of 22% during 2002-2007. However, in real terms it is forecast to come to a small fall in prices of 1% over 2007.
˝ This is not surprising if we take into account that demand onn the market is relatively well equaled ˝, said a representative of A research organization, ˝ considering that the competition in the market is high. ˝
˝Careful consumers, and slow-growing economy could further weaken the demand. ˝, the report warns, ˝ This fact, coupled with strong competition and a general increase in costs will further impede the life of opticians in 2008-09. It is expected that many large companies will try to consolidate their market position, cut down unreasonable costs and prepare for the storm. ˝
Nevertheless, most optician chains are flexible and can withstand until the market recoveres, according to the report. Growth of the British optical market is suppressed by increasing of free eye examinations and increasing of availability of disposable contact lenses that do not need solvent cleaning-in short, stands in conclusion of the report- ˝ activities on the optical market are in decline until they reach a market share rather than the broadening of the market in indefinitely. ˝
However, the last two years have been good, reports Mintel, with growth of 9.2% (6.4% with a separate inflation), which leads to the market value of 2.656m pounds in 2007.
Manufacturers / branded glass lenses have taken the market because the small sellers were more successful in persuading consumers to follow the growing fashion industry, and with time more sophisticated lenses. Average selling prices have increased.
Although, Mintel provides the knowledge that this was some kind of bad guidelines, with the research that four out of ten consumers are reluctant to go in the optics because of the observed price.
Contact lenses have also flooded the market, it is concluded in the market, bacause of a new development of production and intensive marketing. Mintel reports that sales of contact lenses increased by 12.5% from 2005-2007, i.e it has increased to 450m pounds.
Mintel believes that the ˝Top 5˝ now holds most of the market, with Specsavers Opticians that keep the lioness 22%, followed by D&A and Vision Express with 9%, Boots Opticians 7%, and Optical Express 4%.