1-800 CONTACTS - Competitors

1-800 CONTACTS Competition

Now Viewing 1-800 CONTACTS's competition in: Optometrists and Opticians (primary)

Recent Developments

Optometrists Urge Sunglasses Use - The American Optometric Association (AOA) urges Americans to use sunglasses, as UV radiation can damage eyes. The AOA recommends sunglasses with a minimum 99 percent protection from UV-A and UV-B radiation to protect eyes from sun damage. For those who spend lots of time in the sun, the AOA recommends wrap-around frames.

Study Confirms Nearsightedness Inherited - The June 2008 issue of Ophthalmology includes an Australian study that supports the theory that nearsightedness and farsightedness are inherited. The study finds that the long arm of chromosome 5 helps determine the presence of either affliction. A longer than normal length indicates nearsightedness, while a shorter than normal length indicates farsightedness.

"Fireworks Eye Safety" Month - In preparation for July 4th celebrations, the American Academy of Ophthalmology designated June as "Fireworks Eye Safety" month. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 9,000 fireworks injuries occur annually, and about 15 percent are eye injuries. Many fireworks eye injuries result in permanent vision loss. While bottle rockets cause most fireworks-related eye injuries, even sparklers can be dangerous and account for about a third of all fireworks injuries, especially in small children.

Competitive Landscape

Demand is driven by demographics, fashion, and changing healthcare practices. Most important is the aging US population, which is increasing demand for eye exams and glasses. The profitability of optometrist practices depends on efficient operations and whether they also sell glasses and contact lenses. There are few economies of scale in retail operations, except that large stores can offer a larger choice of product styles. Small retailers can often compete successfully with large chains by offering a different product mix. Eyeglass purchases are mildly cyclical with the economy, as many consumers view extra glasses as an expense that can be deferred.

Full Industry Overview For Optometrists and Opticians

Optometrists and Opticians Industry Forecast

from Hoover's/D&B subsidiary First Research

US personal consumer expenditures on ophthalmic and orthopedic equipment, an indicator of demand for opticians and optometrists, are forecast to grow at an annual compounded rate of 3.7 percent between 2007 and 2012.

Ophthalmic Goods Demand Growth Slows

First Research forecasts are based on INFORUM forecasts that are licensed from the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. (IERF) in College Park, MD. INFORUM's "interindustry-macro" approach to modeling the economy captures the links between industries and the aggregate economy.