| SIC Codes: | 3851 |
| NAICS Codes: | 339115 |
Companies in this industry manufacture ophthalmic products including contact lenses, prescription glasses frames and lenses, and sunglasses. Major companies include Bausch + Lomb, Marchon Eyewear, and Signature Eyewear (all based in the US) as well as Luxottica, Safilo, and De Rigo (all in Italy.)
Demand is driven by fashion trends, new product lines, and the level of consumers' discretionary income. The profitability of individual companies depends on maximizing operating efficiencies, maintaining a stable of licenses with popular brands, and effective pricing. Large companies have advantages in purchasing power for raw materials and may control many of the distribution outlets. Small companies can compete effectively by offering more specialized and innovative product lines. The industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for nearly 90 percent of industry revenue.
Typical products include eye glasses frames, lenses, lens coatings, temples and fronts, sunglasses, reading glasses, prescription glasses, and goggles. Ophthalmic fronts, temples, and focal and contact lenses generate about 63 percent of sales; other types of ophthalmic goods, 27 percent.