From the editor
aged 35 to 44 who make an eyewear purchase every
2.2 years.
For sunnies, Baby Boomers purchase a pair on
average every 3.7 years, compared to younger
Canadians who make those buys every 1.5 to 2.4
years.
This data illustrates just how important Boomers,
who are now between age 55 and 73, are to the
eyewear and eyecare market.
Baby Boomers make up a significant portion of
consumers who are in the market for new frames,
lenses and sunglasses.
New data from The Vision Council Research’s
Canada Market Overview says nearly 90 per cent
of Canadians aged 55 and over use some form of
vision correction.
More than three-quarters of that demographic
wear prescription eyeglasses, while almost 22
per cent use reading glasses, 13 per cent sport
prescription sunglasses and 6.6 per cent wear
contact lenses.
The 55-plus crowd is the most diligent age group
when it comes to getting their eyes tested, with
about one-quarter saying they received an eye
examination within the past six months.
And they’re also among the biggest spenders
when purchasing eyewear, with older Canadians
spending an average of $251 on lenses, $192 on
frames and $62 on sunglasses.
Interestingly, it seems people aged 55 and older
hang onto their eyewear longer as well, with most
reporting they buy eyeglasses every 3.3 years,
compared to the 18-34 group which purchases
spectacles every two years on average and adults
6 Optical Prism | October 2019
It also proves that older Canadians typically want
frames and sunglasses that will last a while, so
they’re looking for styles that will stay in fashion
longer and are constructed of resilient, reliable
materials.
This issue of Optical Prism magazine is all about
the Baby Boomer generation.
We take a look at the popular frames for seniors,
along with the lenses that will both protect and
correct their eyesight.
We also chat with the Canadian Association of
Optometrists about the importance of eye care for
an aging population.
Inside these pages, you will also learn about a
Toronto-based company that takes eyecare and
eyewear services right to retirement homes,
hospitals and other health care facilities.
Denis Langlois,
Editor.
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eyewear information.