Inflation’s Toll on ECPs—and How They’re Fighting Back

Inflation’s Toll on ECPs—and How They’re Fighting Back

Inflation’s Toll on ECPs—and How They’re Fighting Back

Over the past three years, inflation in the U.S. surged to its highest levels in decades. You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who wasn’t affected by this, and that includes eyecare professionals and their patients.

To figure out how ECPs and consumers alike responded to rising costs, we surveyed nearly 500 ECPs. What we gained was revealing insight into how inflation is affecting our industry. But first, it helps to understand how we got here.  

What Happened with Inflation? 

Annual inflation rates, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), peaked at over 9% in mid-2022 before gradually declining to around 3% by the end of 2024. This inflationary spike was driven by a combination of factors. 

Supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions like the Russia-Ukraine conflict drove up costs for goods and energy. Labor shortages increased wages, and pandemic-era stimulus boosted demand, outpacing supply. Businesses passed these rising costs onto consumers, compounding inflationary pressures across the economy. 

How ECPs and Their Patients Are Responding 

Rising inflation created significant challenges for the eyecare industry, straining both consumer budgets and business profit margins. As a result, ECPs and patients alike have been forced to change behaviors and make difficult decisions. 

This is an ongoing problem that ClearVision wants to help ECPs address, so we started by surveying the industry to better understand how it’s affecting them.  

Fill Out the Form to Join Our Survey Panel!

We already have brands and are building programs to help ECPs succeed with managed care and grow their profits. These include Ocean Pacific, a recognizable brand and an unbeatable entry-level polarized sun option; TBSP, quality, affordable brands patients know with pricing that gets better reimbursements for ECPs; and Advantage Titanium, the most profitable 100% titanium eyewear available with special, discounted contract pricing.  

Now we’re publishing the results of our survey, so everyone can learn from how inflation is affecting our industry!  

Is Inflation Over Yet?  

Inflation remains a significant concern for eyecare professionals, with 92% expressing worry about its impact over the next year. This anxiety is rooted in the real challenges they have already faced: 77% report that inflation has negatively affected their profit margins in the past year. 

Compounding these challenges is the effect inflation has had on patient behavior. Half of all ECPs report a decline in their capture rate over the past year. This suggests patients are delaying eyewear purchases or seeking budget-friendly alternatives. Together, these factors underscore the dual impact of inflation: squeezing margins on one end while reducing patient spending on the other. 

Where are Costs Rising for ECPs? 

Unsurprisingly, inflation is having the greatest impact on the prices of materials and supplies, as well as the costs associated with getting them to practices. An overwhelming 90% of ECPs cited the cost of goods as a primary factor driving expenses higher. Additionally, 60% pointed to increasing lab fees. Office supplies were also a notable contributor, with 51% of ECPs highlighting them.

Beyond materials, operating costs also add to the financial burden. Nearly 43.5% of ECPs say higher wages are contributing to increased expenses. Meanwhile, 39.5% point to rising utility costs as another factor. Together, these data reveal the multifaceted impact of inflation on ECPs. 

How Patients Have Responded to Inflation 

Patients are becoming increasingly cautious about their spending on eyewear and eye exams. Nearly half of ECPs report that their number of comprehensive eye exams has stayed the same or decreased over the past year (46%). However exam rates have fared, profit margins are under pressure where they're typically strongest: the dispensary. Almost half (45.6%) of ECPs say their capture rate has declined, and only 9.5% report an increase. Compounding this issue, 50.5% of ECPs note that patients are spending less when buying frames, with just 12% saying patients are spending more. 

Moreover, a growing number of patients are staying within their vision plan allowances. Over 42% of ECPs say more patients are making efforts to stay within their plan limits.  Together, these data points highlight a shifting landscape where more patients are carefully managing their eyewear budgets. 

How ECPs Have Responded to Inflation 

ECPs are taking steps to address inflation. Nearly two-thirds have made changes to their frame inventory. Many are also reevaluating their purchasing habits, with 69% buying less frequently or in smaller quantities and 49% consolidating their vendors. This streamlining suggests a growing focus on efficiency, as 56% of ECPs seek out suppliers who offer solutions to maximize profitability. 

ECPs are making fewer changes to their workforce. Over 80% have not reduced staff levels, Where staff adjustments are happening, they're happening on the schedule, with 67% saying they reduced employees’ hours. Together, these trends highlight a deliberate effort by ECPs to balance cost-cutting measures with their commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. 

What ClearVision is Doing to Address Inflation 

ClearVision aims to make eyewear easy for you by working with you to solve your biggest challenges—because your success is our success. When it comes to inflation, we aim to help you overcome rising costs with opportunities to secure better profit margins that ensure growth for your practice. 

Advantage Titanium Program

These trendy and colorful 100% titanium frames come with contract pricing you won’t find anywhere else in the industry to help you grow profits.  

To learn more about Advantage Titanium click here

Fashion Suns Program

The most profitable fashion suns opportunity in the industry lets you lock in contract pricing for all of 2025 on fashion suns from BCBGMAXAZRIA, Steve Madden, and Izod!

To learn more about our Fashion Suns Program click here

TBSP

Brands patients love (Ellen Tracy, Jessica McClintock, Ocean Pacific, & Advantage) at profitable prices that help you grow with managed care—with multiple options to join! 

To learn more about TBSP click here

Ocean Pacific

The Op collection includes entry-level suns with polarized lenses that are perfectly priced for second-pair discounts or patient giveaways, such as with contact lens subscriptions. 

To learn more about the Op collection click here

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