Over the years, ClearVision has been surveying eyecare professionals about patient needs and eyewear trends; something that comes up over and over again is comfort.
Whatever the patient demographic, this is always among the top needs. The need for comfort is one reason why the lightweight eyewear category is so important. In fact, in our most recent survey of around 500 ECPs, nearly 9 in 10 said that lightweight eyewear is either “very important” or “somewhat important.” About as many carry lightweight frames as a category in their practice.
The importance of lightweight eyewear is also a reason we decided to survey ECPs to learn more about this category and where it’s headed. Keep reading to learn what we found or download a PDF with the full results below:
Download the survey results below:
What is Lightweight Eyewear and Why Do Patients Buy It?
If lightweight eyewear is anything, it’s light. But, while 62% of our survey respondents chose weight when asked, “What makes lightweight eyewear in your mind,” even more chose titanium (78%). Meanwhile, nearly 43% chose flexibility, and just over 1/3 selected minimalist characteristics such as thin temples, minimal hardware, or rimless or semi-rimless glasses.
There’s a clear reason why lightweight eyewear is such an important category: it’s comfortable.
When we asked for ECPs to choose the reasons patients select lightweight frames, nearly 80% said for the comfort and lightweight feel. The next most popular answer was the “all-day wearability” of lightweight eyewear at 52%.
Everyone who wears glasses knows how a heavy frame can weigh on your face. Being the one who can solve that problem for your patients is a huge advantage, especially if you can offer a solution at an attainable price point.
Comfort Comes at a Cost
While lightweight eyewear is an important category, many ECPs say there’s a tradeoff between the comfort that comes with lighter frames and durability.
We asked our survey respondents to rate lightweight eyewear durability on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the least durable and 10 being the most. The average response was 5.6. That means around half of the respondents think lightweight frames are relatively flimsy.
When you’re adding lightweight eyewear to your assortment, or replacing a current brand on your boards, it’s important to find something that balances comfort and all-day wearability with durability.
Find the Right Lightweight Frames for Your Boards
Lightweight eyewear is a must-have category in your practice. When selecting frames, look for options that balance a comfortable, barely-there feel with strong, flexible materials that can stand up to everyday wear.
Consider offering a range of styles—such as titanium, minimalist designs, and flexible constructions—to meet different patient preferences. The right lightweight assortment can help you solve a common patient pain point, differentiate your practice, and grow your sales in an important category.
In ClearVision’s portfolio, you'll find options that meet these needs, such as the Advantage Titanium collection. Made from lightweight and durable 100% titanium, this collection delivers exceptional quality, low out-of-pocket costs for patients, and high-margin performance.
With your order, you can lock in special contract pricing and unlock higher profit margins for managed care. Plus, with easy-to-sell styles your patients will love, pricing works with managed care, and a range of fashionable shapes and colors, Advantage Titanium is a strong addition to your boards.
Click here to learn more about Advantage Titanium.
