Domestic technical textiles Industry Segment-wise consumption of ...

The market penetration of contact lenses in India is extremely low (only 5 per cent in SECs A and B
of the top six metros who need vision correction). In comparison, the penetration is 22% in Singapore,
25% in Hong Kong and 30% in the US (source: JJVC).
Not too many Indian customers are willing to spend on contact lens because of the perception that
contact lenses provide cosmetic appeal, but the price-value equation does not match. In reality, a good
pair of spectacles frames costs at least Rs 1,500. The relative price for contact lens has dropped in the
past decade. The disposable and semi-soft lens costs between Rs 900 and Rs 8,000 for one year usage.
Also, there are category-related issues. It is far easier to wear and take care of spectacles than contact
lens. Further, most potential consumers have the fear of inserting a foreign object in the eye.
Over the years, the age profile of contact lens users has come down. Currently, the average user tries
on contact lens for the first time at around 15 years. Around three years ago, a first-time buyer of
contact lens was a little over 20 years. In addition, the BPO generation youth for whom appearance is
critical is expected to lead the growth of contact lens in India.
Market penetration and size
It is estimated that nearly 30% per cent of the population in India requires vision correction. Though
about 30 crore people need glasses, only about 9-10 crore people wear them. The market is around 3
crore pieces per annum. In value terms, the total eyewear market in India is over Rs 1,800 crore and is
growing at around 15-20 per cent per year. Of this, only about 10 per cent is in the organised segment.
Contact lenses are slowly making inroads in the spectacles market in India - from 1.5 lakh users in the
mid-1990s, there are now over 10 lakh contact lens users in India. The market penetration of contact
lenses in India is extremely low (only 5 per cent in SECs A and B of the top six metros who need
vision correction). Nearly 8% of the Indian population or one third of Indian urban population belongs
to SEC A & B categories. Contact lenses are usually used with a back-up of spectacles and that is how
the market is estimated. The industry is expected to grow at 20% (slightly higher than the growth of
overall eyewear market) on account of changing lifestyle, higher purchasing power and favourable
demography.
Contact lens usage in India
Population requiring vision correction Around 30 crore
Eyewear market (total) Around 9 crore users