The global eyewear market is predicted to exceed USD160 billion in 2025, with growth slightly below that recorded in 2024. Amid economic uncertainty, eyewear consumers are seeking cost-effective and health-conscious product choices offering value for money. Meanwhile, many consumers at the higher end of the market are willing to pay more for quality, durability and convenience.
With spending power facing ongoing pressure, consumers in 2025 are becoming smarter with their spending, resulting in the rise of private label products, and sparking innovation in affordable alternatives, particularly the rise of affordable premium products. Conversely, with the younger Gen Z generation still spending on high-end products, luxury brands face a battle for value creation, as purchasing patterns move towards quality, sustainability, craftsmanship and product longevity.
Health and Purpose
Eyewear consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that align with their long-term health goals, selecting products that contribute to their overall longevity and wellbeing, such as myopia control. Myopia control products, aimed to slow the progression of myopia in children, are positioned as a preventative health tool, with the purpose to enhance quality of life in the long term, whilst also supporting children’s development in the shorter term.
Eco-Conscious Consumer
Eco-conscious eyewear consumers are willing to pay for a product that aligns with their values.
More than 61% of consumers tried to have a positive impact on the environment in 2025 – a figure that has remained consistent since 2023
Source: Euromonitor Voice of the Consumer: Sustainability Survey, fielded January to February 2025
Eyewear companies have no choice but to take a firm stance. Blockchain technology has started to become relevant in the eyewear industry, with luxury eyewear brands in a unique position to benefit. Blockchain enables companies to record every step of a product’s journey, which helps verify the use of sustainable material claims.
Tech-Savvy Convenience
Some 34% of Gen Z global consumers are planning to spend more on technology in the future, according to Euromonitor's Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey, fielded January to February 2025, making smart eyewear an attractive offering. Consumers are seeking convenience, expecting bot
Tariff turmoil is set to have global repercussions for the eyewear industry. Potential challenges include increased costs, higher prices for consumers, supply chain disruptions and impacts on small businesses. Businesses are responding in a number of ways. The leading eyewear company EssilorLuxottica is already raising its prices in the US, and is weighing the option of a production move from Thailand and Mexico to the US, in response to the tariffs on Thai and Mexican products.
Implications for growth
Market Polarisation: Companies at the low-priced end of eyewear will be compelled to adapt to offer affordable premium products. In luxury, consumers will be expecting high-quality materials, exclusivity and innovation.
Health and Purpose: Marketing strategies for myopia control products must put emphasis on clinically proven results. More education across all aspects is needed in this area.
Eco-Conscious Consumer: Brands need to pay close attention to consumer demand for transparency in sourcing and environmental footprint.
Tech-Savvy Convenience: Moving forward, it is vital that businesses prioritise user experience, accessibility and data privacy when developing new solutions for smart eyewear.
Tariff Geopolitics: Eyewear stakeholders must be agile in reshoring, and invest in intelligent sourcing and logistics decision-making.
Learn more about these trends in our report, Top Five Trends in Eyewear to gain insights from case studies and see our predictions for the forecast period, and stream our webinar, The Business of Uncertainty: Impact of Trump Policies Across Industries to learn about the potential impact of Trump’s policies across industries.
