Phoropter Market

Market Overview

The global phoropter market size was valued at USD 154.3 million in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 237.4 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period (2024-2032). A major driver of the growth of the Phoropter Market is the rising prevalence of eye disorders.

A phoropter is an ophthalmic instrument that eye care practitioners use during eye exams to establish the proper prescription for corrective lenses. It is made of a frame that houses a set of interchangeable lenses and prisms, allowing the eye care practitioner to show the patient different lens combinations and measure their visual acuity.

The growing prevalence and awareness of refractive problems in the general population increases the need for routine eye exams. Furthermore, rising healthcare costs and government measures worldwide to increase the number of eye care specialists and ophthalmic clinical settings are encouraging the general public to have eye exams. These activities raise awareness about eye health and encourage people to undergo routine ophthalmic exams, which is expected to stimulate demand for ophthalmic testing instruments.

Highlights

• Automated accounts for the largest share of the market by product type.
• Ophthalmic Clinics contributes significantly to the market by end-user.

Market Dynamics

Global Phoropter Market Drivers:

Rising Prevalence of Refractive Errors

The increased global prevalence of refractive defects is a primary driving force behind the phoropter market trend. Refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia, impact a considerable proportion of the population and necessitate accurate assessment and treatment using eyeglasses or contact lenses, measured with phoropters during eye exams. In 2023, more than 40% of patients had myopia, up from less than 10% in 2012 and 25% in 2016. Myopia is more prevalent in girls than in boys. Persons aged 65-75 are also more likely to have myopia than younger persons. 

Furthermore, advances in phoropter technology improve the accuracy and efficiency of refractive examinations. Digital phoropters with sophisticated capabilities, including automated measurements, configurable testing methods, and digital interfaces, allow eye care practitioners to perform more precise and streamlined eye exams, satisfying the expanding global need for vision correction options.

Another factor that can contribute to refractive error is the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses like diabetes mellitus. Acute hyperglycemia is connected with myopic refraction. Hyperglycemia causes a myopic shift, according to findings published in the March 2023 issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Patients with diabetes mellitus exhibited a considerably higher prevalence of myopia than those without it. The growing prevalence of refractive defects and advances in phoropter technology present a huge business opportunity for phoropter manufacturers and eye care practitioners worldwide. As the demand for vision correction solutions grows, phoropters remain critical for providing patients with accurate and tailored eye care.

Global Phoropter Market Restraints:

High Cost of Advanced Phoropter

The high cost of sophisticated phoropters is a significant barrier in the global market, especially for smaller optometry practices or healthcare organizations with restricted finances. Advanced digital phoropters, with capabilities such as automated measurements, digital interfaces, and customized testing methods, are typically more expensive than standard manual ones. The high expense of modern phoropters stems from using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and the qualified experts required to operate them. A phoropter's price varies by model and manufacturer, ranging from USD 550 to USD 18,900, whereas automated phoropters cost between USD 1,200 and USD 11,000. 

Additionally, the device's model and manufacturer determine the price of a digital or automated phoropter. For example, according to Sky Optic, the whole phoropter pricing ranges from USD 550 to USD 18,900. The cost of an automated one ranges from USD 1,200 to USD 11,000. The high expenses of installing and maintaining automated systems make them unaffordable for small healthcare settings, limiting the client base and demand for these goods. This may limit the phoropter market's growth potential over the forecast period. Furthermore, modern phoropters' continuing maintenance and calibration requirements increase ownership costs. Routine maintenance, software upgrades, and calibration services are required to ensure the accuracy and dependability of digital phoropters, which increases the financial burden on practitioners. 

As a result of these high prices, some optometry offices may choose to continue using traditional manual phoropters or postpone switching to digital models, restricting the market penetration of improved phoropter technology overall. This can stifle industry expansion and innovation, as smaller practices may need help to invest in the most recent advances in phoropter technology.

Global Phoropter Market Opportunity:

Technological Advancement

Continued advances in phoropter technology present considerable prospects for business expansion. Manufacturers continually innovate to add new features like digital interfaces, automated measurements, and cloud connectivity, improving phoropters' functioning and user experience. Investing in R&D to create cutting-edge phoropter solutions that meet the changing needs of eye care professionals and patients can help businesses capitalize on the potential. These modern phoropters provide more accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort during eye examinations than previous manual models. For example, the NIDEK RT-6100 digital phoropter combines wavefront technology with user-friendly touchscreen controls, allowing eye care practitioners to do precise and rapid refraction tests.

Furthermore, improvements in digital phoropter technology allow for seamless connection with electronic health record (EHR) systems, telemedicine platforms, and other digital health solutions, resulting in more effective data management, teleophthalmology consultations, and remote refraction services. Manufacturers can increase their market presence by adopting technology improvements and investing in creating next-generation phoropter solutions.

Regional Analysis

The global phoropter market share is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global phoropter market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% over the forecast period. The increased prevalence of refractive errors in the general population can be attributed to the large number of people who spend long periods in front of computers. This aspect has increased demand for routine refractive eye treatment, opening up the potential for new optometrists and optical chains to grow their presence in the region. For example, according to a May 2023 article published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, at least 60.0% of American males and 65.0% of American women have experienced symptoms of computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain. 

Furthermore, the CDC produced a news release in February 2022 that included prevalence figures for the most common eye problems and diseases. Nearly 12 million persons in the United States over the age of 40 have vision impairment, with around one million of them blind. Astigmatism affects around one-third of the American population. Farsightedness affects 8.4% of the population over 40 (more than 14.2 million people). Nearsightedness affects slightly more than 23.9% of adults over 40 (or around 34 million people). As the prevalence of eye illnesses rises, so will the demand for phoropters to test for them. 

In addition, the regulatory environment in North America supports the growth of the phoropters market, with strict quality standards and compliance procedures in place to ensure the safety and efficacy of these medical devices. This legal structure has instilled confidence in end users, accelerating the uptake of phoropters in the region. North America's economic stability and discretionary solid income levels have also contributed significantly to the growth of the phoropter market. Consumers in the area are more inclined to invest in innovative healthcare technologies, contributing to overall market growth.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period.  Europe has the second-greatest market share. The frequency of refractive errors in the European population has prompted regulatory agencies to raise awareness about eye illnesses among the general public. It has also issued guidelines to prevent its spread among the younger generation. For example, according to an article released by The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in March 2021, the frequency of myopia in Europe has risen to about 50% among people aged 25 to 29. To address this, the European Society of Ophthalmology recommends a full eye examination to assess refractive error before a kid begins school.

Asia-Pacific accounted for a sizable market share in 2023. Manufacturers' increasing attention to research and development of technologically advanced and new goods significantly contributes to regional market expansion. For example, in December 2022, NIDEK CO., LTD., a leading leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of ophthalmic equipment, introduced the Fully Assisted Refraction System (FARS), an extra kit for the TS-610 NIDEK Tabletop Refraction System that allows for subjective refractions. 

The Middle East and Africa, and Latin America will likely expand at a lower CAGR during the forecast period. The slower expansion of this region can be attributed to a need for more awareness about eye health and insufficient healthcare investment in its countries.

Segmental Analysis

The global phoropter market is segmented based on product type and end-user.

The market is further segmented by product type into Manual and Automated.

The automated segment dominated the global market in 2023. Automated phoropters, often called digital or electronic phoropters, use motorized gears and digital controllers to perform refractive examinations. These phoropters have customizable settings, touchscreen interfaces, and automatic measurement capabilities, which eliminates the need for human modifications during eye exams. Automated phoropters have various advantages over manual models, including faster and more accurate refraction, uniform testing techniques, and increased patient comfort. 

Additionally, the ease of use and reduced time required by automated ones to provide a prescription for glasses and contact lenses are essential factors contributing to increased market demand. Furthermore, the higher accuracy of automated ones compared to manual ones predicts their increasing usage. As a result, practitioners can provide more information regarding other ocular health conditions because patients' refractive adjustments take less time. These elements contribute significantly to the segment's market growth.

The manual sector had a tiny market share. Manual phoropters are classic refractive measurement instruments that an eye care expert must manually adjust during a vision check. They comprise a collection of lenses, cylinders, and prisms housed within a framework that allows the optometrist or ophthalmologist to manually adjust the refractive power and astigmatism correction settings based on the patient's responses. For many years, manual phoropters have been the norm in eye care, and they are regarded as reliable, simple, and provide tactile feedback. Manual systems' low installation costs have significantly helped the segment's growth. The restricted budgets of small hospitals, clinics, and optometrists for refractor machine installation are accelerating its adoption among practitioners.

The market can be further bifurcated by end-users into Hospitals and ophthalmic Clinics.

Ophthalmic clinics dominated the global phoropter market share. Ophthalmic clinics, often known as eye clinics or vision centers, are specialized healthcare facilities that diagnose, treat, and manage eye illnesses and vision difficulties. These clinics provide primary care for people who require routine eye exams, vision screenings, and treatment for various ocular disorders. Phoropters are vital equipment in ophthalmic clinics, where optometrists and ophthalmologists utilize them extensively to do refraction tests, evaluate visual acuity, and determine the proper prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. 

In addition, the growing emphasis among healthcare professionals on boosting their profitability is increasing the number of private ophthalmology clinics in developed and emerging countries. Furthermore, to grow their footprint, many prefer to form or join a Management Service Organization (MSO) owned by a physician. Private practitioners do these deliberate actions to expand their practices as separate clinics contribute to adopting these devices among practitioners, hence enhancing market growth. 

Hospitals are a vital end-user market for phoropters, particularly in more significant medical facilities with extensive eye care departments or ophthalmology clinics. In hospitals, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other eye care professionals utilize phoropters to perform comprehensive eye exams, diagnose vision disorders, and prescribe corrective lenses or treatments. 

Furthermore, the increasing frequency of refractive errors and other eye illnesses among the general population in both developed and developing countries is driving the expansion of the hospital segment. This prompted government officials to increase the number of ophthalmologist consultants in government facilities. For example, according to an article released by The Royal College of Ophthalmologists in March 2023, approximately 87.0% of ophthalmology consultants operate in an NHS context, while approximately 68.0% are contracted to work full-time in the United Kingdom.

Recent Developments

• February 2024- Topcon Technology's Strategic Integration for Meibography and Myopia Management.
• January 2024- NIDEK and Orbis International collaborated to expand artificial intelligence eye screenings in Vietnam.
• November 2023- Reichert® announced an Exclusive U.S. Partnership Agreement for Ocular Surface and Dry Eye Technology.
• March 2024- EssilorLuxottica and Dolce&Gabbana announced an early renewal of their licensing agreement for the development, production, and global distribution of prescription frames and sunglasses under the Dolce&Gabbana brand.