Page 166 - Nov- Dec 2024

EVOLUTION OF

SPECTACLE

LENSES

IN INDIA

he Indian eyewear market has witnessed
remarkable growth and transformation
Tover the past decades, reflecting
broader shifts in consumer behaviour,
technological advancement, and economic
liberalisation. From the post-independence
period, where affordability was prioritised
over quality, to the modern era characterised
by innovation and premium products, the
spectacle lens industry has come a long way.

A SNAPSHOT OF THE CURRENT
INDIAN EYEWEAR MARKET

In 2023, spectacles contributed around
42% to the total revenue of India’s eyewear changed consumer preferences, contributing to
industry, and the market is projected to grow this sector's strong growth trajectory.
significantly from $6.61 billion in 2023 to $18.48
billion by 2032. This rapid growth can be EARLY DAYS OF THE SPECTACLE
attributed to rising eye health concerns, such LENSES MARKET
as myopia and presbyopia, as well as increased
awareness of eye care across demographics. After India’s independence in 1947, the
With vision impairment prevalent across urban country’s nascent industrial economy focused
and rural populations, demand for high-quality primarily on producing low-cost goods, including
yet affordable lenses continues to rise. spectacle lenses. The market at the time was
dominated by mineral (glass) lenses, which
Leading brands in the Indian market, were thick and heavy but cost-effective for
including global giants like EssilorLuxottica, manufacturers and consumers. Cities like Kolkata
Zeiss, Hoya, and Vision Rx Lab, dominate and Delhi became key hubs for spectacle lens
the landscape. The availability of modern, businesses. Indian companies like GKB Optical,
lightweight plastic lenses has dramatically Suprol Optical, RKOS and Beauty Glass to name

160 | THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | NOV-DEC 2024 OPTOMETRY