India Eyewear Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

India Eyewear Market was valued at USD 6,600 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 11,930 Million by 2033, at a CAGR of 11.93% during the forecast period 2024 – 2033.

Eyewear refers to accessories worn over the eyes for vision correction or protection. This includes glasses and sunglasses, which serve various purposes such as correcting refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), shielding eyes from harmful UV rays, or providing safety in work environments.

Eyewear can be prescription-based, designed with lenses tailored to individual visual needs, or non-prescription for fashion and sun protection.

The global eyewear market in recent years has experienced significant growth driven by factors like increasing awareness of eye health, lifestyle changes, and fashion trends. The market encompasses a wide range of products including prescription glasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, and safety glasses.

Emerging technologies like smart glasses incorporating AR (augmented reality) or VR (virtual reality) functionalities are also influencing market dynamics.

Factors such as aging populations in developed countries, rising incidence of visual impairments globally, and the growing preference for trendy eyewear as a fashion statement contribute to the market’s growth.

Additionally, e-commerce has transformed the distribution of eyewear, providing consumers with more convenient access to a diverse range of products. The eyewear market is competitive, with key players constantly innovating to meet evolving consumer demands for both function and style.

India Eyewear Market: Growth Factors

Growing Urbanization and Changing Lifestyles

India’s rapid urbanization and evolving lifestyle patterns are significantly driving the eyewear market. As more people migrate to urban areas, there is an increase in exposure to digital screens due to office work, leading to higher incidences of vision-related problems.

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) indicates a rising trend in vision impairments, particularly among urban populations. The changing lifestyles, including the increased use of smartphones and computers, are contributing to a rise in cases of myopia and other eye conditions, thereby boosting the demand for corrective eyewear.

According to the Census of India 2011, the urban population in India was around 31.2% of the total population, with significant growth projected in subsequent years.

Increasing Awareness of Eye Health

Growing awareness about the importance of eye health and regular eye check-ups is another driver of the eyewear market in India. Various government initiatives and campaigns aimed at educating the public about vision care have contributed to this awareness.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India has conducted several awareness programs such as the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI).

Additionally, rising disposable incomes among the middle-class population have enabled more people to afford eyewear for both vision correction and fashion purposes. The rise of online platforms and social media has also played a role in disseminating information about eye health and eyewear choices.

India Eyewear Market: Restraints

Affordability and Access to Eyewear

One of the significant restraints in the Indian eyewear market is the affordability and accessibility of eyewear products, especially in rural areas. Despite the increasing awareness, a large segment of the population finds quality eyewear products relatively expensive.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India faces challenges in providing affordable eye care services to all segments of the population. Moreover, the distribution network for eyewear in rural and remote regions is limited, affecting accessibility to eye care services and products.

The National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) data reveals disparities in the distribution of eye care services and affordability across different regions of India.

Regulatory Constraints and Standards

Regulatory constraints and adherence to quality standards pose challenges to the growth of the eyewear market in India. The eyewear industry is subject to regulations related to manufacturing practices, import policies, and quality standards.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets guidelines for eyewear quality and safety, which manufacturers must comply with. Compliance with these standards can increase production costs, affecting the pricing of eyewear products. Import regulations and tariffs on raw materials for eyewear manufacturing impact the overall cost structure of the industry.

India Eyewear Market: Opportunities

Rise of E-commerce and Online Retail

The increasing penetration of e-commerce and online retail platforms presents significant opportunities for the eyewear market in India. Online platforms offer a convenient way for consumers to browse and purchase eyewear products from the comfort of their homes.

According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), India has witnessed substantial growth in internet users, reaching over 500 million users in recent years. This trend has especially gained traction among younger demographics who seek trendy and affordable eyewear options.

The Indian E-commerce market is expected to continue growing, offering a favorable environment for eyewear companies to expand their reach.

Rising Demand for Fashion Eyewear

The increasing influence of fashion trends and celebrity endorsements has spurred the demand for fashion eyewear in India. Eyewear is no longer just a functional accessory but also a style statement for many consumers.

This trend is particularly prevalent among urban millennials and Gen Z, who are more inclined towards experimenting with different eyewear styles. Fashion magazines and social media influencers contribute to shaping eyewear trends in India. The Indian fashion industry, estimated to be worth over $100 billion, continues to drive demand for fashionable eyewear products.

India Eyewear Market: Segmentation Analysis

India Eyewear market is segmented by product type, end user and Distribution Channel.

Based on product type, India eyewear market is segmented into Spectacles, Sunglasses, Contact Lenses. Among all these segments Spectacles held the highest market share in 2023. Spectacles are a necessity for vision correction and are commonly used by a large portion of the population, including people of all ages.

Contact lenses are witnessing significant growth due to lifestyle changes, increased adoption among young adults, and advancements in lens technology making them more comfortable and convenient. The market for contact lenses is expanding rapidly as more people opt for them over traditional spectacles.

Based on End users, India eyewear market is segmented into Men, Women and kids. Among all these segments Men and women held the highest market share in 2023 as the demand for eyewear among adults is generally higher compared to kids.

The segment for kids is showing promising growth due to increased awareness about eye health in children, rising cases of myopia, and a shift towards early corrective measures. Parents are becoming more conscious about their children’s vision health, thereby driving the growth of this subsegment.

Based on the Distribution Channel, India Eyewear market is segmented into Optical Stores, Independent Brand Showrooms, Online Stores, and Retail Stores. Among all these segments, Optical Stores held the highest market share in 2023. They offer a wide range of products and services, making them popular among consumers seeking personalized eye care solutions.

The online eyewear market is experiencing rapid growth due to convenience, a wider selection of products, competitive pricing, and increasing digitalization. Consumers, particularly younger demographics, are more comfortable buying eyewear online, especially with the option of virtual try-ons and home delivery services.

Report Scope

India Eyewear Market: Regional Analysis

The Indian eyewear market is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector driven by several key factors, including changing demographics, increasing disposable income, and evolving fashion trends. This market encompasses various segments, from prescription glasses to sunglasses and contact lenses, catering to a diverse consumer base across different regions of India.

The Indian eyewear market is expanding significantly, driven by a rising awareness of eye health and an increasing prevalence of vision-related issues among the population. With a population exceeding 1.3 billion, India represents a vast consumer base for eyewear products. The market is further fueled by a growing urban population, lifestyle changes, and a greater emphasis on fashion and personal grooming.

States like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh constitute a major portion of the market. Urban centers like Delhi-NCR and Chandigarh exhibit strong demand for both prescription and fashion eyewear due to higher disposable incomes and a fashion-conscious populace.

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh are key markets characterized by a blend of traditional values and modern lifestyle preferences. This region shows a growing demand for premium eyewear brands and specialized eye care services.

Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan are prominent markets driven by metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad. The market here is diverse, ranging from luxury eyewear boutiques in upscale neighbourhoods to affordable eyewear chains catering to a broader consumer base.

States such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar are witnessing increased eyewear consumption driven by rising awareness about eye health. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, serves as a hub for eyewear retail, with a mix of traditional and contemporary eyewear offerings.

Consumers are increasingly viewing eyewear as a fashion accessory rather than just a vision aid. This trend is particularly strong among younger demographics in urban areas. E-commerce platforms have played a crucial role in expanding the reach of eyewear brands, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where access to brick-and-mortar stores may be limited.

Health consciousness is driving demand for prescription eyewear and specialized lenses. Eye care clinics and optical chains are expanding their footprint to tap into this growing market.

Despite its growth prospects, the Indian eyewear market faces challenges such as price sensitivity among consumers, counterfeit products, and limited awareness about advanced eye care solutions. Additionally, the market is highly fragmented, making it challenging for brands to establish a strong nationwide presence.

The future of the Indian eyewear market looks promising, driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing focus on personal grooming. The market is expected to witness continued innovation in product offerings, increased adoption of online retail channels, and greater penetration into untapped regions, making India a key growth market in the global eyewear industry.

India Eyewear Market: Recent Developments

• In March 2024, Lenskart, India’s leading online eyewear retailer, announced a partnership with a leading sports brand name to launch a co-branded collection of sports eyewear. This caters to the growing demand for performance and style-focused eyewear among fitness enthusiasts in India.

• In February 2024, Titan Eye+, a major player in the Indian eyewear market, announced its expansion into the Eastern Indian market with the opening of 50 new stores across Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar. This highlights the growing demand for branded eyewear in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

• In November 2023, EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in eyewear, announced its collaboration with a prominent Indian fashion designer to launch a limited-edition collection of prescription sunglasses. This showcases the increasing emphasis on designer collaborations and fashion-forward eyewear in the Indian market.

List of the prominent players in the India Eyewear Market:

• Lenskart
• Titan Eye+
• Luxottica
• Essilor
• John Deere
• Ray-Ban
• Vogue Eyewear
• Prada
• Gucci
• Hoya
• Crizal
• Varilux
• Transitions
• Relax
• Vincent Chase
• Wildcraft
• Moov
• Others

These key players are adopting various organic and inorganic growth strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, expansion, strategic alliances, new product launches, etc. to enhance their business operations and revenues.

The India Eyewear Market is segmented as follows:

By Product Type

• Spectacles
• Sunglasses
• Contact Lenses

By End Users

• Men
• Women
• Kids

By Distribution Channel

• Optical Stores
• Independent Brand Showrooms
• Online Stores
• Retail Stores