APAC Eyewear Market Outlook to 2030

APAC Eyewear Market Overview

• The APAC Eyewear Market is valued at USD 43.26 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This market has been largely driven by a growing awareness of eye health due to increased screen time, technological advancements in eyewear, and rising fashion consciousness. The region's aging population and rising disposable incomes have further boosted demand for both prescription eyewear and premium products, particularly smart and luxury eyewear.

• China, India, and Japan dominate the APAC Eyewear market. Chinas dominance can be attributed to its vast consumer base, increased disposable income, and a strong manufacturing sector. India is rapidly growing due to its large population and increasing awareness of eye health, while Japans technologically advanced eyewear products, such as smart eyewear, have ensured its position as a leading market player.
• In 2024, Japan's simplified tariff system offers reduced or duty-free rates for products from developing countries. Imports under 200,000 (~$1,887) benefit from simplified classification, streamlining customs processes and cutting brokerage fees. This initiative supports businesses by making imports faster and more cost-effective. Additionally, Japan provides advance rulings on tariff classifications and has introduced measures to ensure transparency in customs operations, enhancing trade efficiency.

APAC Eyewear Market Segmentation

By Product Type: The APAC Eyewear market is segmented by product type into prescription eyewear, sunglasses, contact lenses, smart eyewear, and safety eyewear. Among these, prescription eyewear holds a dominant market share due to the growing number of people requiring vision correction across urban and rural populations. The increased screen time from digital devices has exacerbated eye strain and vision issues, making prescription glasses a necessity for many consumers. Additionally, there is a strong demand for customization and fashionable frames in this segment.

By Distribution Channel: The APAC Eyewear market is also segmented by distribution channels into optical stores, online stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, and independent retailers. Optical stores remain the dominant distribution channel, holding the largest market share. This is due to the consumer preference for in-person eye tests and fitting services offered at these stores. However, online channels are witnessing rapid growth, especially with younger consumers and tech-savvy individuals, who prefer the convenience and vast array of choices available online.

APAC Eyewear Market Competitive Landscape

The market is dominated by both global and regional players. The competitive landscape includes key players such as Luxottica Group, Essilor International, and Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. These companies have established a strong presence due to their global reach, product innovations, and investments in branding and marketing. Additionally, the market is highly fragmented with many local and smaller players offering affordable eyewear solutions to meet the needs of various consumer segments.

APAC Eyewear Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increased Consumer Awareness on Eye Health: Consumer awareness around eye health has risen significantly across the Asia-Pacific region, with countries such as Japan and South Korea witnessing substantial growth in demand for prescription eyewear. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 2.2 billion people globally experience some form of vision impairment, with approximately 1 billion of these cases being preventable or yet to be addressed. currently suffer from vision impairment, making the need for corrective lenses a crucial market driver.
• Rising Fashion Consciousness: Fashion-driven eyewear has gained significant traction in APAC markets, especially in urban areas of countries like China, India, and South Korea. For instance, the collaboration between Jennie Kim from BLACKPINK and Gentle Monster, a South Korean luxury eyewear brand. This partnership has resulted in successful product lines like Jentle Home and Jentle Garden, which have attracted significant media attention and consumer interest globally.
• Increasing Usage of Digital Devices: The widespread use of digital devices in the Asia-Pacific region has led to increased demand for eyewear to combat eye strain. The surge in internet usage and the proliferation of smartphones have significantly contributed to the need for protective eyewear, particularly blue-light filtering glasses. As more people spend extended periods in front of screens, optical prescriptions for screen-related vision problems are on the rise. This trend is noticeable across both developed and developing markets in the region, where the digital shift is rapidly transforming consumer behavior towards eyewear products.

Market Challenges

• Counterfeit Eyewear Products: The widespread availability of counterfeit eyewear in APAC, especially in China and Southeast Asia, challenges the growth of legitimate brands. These knock-offs erode consumer trust and reduce sales of authentic products. Regulatory bodies are working to curb the spread of fake goods, but counterfeit products still make it difficult for consumers to differentiate between real and fake eyewear.
• High Cost of Branded Eyewear: The high cost of branded eyewear in developing APAC economies limits its accessibility. Many consumers, especially in rural areas, find premium eyewear unaffordable compared to local alternatives. This price gap discourages the adoption of high-end products, leading most buyers to opt for cheaper, non-branded options instead, especially in regions with lower disposable incomes.

APAC Eyewear Market Future Outlook

The APAC Eyewear market is expected to see significant growth over the next five years, driven by the increasing demand for both corrective and non-corrective eyewear. Factors such as the adoption of smart eyewear technologies, growing fashion consciousness, and the rise of disposable incomes are likely to accelerate market growth. The expansion of e-commerce and digital marketing channels will further provide new growth avenues, particularly among the younger population who are more inclined towards purchasing eyewear online.

Market Opportunities

• Expansion in Emerging Economies: Emerging economies in the APAC region, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, present significant opportunities for eyewear expansion. With growing urbanization and increasing disposable incomes, these markets are becoming more attractive for multinational eyewear brands. As consumer demand rises and local optical retail infrastructure improves, companies can penetrate these underserved markets, establishing a foothold and catering to the evolving needs of the population.
• Online Retail Expansion: The rapid growth of e-commerce in the APAC region has created new opportunities for eyewear sales. Online platforms offer consumers easy access to a wide variety of eyewear products, allowing brands to reach previously untapped markets. As online shopping continues to rise, eyewear companies are increasingly relying on digital retail channels to expand their customer base and provide convenient purchasing options.