India Veterinary Eye Care Market Outlook to 2030

India Veterinary Eye Care Market Overview

• The India Veterinary Eye Care Market is valued at USD 208 million, according to recent studies and data from industry sources. The markets growth is driven by increasing pet ownership, rising awareness of pet healthcare, and technological advancements in veterinary ophthalmology. These factors have led to a surge in demand for treatments, diagnostics, and eye surgeries specifically for animals. Additionally, the growing inclination towards specialized pet care is pushing veterinarians to adopt advanced technologies for ophthalmic treatments.
• In terms of regional dominance, major metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru lead the veterinary eye care market. The dominance of these cities can be attributed to higher pet ownership rates, a concentration of veterinary specialists, and greater disposable income that allows for more premium veterinary services. Additionally, these regions house a growing number of veterinary clinics equipped with advanced ophthalmic devices, contributing to the regional dominance.
• The Indian government is being urged to pass the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Bill,2022, which aims to strengthen penalties for animal cruelty and introduce five fundamental freedoms for animals, such as freedom from hunger, pain, and discomfort. The bill would replace outdated fines under the 1960 law and introduce stricter regulations for animal welfare. This initiative could significantly enhance veterinary care and protection, benefiting sectors like veterinary ophthalmology.

India Veterinary Eye Care Market Segmentation

By Treatment Type: The India Veterinary Eye Care market is segmented by treatment type into eye surgeries, medications, and diagnostics. Eye surgeries have recently gained a dominant market share under this segmentation. This is due to the increasing availability of advanced ophthalmic surgical procedures for conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma in companion animals. Additionally, the growing demand for specialized surgical interventions in veterinary care is driving the segments prominence.

By Animal Type: The India Veterinary Eye Care market is further segmented by animal type into companion animals (dogs, cats) and livestock (cattle, poultry). The companion animals segment holds a dominant position in the market due to the rising rates of pet adoption, especially in urban areas. Pets, particularly dogs and cats, are increasingly viewed as family members, and pet owners are more willing to invest in their health, including specialized treatments like eye care.

India Veterinary Eye Care Market Competitive Landscape

The market is characterized by a mix of domestic and international players who dominate the industry with innovative products, services, and technological advancements. The competitive landscape in India is growing more consolidated, with a handful of major players holding a significant market share due to their strong product portfolios, established distribution networks, and deep market penetration.

India Veterinary Eye Care Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Pet Ownership: India has witnessed a substantial rise in pet ownership, especially in urban areas. The growing affection for pets has led to an increase in healthcare spending on animals, including veterinary eye care. For instance, in July 2022, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, Shri Parshottam Rupala, recommended that the cooperative movement in the livestock industry be strengthened. In addition, there has been the implementation of various programs and schemes in India in the favor of veterinary health.
• Expanding Veterinary Clinic Networks: India has experienced a increase in veterinary clinics. This expansion, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, is supported by initiatives from the Department of Animal Husbandry, which aims to increase veterinary infrastructure through public-private partnerships. For instance, in August 2022, DCC (Dogs Cats & Companions) Animal Hospital, one of India's leading multi-specialty state-of-the-art pet care chains expanded with a new full-service medical and grooming center in New Delhi, India.
• Advancements in Veterinary Ophthalmic Devices and Diagnostics: The veterinary medical device market, particularly in ophthalmic equipment, has experienced notable innovations. Many veterinary clinics, especially in metropolitan areas, have adopted advanced diagnostic tools like digital fundus cameras and slit lamps, enhancing the precision and quality of eye care diagnostics. These developments are supported by regulatory approvals for modern ophthalmic devices, which have facilitated their wider deployment across clinics.

Market Challenges

• High Costs of Veterinary Eye Surgeries: The cost of veterinary eye surgeries remains a significant challenge for many pet owners, limiting access to necessary treatments. Eye surgeries, such as cataract removal, can be expensive, especially for middle-income families. While there is growing demand for veterinary eye care, these high costs prevent a larger portion of pet owners from seeking specialized treatments for their animals. Government programs aimed at subsidizing veterinary services are still in development, and only a small percentage of clinics currently offer affordable options for eye surgeries.
• Lack of Specialized Veterinary Ophthalmologists: India faces a shortage of specialized veterinary ophthalmologists, which presents a major challenge for pet owners seeking expert eye care. Very few veterinarians choose to specialize in ophthalmology, leaving a gap in the availability of advanced eye care services. This shortage is more pronounced in rural and semi-urban areas, where general veterinarians often manage eye conditions without specialized training. As a result, access to high-quality veterinary eye care is limited, particularly outside major urban centers.

India Veterinary Eye Care Market Future Outlook

Over the next few years, the India Veterinary Eye Care market is expected to witness significant growth, driven by an increasing awareness of animal healthcare, the rising pet population, and the introduction of advanced ophthalmic treatments. The expansion of veterinary clinics in Tier II and III cities is also projected to fuel growth, making eye care treatments more accessible to a broader population.

Market Opportunities

• Technological Innovations in Diagnostics (AI in diagnostics, telemedicine): The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in veterinary diagnostics is transforming the field of eye care. AI-assisted diagnostic tools are being increasingly used for early detection of retinal and other eye diseases, providing more accurate and efficient results. Additionally, telemedicine platforms are expanding to include veterinary eye consultations, making specialized care more accessible to pet owners, especially those in remote areas. This growing reliance on technology is enhancing the ability of veterinarians to diagnose and treat eye conditions with greater precision and convenience.
• Growing Demand for Pet Insurance Coverage for Eye Treatments: There has been a steady increase in the availability of pet insurance policies that cover eye treatments and surgeries. More pet owners are now opting for insurance plans that provide coverage for specialized veterinary eye care, allowing them to afford advanced treatments for conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. This rise in pet insurance coverage is driving demand for veterinary ophthalmic services, as more pet owners seek out specialized care to address their animals' eye health needs.