1,000+ Adults in U.S. and Germany Share Viewpoints on
Contact Lens Habits, Benefits and Challenges
SAN RAMON, Calif., January 16, 2020—A study commissioned by CooperVision among new contact lenses wearers offers valuable information that eye care professionals (ECPs) can use to better reach new patients, increase their satisfaction and reduce dropout. The research—part of the CooperVision Consumer Insights Series—was conducted among more than 1,000 adults in the United States and Germany who had been wearing contacts between 2 – 12 months.
“Our partnership with ECPs around the world extends well beyond our products and services, including offering viewpoints from consumers that can advance clinical successes and practices’ business outcomes,” said Kevin Barrett, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Lifecycle Management for CooperVision. “This new research validates some assumptions that have existed for years, and gives ECPs compelling data to engage new contact lens wearers in conversations that could improve their near- and long-term experiences.”
An infographic highlighting many of the findings is available at https://coopervision.com/practitioner/patient-retention/reduce-new-wearer-dropout
Getting Wearers Past the Six-Month Mark
Among the observations is the uptick seen in wearer commitment to contact lenses after they have been wearing them for longer than six months. After three and six months of starting wear, 31% of respondents noted they would likely stop using contact lenses in the next six months. However, that figure drops to 19% and 18% among people who had begun their lens wear nine and twelve months ago, respectively. Additionally, people who identified as dual contact lens and spectacle wearers were four times more likely to continue using lenses in the next six months versus contact lens-only wearers.
Issues and Benefits
The study also looked at issues of most concern to new wearers. Insertion and removal handling and comfort were both identified as the top obstacles, yet 75% of new wearers reported no problems with these factors—a sign of continued advancements in products and education.
Counterintuitively, wearers who believe they will continue to wear lenses after six months indicated a higher degree of concern with handling and comfort versus those likely to drop out (31% versus 21%, respectively). “On its own, this statistic is quizzical, but when paired with additional data, a clearer story begins to emerge,” said Barrett. “This same group of committed wearers also exhibits a much stronger awareness of contact lenses’ benefits, likely overcoming challenges they may initially face.”
Indeed, committed wearers scored at least 10 percentage points higher on benefits they had already experienced from contact lens wear versus non-committed wearers, including feeling confident in their appearance, the ability to play sport or take part in physical activities without worry, convenience and wearing sunglasses of their choosing.
Wearer Interest in Health, Hydration and New Technologies
When asked about their interest in new or existing contact lens technologies, health and hydration came out on top. A contact lens technology that is healthier for the eye (e.g., a contact lens that allows more oxygen to get to my cornea) ranked number one at 32% of adults, while lenses that improve hydration for dry eyes came in at number two (29%).
“While it’s positive to see patients focused on their eye health, these findings suggest that ECPs could be reinforcing the benefits delivered in today’s innovative contact lens offerings, including CooperVision’s leading silicone hydrogel brands—clariti® 1 day, Biofinity®, and MyDay®,” remarked Barrett.
In a similar vein, approximately one in four respondents expressed interest in currently-available technologies, including multifocal lenses, UV protection, and assisting with tired eyes caused by digital device use. At the same time, the ability to have the latest technology was the single largest point of influence among wearers in requesting a specific lens. These results point to the opportunity for ongoing education and awareness from manufacturers and ECPs, not only to attract new wearers, but even after they are fit with lenses that incorporate those features.
“Our most recent CooperVision Consumer Insight Series report supports that a well-informed contact lens wearer is a more committed wearer,” said Barrett. “We are always looking for ways to help ECPs have valuable conversations with patients, and we hope this study provides practitioners with new ideas and observations that can be used in everyday practice.”
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All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,013 adults (511 in United States, 502 in Germany). Fieldwork was undertaken between October 24 and November 9, 2018. The survey was conducted online.
About CooperVision
CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (NYSE:COO), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses. The Company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly contact lenses, all featuring advanced materials and optics. CooperVision has a strong heritage of solving the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia and childhood myopia; and offers the most complete collection of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com.
About CooperCompanies
CooperCompanies ("Cooper") is a global medical device company publicly traded on the NYSE (NYSE:COO). Cooper operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision brings a refreshing perspective on vision care with a commitment to developing a wide range of high-quality products for contact lens wearers and providing focused practitioner support. CooperSurgical is committed to advancing the health of women, babies and families with its diversified portfolio of products and services focusing on medical devices and fertility & genomics. Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., Cooper has a workforce of more than 12,000 with products sold in over 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com.
Media Contact
Mike McDougall, APR, Fellow PRSA
McDougall Communications for CooperVision, Inc.
mike@mcdougallpr.com or +1-585-545-1815