New Report by Contact Lens Institute Reveals Strategies to Enhance Contact Lens Retention
The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has just published an in-depth, data-driven report titled “Disrupting the Dropout Dilemma: Practical Steps to Keep Patients in Contact Lenses.” Aimed at assisting eye care practices in understanding and improving contact lens retention, the report delves into critical factors that drive long-term wear and high patient satisfaction. Available for free as part of CLI’s “See Tomorrow” series, the publication is accessible online for reading or download at Contact Lens Institute Resources.
According to CLI Executive Director Stan Rogaski, the report not only builds on prior research but also offers practical insights into why patients continue using contact lenses over the long term. “Even modest adjustments to some everyday in-practice behaviors can disrupt the dropout cycle,” Rogaski said, highlighting that the report’s findings can empower every member of an eye care practice—from clinicians to administrative staff—to play a role in improving patient outcomes.
The report's insights are based on CLI-commissioned research from August 2024, involving 401 US adults split evenly between new (<2 years) and long-term (≥2 years) soft contact lens users. Key findings include:
High Satisfaction Rates: Satisfaction soars from 67% among new users to 86% among those who have been wearing contacts for 2 years or more, indicating that early support for new wearers pays off
Top Satisfaction Drivers: Comfort, quality of vision, freedom from glasses, and convenience consistently rank as top benefits for contact lens wearers, regardless of experience level
Deterrents to Wear: New users are more sensitive to factors that detract from satisfaction, underscoring the need for practices to provide enhanced guidance and support during the early stages of contact lens adoption
Long-Term Loyalty: Among experienced wearers, 87% report they have never discontinued contact lens use, signaling strong loyalty among those who continue wearing contacts past the two-year mark
Additional topics include patient reliance on practice staff for contact lens education, the value of discussing dual wear with glasses, and preferred practices that encourage long-term usage. The findings are supported by 14 visual infographics designed for easy training and educational use.
In addition to data, the report features insights from 18 'CLI Visionaries.' These professionals share how they are applying the report's findings to enhance patient satisfaction within their practices.
Practices and eye care professionals can access the full 32-page report, as well as individual high-resolution infographics, highlights, and videos of Visionaries discussing key insights, at CLI’s See Tomorrow resources page.