New Research Highlights Opticians’ Key Role in Contact Lens Success, Strong Patient Trust

Key Takeaways

• 89% of contact lens wearers say opticians are important in helping them achieve the best vision possible, and 83% consider them highly valuable to their contact lens experience

• Patients strongly trust opticians for contact lens education and support, with 84% reporting increased confidence in wear and care after interacting with them

• Opticians are eager for greater involvement and training, with 67% expressing strong interest in additional contact lens education

The Contact Lens Institute (CLI) and the United Opticians Association (UOA) have released new research highlighting the critical role opticians play in helping patients achieve successful contact lens wear, while also revealing opportunities for greater education and engagement within the profession.

The consumer research was conducted online by Prodege for the Contact Lens Institute from Jan. 19–27, 2026, among 500 contact lens wearers in the United States and Canada ages 18–61. The professional survey was conducted by the Contact Lens Institute and United Opticians Association from Jan. 19–Feb. 9, 2026, among 248 U.S. opticians. Of those respondents, 72% reported holding a contact lens certification from the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) or another certifying body.

The findings are presented in a newly published report available as a free download through CLI’s See Tomorrow research series. The report will also be featured at OptiCon ’26 @ Vision Expo during the expert panel session titled “Vision for Growth: Consumer Perspectives on Opticianry & Contact Lens Success,” scheduled for March 12 and March 13.

Strong Patient Confidence in Opticians

According to a January 2026 survey of contact lens wearers in the United States and Canada, patients overwhelmingly view opticians as essential partners in their vision care. Nearly nine in 10 respondents (89%) said opticians are important in helping them achieve the best vision possible, while 83% reported that opticians were extremely or very valuable to their overall contact lens experience.

The research also revealed that 84% of wearers said their interactions with opticians increased their confidence in proper contact lens wear and care. Additionally, 85% said they would definitely or probably turn to an optician if they encountered a contact lens issue.

Meeting Patient Expectations

Patients widely recognize opticians’ involvement in contact lens instruction and care. About nine in 10 survey participants reported familiarity with opticians performing tasks such as answering questions, providing insertion and removal training, and recommending resources to improve the contact lens experience. More than 80% of patients expect opticians to perform these roles, while approximately two-thirds of opticians say they currently do.

One notable gap emerged in follow-up care. While 70% of patients expect opticians to conduct home follow-ups—such as phone, email, or text check-ins—after a new contact lens prescription, only 34% of opticians reported regularly performing this outreach.

Despite this discrepancy, patient trust in opticians remains high. Survey respondents rated opticians’ performance in contact lens education and related responsibilities above 80%, comparable to trust levels for ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Education Opportunities for the Profession

Contact lens knowledge ranked as the most important quality patients seek in opticians, followed closely by professionalism. While 60% of contact lens wearers reported being very satisfied with their optician’s guidance, another 32% described themselves as only somewhat satisfied—indicating potential opportunities to improve patient support.

Among opticians surveyed, nearly half (48%) said their knowledge of contact lenses matches their knowledge of spectacle frames and lenses, but 38% reported having moderately or significantly less expertise in contact lenses.

Interest in further education appears strong. Two-thirds of opticians (67%) expressed a high level of interest in additional contact lens training if it were available. When asked about preferred learning formats, 52% favored online education while 48% preferred in-person training.

More than half (56%) of opticians also said they would like to be more involved in the contact lens wearing experience for patients, though 28% said they remain uncertain about expanding their role.

“Success with contact lens wear is a team effort, and opticians play a vital role,” said Stan Rogaski, executive director of the Contact Lens Institute. “Our new research reinforces past CLI See Tomorrow findings that every member of the practice contributes to the wearing experience, and it highlights opportunities for practice leaders to better leverage opticians’ knowledge and the trust that patients place in them.”

Originally published online on Eyewire+.