The Vision Council Releases Focused inSights 2025: Smart Eyewear
The Vision Council announced the release of 'Focused inSights 2025: Smart Eyewear,' a consumer research report that highlights growing interest and evolving attitudes toward the developing smart eyewear category. Drawing on survey responses from more than 4,000 US adults, the report tracks awareness, sentiment, and purchasing considerations, and compares them with data from the Council’s 2023 benchmark study.
According to The Vision Counci, the study underscores a category moving quickly from curiosity to mainstream interest:
Awareness surges: 58% of consumers now say they know exactly what smart eyewear is or have a general understanding—a sharp increase from 2023
Positive impressions: 56% report a favorable view when presented with a clear definition of smart eyewear’s potential features such as wireless connectivity, AI, live translation, and audio
Adoption & intent: 14% of respondents report owning smart eyewear, while 40% say they would consider a purchase within the next 12 months
The report highlights key drivers and obstacles shaping consumer decisions:
Top motivators: Curiosity (41%), perceived usefulness (39%), and “fun to use” (37%)
Primary barriers: Lack of a clear need or purpose (50%) and cost (41%)
Brand familiarity: Awareness is expanding across the board, with Amazon Echo Frames and Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses posting the largest gains among brands tracked since 2023
Information sources: YouTube (49%) and other social platforms remain the most common places where consumers encounter smart eyewear content.
“Smart eyewear is certainly having a moment right now, with more consumers than ever showing interest in these products,” said Alysse Henkel, Vice President, Research & inSights at The Vision Council. “As smart eyewear moves from an emerging to maturing market, tracking consumer sentiment is crucial. Our findings point to tangible opportunities for manufacturers and eyecare providers to align design, education, and dispensing with what consumers say matters most.”
Spotlight at Vision Expo West 2025
Smart eyewear will take center stage at Vision Expo West 2025, scheduled for September 17–20 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. Attendees can experience the latest technologies and designs across the optical industry.
On Friday, September 19, The Vision Council will present “Smart Eyewear: Consumer Trends, ECP Perspectives & Market Momentum” on the Vision Expo Main Stage. Ms. Henkel will join a panel of eyecare providers to discuss how to bridge consumer curiosity with clinical and retail readiness, offering practical strategies for eye care professionals and retailers.