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News
Fitting patients with contact lenses is significantly more profitable for optometry practices than prescribing glasses alone, according to a new Contact Lens Institute report. Data from 600 patients across 20 U.S. practices showed toric contact lens patients were 86% more profitable than single-vision glasses-only patients. Experts say the findings should encourage more practitioners to fit — and retain — contact lens wearers.
A new report from the Contact Lens Institute, presented at Academy 2026 in Anaheim, delivers a compelling financial case for optometrists to prioritize contact lens fitting. Researchers analyzed four years of data — covering professional fees, supply revenue, and staff costs — from 600 patients across 20 U.S. optometry practices, collected between November 2025 and May 2026.
The findings are consistent across lens types: contact lens patients were more profitable than their glasses-only counterparts in every category examined. Experts behind the study say the numbers should ease longstanding hesitation among practitioners about whether contact lens fitting is worth the effort.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: For optometry practices weighing where to focus clinical and business efforts, this report offers a data-backed nudge toward contact lenses. Beyond fitting new wearers, experts emphasize retaining existing ones — reducing dropout rates could meaningfully boost a practice's bottom line.
