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News
The ophthalmic market is on an upward trajectory through 2030, fueled by an aging population and growing patient demand for premium intraocular lenses (IOLs). But rising procedure volumes are drawing reimbursement pushback — Medicare payments for cataract surgery have dropped 29% since 2018, even as costs climb. Ophthalmologists and investors will need to navigate a more complex operating environment ahead.
The ophthalmic market is growing steadily, and premium intraocular lenses (IOLs) are leading the charge. Presented at Eyecelerator@AAO, market analyst Kristen Harmon Ingenito projected that surgical glaucoma will grow 11.6%, IOLs 7.5%, and dry eye 7.3% by 2030 — with patient demand rising across all ophthalmic subspecialties. Greater patient awareness of premium IOL options is a key driver, cited by approximately 87% of surveyed surgeons.
But the road ahead isn't without speed bumps. Economic uncertainty, capacity constraints, and reimbursement pressure are emerging headwinds. Patient economic concerns and IOL-related comorbidities were the top reasons cited for drops in premium IOL procedure volumes.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: As premium IOLs grow in popularity, payers are pushing back hard on reimbursement — a tension that could limit patient access and squeeze practice margins. Ophthalmologists and stakeholders need to stay ahead of policy shifts, tariffs, and economic conditions shaping the field through 2030.
