Almost half of patients would switch providers for financial convenience, study finds

A new national consumer survey conducted by Synchrony on behalf of CareCredit highlights cost as a primary factor influencing access to vision care, with findings indicating a gap between patients’ interest in financing and the financing options providers offer.

The study was conducted from July 15 to 22, 2025, using an online survey of 2000 US respondents aged 18 to 75 years, according to a news release.

The “VisionIQ: Intelligence on financing trends in eye care” study found that 64% of respondents said cost affects how often they seek vision care. More than half (55%) indicated they are more likely to choose an optometrist or ophthalmologist who offers payment options.

“Cost concerns are a key driving force behind patients’ care decisions, with a majority (64%) reporting that cost impacts how often they seek vision care––influencing everything from provider choice and service utilization to adherence to ongoing care,” Jeff Miller, senior vice president and specialty and wellness general manager at Synchrony, said in the release. “Our study clearly highlights the opportunities for providers to bridge these gaps, help ensure patients can access the vision care and eyewear they want, when they want it.”

The data also show that 44% of patients would consider switching vision providers for financial convenience, while only 22% recall being offered financing options. According to the survey, 8 in 10 consumers would consider financing when vision care costs reach approximately $761. Although 65% of respondents reported having insurance, 54% said they still face out-of-pocket expenses.

The survey also examined interest in elective procedures such as LASIK. Among consumers interested in LASIK, 59% cited cost as the primary reason for not moving forward, compared with 34% who cited fear of surgical complications and 34% who cited concerns about negative results. The study noted that average LASIK costs can exceed $3000, with 64% of patients paying out of pocket.

Generational differences were also identified. Among Generation Z respondents, 78% said cost affects how often they seek vision care, compared with 64% overall. While 50% of Gen Z expressed interest in LASIK, they account for only 5% of LASIK patients, according to the survey findings.

“Beyond eyewear selections, the generational paradox in vision care is the most clear with LASIK care decisions," said Miller in the release. "Our VisionIQ results show a striking disconnect: Half of Gen Z (50%) expressed interest in LASIK, yet Gen Z accounts for only 5% of actual LASIK patients. This represents a substantial segment of the population not pursuing the vision care they desire.”

Additional findings indicate that 43% of patients would be more likely to pursue care if they could pay in installments.

“Access to vision care shouldn’t be something patients have to overthink. But the reality is financial hurdles are still one of the biggest barriers,” said Troy Cole, a coach and advisor in the refractive surgery space, in the release. “I see it all the time––patients delay procedures that could genuinely improve their quality of life because they’re unsure how to navigate the money side. When practices can offer clear, flexible payment options, it changes the conversation. They give patients confidence to move forward and ultimately support better long-term eye health and overall lifestyle.”

Reference

Consumers’ vision care decisions clouded by costs, according to new study from CareCredit, a Synchrony solution. News release. Synchrony. April 10, 2026. Accessed April 10, 2026. https://www.synchrony.com/contenthub/newsroom/consumers-vision-care-decisions-clouded-by-costs.html