Opticians and patients want further training in contact lens care, research suggests

Research conducted by the Contact Lens Institute and the United Opticians Association has highlighted the need for opticians in the administration and maintenance of contact lenses, based on patient responses.¹

One of the largest issues in ophthalmology is dropouts among contact lens users. Based on a prior survey, roughly 2 in 3 contact lens wearers are satisfied with their lenses. Recently fit patients frequently abandon contact lenses for various reasons: Prior research indicates that comfort, vision and eyesight, and convenience are major driving forces. However, a substantial percentage of patients also indicated clinician assistance as a factor.²

“What we discovered should encourage the entire eye care community,” Stan Rogaski, executive director of Contact Lens Institute (CLI), and Gwen Cooper, MPA, executive director of the United Opticians Association, wrote in a statement. “There’s tremendous respect for opticianry, well-deserved professional pride, and several opportunities to engage and further educate these vital members of the practice team. Doing so has the potential to elevate patient care and expand the public’s appreciation for the substantial vision and lifestyle benefits of contact lenses.”¹

CLI conducted consumer online fieldwork through Prodege from January 19-27, 2026, among 500 US and Canadian contact lens users. Professional online fieldwork was also conducted from January 19 to February 9, 2026, among 248 US opticians, 72% of whom self-reported as holding a contact lens certification from the National Contact Lens Examiners and/or another body.¹

Among patients wearing contact lenses, 89% reported believing that opticians are important to optimizing vision. Additionally, 83% said opticians were extremely or very valuable to their particular contact lens–specific experience. Another 84% said that their interactions with opticians made them more confident about wearing and caring for their lenses. In addition, 85% of interviewees stated they would definitely or probably turn to an optician for help with an issue.¹

Roughly 9 in 10 patients were aware that opticians were involved in contact lens–related instruction and care. Additionally, more than 80% expected their opticians to provide training on contact lens insertion and removal, answer questions, and provide recommendations for resources to improve their experience. Roughly 2 of 3 opticians reported having these responsibilities. However, despite 70% of patients expecting opticians to conduct home follow-up, such as phone calls or emails, only 34% of opticians reported conducting this outreach.¹

Guidance and intelligence regarding gradual contact lens wear were among the qualities that mattered most to the patients interviewed, along with professionalism. However, the central analysis of satisfaction with their opticians’ guidance displayed that 60% were very satisfied and 32% were only somewhat satisfied.¹

Ultimately, the investigators determined that these findings highlight a need for greater professional education. More than a third, 38%, of interviewed opticians reported having slightly or moderately less knowledge regarding contact lenses vs spectacle frames and lenses. Additionally, the interviewed opticians reported wanting to learn more, with 67% noting a high interest in taking advantage of additional contact lens training.¹

The investigators from CLI emphasize that these results indicate a major opportunity to improve patient care and adherence to contact lenses. The interview responses indicate an existing market for additional contact lens training, as well as a public that is very interested in receiving further care and information.¹

“Success with contact lens wear is a team effort, and opticians play a vital role. 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,” Rogaski said in a statement.³

References

1. The See Tomorrow initiative explores consumer and eye care professional perspectives surrounding issues that can influence contact lens fitting and wear. Contact Lens Institute. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/resources/see-tomorrow/

2. Disrupting the dropout dilemma: practical steps to keep patients in contact lenses. Contact Lens Institute. Fall 2024. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/resources/see-tomorrow-disrupting-dropout/

3. Research shows opticians are vital to contact lens experiences; profession wants more education opportunities. News release. Contact Lens Institute. March 11, 2026. Accessed April 17, 2026. https://www.contactlensinstitute.org/news/2026opticians/