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The economic forecast for 2024 poses significant implications for opticians and their customers, as it shapes the environment in which they operate, make decisions, and deliver or access eye care services. Understanding this forecast in terms of macroeconomic trends, healthcare policies, as well as technological advancements and consumer behaviour shifts helps practices plan and prepare for next 12 months.
Macroeconomic Trends:
For opticians and their clients, a positive economic forecast typically means increased consumer spending power and confidence. This may lead to higher demand for non-essential goods and services, including designer eyewear, as individuals feel more financially secure and willing to invest in their discretionary purchases.
Of course, the opposite downward trend or recessionary conditions may result in decreased consumer spending on discretionary items, potentially leading to reduced demand for premium eyewear products or elective eye care services. From an optical complaints perspective, this economic environment can also lead to an increased number of complaints. These may relate to dissatisfaction or resistance where an unexpected cost arises, and consumers prioritising value for money. How consumers evaluate value varies, but in tighter economic times, consumers are more likely to complain and seek a refund or price reduction if care or products do not meet their expectations. With this in mind, opticians may need to adjust their business strategies and offerings to accommodate and manage shifting consumer preferences and budget constraints.
Healthcare Policies:
Changes in healthcare policies and regulations can significantly impact opticians and their clients. In 2024, shifts in government healthcare policies may affect reimbursement rates, funding for vision care services, and indeed the delivery of eye health care (with increased focus on how this can be increasingly delivered in primary care settings). In the coming years, we are also likely to see legislative reform updating and evolving the regulation of eye healthcare and the sale of prescription eyewear.
Opticians operating within the NHS may also experience changes in reimbursement rates for NHS-funded eye exams and treatments. Additionally, alterations to NHS funding allocations or eligibility criteria could affect the availability and affordability of vision care services for certain clients.
What’s more, policymakers may prioritise initiatives aimed at improving access to eye care services, particularly for vulnerable clients. More specifically, opticians may participate in government-funded programs or collaborations with healthcare organisations to address unmet needs and promote eye health awareness across the UK.
Technological Advancements:
The rapid advancement of technology continues to shape the optical sector, offering both opportunities and challenges for opticians and their customers. In 2024, technological innovations in digital imaging, and lens design are likely to change the delivery of eye care services and the availability of advanced eyewear solutions.
It is not only diagnostic technological advancements evolving eye care services. Advancements in lens design and manufacturing processes may lead to the development of more sophisticated and customizable eyewear solutions. Customers may have even more choice and access to lenses that offer enhanced clarity, comfort, and visual performance, tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Supporting customers to make informed choices that meet their holistic needs (health, financial and social) is very much part of the optical professional role, and as advancements arrive in practice, it is key that optical professionals feel confident in communicating and advising customers to help them make the best decisions in their individual situation.
Consumer Behaviour Shifts:
Retail and healthcare data shows that the ‘customer/supplier’ relationship has been under increasing pressure, with increasing levels of unreasonable customer behaviour. While this remains the minority in eye care services, lower thresholds to complain, increases in confrontational interactions and fear of escalation impact on practice teams. While not an excuse for unacceptable behaviour, practices who deliver excellent customer service and engagement tend to experience fewer incidents of this negative behaviour by reducing the triggers and frustrations which can often underpin these reactions
Changing consumer behaviour can also present opportunities as well as challenges.
Changing consumer demographics, preferences, and lifestyle trends can also influence the demand for optical services and eyewear products in the UK. In 2024, opticians could well see shifts in customer demographics, with an ageing population driving demand for vision correction solutions and preventive eye care services.
Additionally, younger consumers are expected to prioritise convenience, affordability, and sustainability when selecting their eyewear products. This may lead to increased demand for more eco-friendly eyewear options.
Ultimately, opticians can adapt to these shifting consumer preferences by enhancing their digital presence and offering a diverse range of eyewear products. Keeping on top of trends and forecasts will also be vital in preparing for the fluctuations the economy is expected to experience throughout the year. To keep on top of all the latest developments, be sure to follow our social media channels.
