VisionPlus Arabia

frames tailored for specific activities, cycling, gaming, or work-from-home setups, personalisation is now a standard expectation. This shift has been encouraged by the influence of global retail experiences, AI-based online eyewear brands, and the rising demand for ‘smart buying.’ Consumers are now more open to investing in multiple pairs for function, fashion, and convenience. Custom-fit eyewear, AR-based virtual try-ons, and digital measurement tools are no longer niche; they are shaping everyday purchase decisions. SUSTAINABILITY AND EYE WELLNESS INTERSECT Eco-consciousness is now a strong buying factor, especially among millennials and Gen Z shoppers. The preference for biodegradable frames, recyclable lens materials, and plastic-free packaging is increasing. Brands that offer transparency about their sustainability journey are finding more favour. Beyond product materials, consumers are also gravitating towards socially responsible practices, like donating old frames, recycling lenses, and participating in outreach As 2025 unfolds, the vision narrative is shifting from reactive care to proactive wellness. Consumers are more aware, more demanding, and more engaged than ever before— seeking not just correction but clarity, comfort, and conscious choices. For the optical industry, this is both a challenge and an opportunity: to educate, innovate, and evolve with a new generation of eye health–aware individuals who see their vision as an integral part of their lifestyle. In this new era, eye health is not just a medical necessity; it’s a lifestyle choice. . initiatives to provide eyewear to underprivileged communities. In 2025, sustainability is not just a value add; it’s a value filter for many consumers choosing where to buy their eyewear. The eyewear consumer in 2025 is not just looking for vision correction. They are asking questions, weighing options, and expecting clarity, both visual and informational. For optical retailers, this presents an exciting shift. The industry is no longer a reactive service provider but an active participant in eye wellness. The conversations happening across retail counters are deeper, more informed, and more meaningful than ever before. ECO-CONSCIOUSNESS IS NOW A STRONG BUYING FACTOR, ESPECIALLY AMONG MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z SHOPPERS 46 VISION PLUS ARABIA EDITION