The 2026 Economic Outlook for ECPs - Scorecard - MDSpire
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The 2026 Economic Outlook for ECPs
What’s in store for the coming year? A top economist unveils several emerging economic trends set to shape the eyecare industry and how your practice can stay ahead.
Eyecare professionals and practices in the United States
Care Setting
Optometry offices and eyecare service providers
Key Highlights
Personal consumption expenditures for eyeglasses and contact lenses rose 4.5% year-over-year through August 2025, driven mainly by price increases with flat volume.
Pricing pressures will intensify in 2026 due to tariffs, tight labor markets, and monetary/fiscal policies, leading to higher costs for practices.
Middle- and upper-income consumers will drive growth, while lower-income groups face budget strains; essential eyecare demand remains relatively insulated.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Monitor consumer demand trends, especially for discretionary versus essential eyecare services.
Assess patient demographics to identify segments with higher spending capacity.
Management
Invest in efficiency-enhancing technologies to offset rising costs.
Negotiate with suppliers or seek alternative sources to manage pricing pressures.
Offer flexible pricing options and promote insurance-covered services.
Target marketing efforts toward middle- and upper-income consumers and luxury segments.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Track labor market conditions and employee turnover to maintain staff morale and retention.
Monitor inflation and interest rate trends to inform borrowing and investment decisions.
Risks
Potential softness in demand for nonessential vision procedures and premium eyeglass purchases.
Rising costs from tariffs, labor shortages, and fiscal policies may pressure practice margins.
Employee wage demands may increase as inflation picks up and job market confidence improves.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Consumers purchasing eyeglasses and contact lenses in the U.S., with emphasis on middle- and upper-income groups
Growth driven by price increases rather than volume; consumers remain price-conscious and may delay upgrades or seek lower-cost options such as online purchases.
Clinical Best Practices
Emphasize the long-term health benefits of regular eye exams to encourage patient retention.
Communicate competitive advantages clearly to differentiate from online and lower-cost competitors.
Maintain awareness of local benefits packages to remain competitive in employee recruitment and retention.
