Summary

The Middle East & Africa region is known for its rich cultural diversity, with various countries and communities having their own unique traditions, customs, and fashion preferences. This diversity is reflected in the eyewear market as well, with consumers in the MEA region seeking eyewear styles that are aligned with their cultural sensibilities. This includes traditional designs, materials, and colors that are often unique to the MEA region. The history of the eyewear market in the Middle East & Africa region can be traced back to ancient times, where various forms of eyewear were used for vision correction, eye protection, and adornment. However, the modern eyewear market in MEA has evolved over the years with advancements in technology, changing lifestyles, and economic growth. In ancient times, different civilizations in the MEA region, such as Egypt, Persia, and Mesopotamia, used rudimentary forms of eyewear, including lenses made from smoky quartz or other materials for vision correction. These early forms of eyewear were used primarily by scholars, scribes, and the elite class. Traditional eyewear in MEA included locally crafted eyeglasses made from materials like wood, bone, and horn. These were often handmade and featured unique designs and styles that were influenced by cultural and fashion preferences in the region. Traditional eyewear was typically available through local artisans and specialized optical shops. During the colonial era, Western-style eyewear started to gain popularity in some parts of the MEA region as a result of increased trade and cultural exchanges. European eyewear brands began to enter the MEA market, and imported eyeglasses became available to a wider population. However, eyewear was still considered a luxury item and was only affordable to a small segment of the population. With the process of modernization and economic growth in the MEA region from the mid-20th century onwards, there has been a significant transformation in the eyewear market. Rapid urbanization, increased disposable income, and improved access to healthcare services have driven the demand for eyewear products. International eyewear brands have entered the MEA market, and there has been a proliferation of optical shops, retail stores, and online platforms selling a wide range of eyewear products, including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses.

According to the research report, “Middle East & Africa Eyewear Market Outlook, 2028” published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to reach more than USD 25 Billion by 2028. The hot and arid climate of many parts of the MEA region, such as the Middle East and parts of Africa has an impact on the eyewear market. Consumers in these regions often prioritize eyewear that provides protection from harsh sunlight, dust, and sand, making sunglasses and protective eyewear popular choices. Additionally, there are specific requirements for eyewear that are suited to extreme weather conditions, such as sunglasses with polarized lenses or goggles for desert or mountainous environments. Religion plays a significant role in the MEA region, with Islam being the dominant religion in many countries. This influences the eyewear market, as some consumers may seek eyewear that adheres to religious norms and modesty requirements, such as hijab-friendly or conservative styles for women. This impacts the designs, materials, and coverage of eyewear products in the MEA region. While the MEA region has experienced economic growth and rising disposable incomes in recent years, there are still variations in purchasing power among different segments of the population. Affordability can be a key consideration for consumers in the MEA region when it comes to eyewear purchases, and there may be a demand for more budget-friendly options alongside luxury and high-end eyewear products. Changing lifestyles and fashion trends have also influenced the eyewear market in MEA. There has been an increasing emphasis on fashion-forward eyewear styles, with consumers seeking eyeglasses and sunglasses that not only provide vision correction or eye protection but also reflect their personal style and fashion preferences. Fashion-conscious consumers are looking for trendy designs, premium materials, and brand names in their eyewear choices. Saudi Arabia is leading the market in 2022.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the importance of eye health and vision care in the MEA region. Eye care professionals and organizations have been actively promoting regular eye examinations, early detection, and treatment of eye conditions, leading to an increased demand for prescription eyewear products. Based on the product type, spectacles segment is dominating the market in 2022. The number of persons living with vision impairments has increased in recent years. This element has fuelled the Middle East eyeglasses market's demand opportunities. Furthermore, the industry is being driven by an increase in people's desire for proper vision. Different digital technologies such as smartphones, computers, video games, and other mobile devices are being used by millennial population around the world. As a result, the increased time spent by people on these devices has resulted in an increase in eye problems. As a result, there has been a rise in the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in eyewear to cure eye issues. Several sunglasses, for example, help to filter UV radiation by including anti-fatigue lenses and blue light technologies. These advancements benefit people who are exposed to numerous dangerous radiations released by digital gadgets such as computers, televisions, and cell phones. Companies in the eyewear industry are putting more emphasis on the development of smart eyewear, such as reading spectacles with LED lighting. Such technologies are gaining popularity since they allow users to continue reading even when there is no electricity. The eyewear industry is focused on providing personalised spectacles. Due to such innovations, customers are gaining the ability to select customized products as per their preferences and likes. This factor is likely to help in generating the demand for different eyewear products in the upcoming years, which in turn, is helping in increased sales in the eyewear market.

People's hectic schedules and unhealthy eating habits are contributing to an increase in the prevalence of lifestyle-related health issues, such as diabetes, which is known for affecting people's eyesight and, in some cases, leading to blindness. As a result, the growing diabetic population creates revenue-generating prospects in the eyewear sector. Furthermore, the market is expected to acquire prominence due to a growth in the elderly population, which is at a higher risk of eye-related health conditions. Advances in optometry and ophthalmology, as well as the use of new technology for testing eye health, are driving the Middle East eyewear industry. Many people use spectacles, either to improve their eyesight or to keep dust and other particles out of their eyes. The Middle East has substantially invested in improving optometry, which has assisted the regional market's growth. As new innovations in the field of ophthalmology emerge, the Middle East eyewear market offers remarkable prospects for growth. Covid attracted a large number of new clients who have learned to trust the service and the online ordering process in the Middle East. During Covid-19, the region received several orders from consumers who were quarantined, and e-commerce enterprises proved to be quite trustworthy in ensuring that they could still get their daily essentials (mainly contact lens wearers). The younger generation is more likely to test new items if they deliver genuine added value and contribute to a higher quality of life. Furthermore, with a greater proportion of the population able to afford luxury items, rising disposable income is a major driving force in the expansion of the eyeglass market. Colored contact lenses, high index eyeglasses, and high-end spectacle frames are now within the reach of a young population. Customers frequently replace spectacle lenses by getting customized lenses to fit the same frame.

After a decade of disrupting online optiwear markets in India and Singapore, Lenskart, India’s largest eyewear retailer, has formally entered the Middle East market. The multi-brand eyewear retailer recently committed to investing USD 50 Million in its operations in the Middle East market. As part of this investment, the business is expanding its brick-and-mortar presence in the area. The new store has been launched with free eye tests for people needing prescription glasses. The store offers a number of interactive features, including a sun chamber that simulates the sun's rays so that customers can try on our sunglasses in the sun. Lenskart had projected its motto 'Do More, Be More' onto Ain Dubai, the world's largest observation wheel, to commemorate its approaching store launch. Lenskart is concentrating its efforts in the Middle East market, where it claims to be the fastest-growing eyewear company in the country. Lenskart also has outlets in Dubai Mall, BurJuman, Dalma Mall, Dubai Festival City, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, and Bawadi Mall. The brand also sells online in the region and plans to expand its omni-channel presence in both India and the Middle East. Optical shops, hypermarkets, department stores, and online stores are among the several distribution channels for eyewear. The increased availability of these products in stores and supermarkets is also encouraging the expansion of the Middle Eastern eyewear sector. Optical stores have a significant advantage over other channels. Leading chains including YateemOpticals, Al Jaber, and MagrabiOpticals are expanding their presence in the Middle East. These optical stores' key methods include strong marketing efforts, social media advertising, special deals and the promotion of new designs, as well as a focus on current trends. However, cheap eye exams and more public awareness are required for the widespread usage of eyeglasses and contact lenses.

With the rise of digitization, internet shopping has reshaped consumer purchasing routes, generated new user interactions, and created profitable growth potential for both single-brand and multi-brand luxury eyeglasses businesses. Customers' growing preference for online shopping has resulted in the progressive development of the digital ecosystem, which has provided customers with convenient access to product-related information and prices, hence fueling the overall expansion of the Eyewear Market. Prada, for example, announced in December 2020 that it will redefine the world of fashion by intensifying its digital strategy and redesigning the look of the prada.com website in the United Arab Emirates, allowing customers to enjoy an unforgettable shopping experience as well as an original exploration of the Prada universe. Furthermore, merchants are rapidly incorporating technology such as Augmented Reality (AR) into their websites to allow customers to take advantage of services such as Virtual Try-On and see how things look on them. As a result, more customers are turning to online platforms. For instance, Gucci has recently introduced an AR app feature with frictionless ’Visualization’ & ’Try-On’ options to let consumers evaluate its eyewear collection, and it is available in the United Arab Emirates. However, virtual technologies would not lead to Offline stores becoming obsolete. Instead, by harmonising with the ease of internet buying, these developments are critical for attracting consumers to brick-and-mortar stores. According to one study, more than 30% of consumers would prefer to visit a physical store in any way if it offered interactive virtual services. As a result, the future of luxury eyewear is a combination of internet shopping and in-store experiences.

Recent Product Launches:
• In 2022, Ray-Ban Middle East & Africa introduced a new line of sunglasses featuring innovative lens technologies and stylish designs, catering to the diverse eyewear needs of consumers in the region.
• In 2021, Oakley launched a new collection of sports sunglasses specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts in the Middle East & Africa market, featuring high-performance lenses and durable frames for optimal protection and performance.
• In 2020, Safilo, one of the world’s leading eyewear manufacturers, launched a new range of prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses for the Middle East & Africa market, incorporating trendy designs, premium materials, and advanced lens technologies.
• In 2019, EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in eyewear, introduced a new line of progressive lenses designed to address the unique visual needs of consumers in the Middle East & Africa region, providing enhanced visual comfort and performance.
• In 2018, Charmant Group, a prominent eyewear manufacturer, launched a new collection of luxury eyeglasses and sunglasses targeting the premium segment of the Middle East & Africa market, featuring elegant designs and high-quality materials.

Companies mentioned in the report:
EssilorLuxottica, Johnson & Johnson, Inc, Safilo Group S.P.A., Bausch Health Companies Inc., The Cooper Companies Inc., De Rigo Spa, Marchon Eyewear, Inc., Hoya Corporation, Rodenstock GmbH, Silhouette Group, Zeiss Group, Marcolin SPA

Considered in this report
• Geography: Middle East & Africa
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report
• Middle East & Africa Eyewear market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Eyewear market analysis
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries Covered in the report:
• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

By Product Type:
• Spectacles
• Sunglasses
• Contact Lenses
• Other Product Type (Eye Care)

By Distribution Channel:
• Hypermarket and Supermarket
• Speciality Stores ( Optical Stores )
• Franchises/ Company outlets
• Online stores
• Others (Hospitals & Clinics)

By Gender:
• Men
• Women
• Unisex
• Kids

By Price Range:
• Premium
• Medium
• Low

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Eyewear industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

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