Study finds New Zealanders take active approach to eye care

A total of 45 percent of New Zealanders surveyed in Canstar Blue customer sentiment research have visited an optician in the past three years, with 40 percent of those conducting an eye test annually.

Canstar Blue’s annual Optician Consumer Sentiment Study, which saw Visique awarded the coveted award for best overall customer satisfaction, also found contact lenses to be better on the back pocket. Respondents reported their annual spend on contact lenses to be $288 per year, compared with $448 for glasses.

Canstar New Zealand General Manager, Jose George says it is heartening to see such a large percentage of New Zealanders understanding the need to check, and maintain their eyesight.

“Forgoing eye testing is just false economy compared with the costs of losing or rectifying your sight later. Eye exams tend to cost between $50 and $75 dollars on average, and outlets will often do special deals from time to time.

“It’s also worth checking with your employer to see whether they can negotiate a better employee rate with a local optometrist or optician,” says Mr George.

Canstar Blue’s annual optician consumer sentiment research found Visique rated as five stars in six out of the seven factors rated.

It seems we’re a traditional bunch when it comes to correcting eyesight weaknesses, with 89 percent of respondents opting for glasses or contacts, leaving just 11 percent who have either undertaken or plan to take laser surgery in the near future.

The full research commentary can be found on Canstar Blue’s website here.

Research highlights
45% of respondents have visited an optometrist in the last three years.
40% of respondents have annual eye test
40% of respondents feel their glasses are part of their look
20% of respondents have glasses but hardly use them
Average annual spend on glasses is $448
Average annual spend on contacts is $288
2019 Award for Overall Customer Satisfaction awarded to Visique

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