Acceptability of Contact Lenses Uses among Consumers in South Africa

Proceedings of ‏The 2nd International Conference on Research in Management

Year: 2021

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.33422/2nd.icrmanagement.2021.02.48

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Acceptability of Contact Lenses Uses among Consumers in South Africa

Sandesh Srikissoon,Prof Muhammad Hoque

 

ABSTRACT: 

Advances in technology have resulted in contact lenses being more comfortable and able to correct myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. Also, contact lenses are useful for people with active lifestyles. Very little is known about the contact lens market in South Africa. Therefore, this study considered the profit margins in optometry and the viability of contact lenses as a means to increase revenue. The consumers were asked about their use of spectacles, lifestyles, awareness of contact lenses, and the benefits of using them. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among consumers. The findings revealed that many of the consumers found that spectacles were a hindrance in sporting activities and reported that given the opportunity, they would wear contact lenses. Half the respondents revealed that their optometrist discussed the contact lens option. Optometrists felt that actively prescribing contact lenses would be successful in increasing revenues. The study recommends that optometrists discuss the option of contact lenses with every patient, as this would ultimately result in increased profit margins and levels of patient satisfaction. Contact lens companies should also engage in marketing strategies to create awareness about the benefits of contact lenses for consumers.

Keywords: Consumer education; eye health; optometric industry.