Eyewear in India

Eyewear in 2025: The big picture

Retail sales of eyewear in India are set to record high single-digit current value growth in 2025, reflecting rising visual health needs, lifestyle shifts, and increasing premiumisation across categories. Spectacles continues to dominate overall value sales, driven by the rising incidence of myopia and eye strain due to prolonged digital exposure, both in urban and semi-urban regions. Penetration is expanding further as awareness of vision correction increases and consumers treat spectacles not only as medical aids but also now as fashion accessories. Multiple frame ownership is becoming more common, with consumers selecting different frames for work, casual wear, and special occasions. Rising disposable incomes and growing availability through organised optical chains are further accelerating adoption. Premium lenses, including photochromatic, anti-glare, and thin high-index variants, are gaining traction as lens technology becomes a key driver of category value.

2025 key trends

In 2025, India’s eyewear market is shifting from a primarily corrective and functional space to one shaped by technology, preventive care, and lifestyle-driven choices. Consumers are demanding more from their eyewear, not just clearer vision but also added comfort, health benefits, and opportunities for self-expression.

Competitive landscape

Lenskart Solutions Pvt Ltd was the leading player in the Indian eyewear market in 2024 in NBO terms, though EssilorLuxottica SA held a clear lead in GBO terms. Lenskart has emerged as the most dynamic player in the industry. In 2024, it registered the fastest growth amongst leading companies, fuelled by its aggressive omnichannel presence, rapid store expansions into tier 2 and tier 3 markets, and competitive pricing strategies. Its focus on domestic manufacturing and investments in technology-driven retail like 3D face mapping for frame trials have differentiated it from traditional chains. With its much-anticipated IPO expected to strengthen capital inflows, Lenskart is positioned to scale both domestically and in select overseas markets, signalling a more disruptive phase for the Indian eyewear industry.

Retail developments

In 2025, offline retail continues to dominate eyewear sales in India, with optical goods stores leading the charge. This enduring preference is rooted in the multi-faceted nature of eyewear as both a medical necessity and a fashion accessory. Consumers often seek the tactile experience of trying on frames, personalised eye tests, and immediate consultations, which offline stores provide. Additionally, the trust established over generations by local opticians plays a pivotal role in consumer loyalty, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities where personal relationships are paramount.

What next for eyewear?

Retail value sales of eyewear are expected to continue to grow in India over the forecast period, supported by rising disposable incomes, deeper penetration into smaller cities, and a clear consumer shift towards premium choices. Spectacles will continue to anchor the market, but growth will increasingly be driven by premium lenses, fashion-oriented frames, and new technologies spanning contact lenses and smart glasses.