The latest GfK NOP practitioner survey shows over 800,000 contact lens fits took place in the second quarter of 2006. The survey monitors contact lens fittings from across all sectors of the industry in the UK. Independent practitioners made up 35% of all contact lens fitting but the average number of fittings per optician at independent practices is still less than half that of some of the national outlets. This may indicate a difference in attitudes to contact lenses between small practices and multiple groups as well as simply demographics of their patient base.

Daily disposables continue to increase as a proportion of fittings. They made up 34% of all fittings compared to 30% for the same quarter in 2005. Traditional soft lenses and RGP lens continue to decline and made up only 3% and 6% of fittings respectively.

The data also shows the continued growth of silicone hydrogel fittings for daily wear with 78% of all silicone hydrogel fittings for daily wear only. This indicates the acceptance by practitioners of the patient benefits of more oxygen and less dehydration even for those not wanting overnight wear. 12% of these fittings were for continuous wear (up to 30 nights) and 12% were for extended wear (daily wear with some overnight wear). There were no practitioners who said they did not do any silicone hydrogel fittings. Overall there were over 200,000 silicone hydrogel fittings conducted in the quarter.

In regard to who is being fitted, 36% of fits were done to either new wearers or former wearers who had ceased to wear contact lenses. Of existing wearers being refitted, over one third were fitted with a different lens type to what they were currently wearing. This may reflect the fact practitioners are upgrading their patients to more modern materials such as silicone hydrogel and moisture release hydrogel dailies. The total number of fits has increased by 13% over the same 3 months 2 years ago reflecting growing awareness of the benefits of contact lenses for patients and the advantages of modern materials and lens design.

The rate of innovation in contact lens field is fast. Keeping an eye on fitting trends in the market can help practitioners improve patient retention and make the most of opportunities that exist in a dynamic market.