The Vision Council (TVC) hosted the main stage session “Smart Eyewear: Consumer Trends, ECP Perspectives, and Market Momentum” at Vision Expo West on Friday, September 19, spotlighting the latest developments in the emerging category. Based on findings from TVC’s “Focused inSights 2025: Smart Eyewear” research report, the presentation examined consumer interest, adoption barriers, and professional perspectives from eyecare providers, while also highlighting innovations driving growth in the smart eyewear market.

The panel featured Alysse Henkel, TVC vice president of research and insights; Nadia Afkhami, OD, MS, host of the “Depth Perception” podcast; and moderator Erinn Morgan.

“Eyecare professionals who haven’t considered offering smart eyewear in their practice, it really should be something that they’re keeping their eye on now,” says Henkel. “Wearable technology is really becoming more accepted in a way. Even five years ago, the landscape for wearable tech was really different.”

“I feel like in the last six months, [patients] come in for their eye exam because they’re looking to get the prescription in their [smart] glasses,” shares Dr. Afkhami. “I think it’s driving people to get their eye health check as well.”

Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:

• Awareness of smart eyewear has nearly doubled in two years: 58% of US adults now recognize the category, up from 29% previously.

• YouTube is the top source for smart eyewear information, followed by TV ads. Fewer consumers cite eyecare providers as an information source, signaling a missed opportunity for practices.

• Main motivators include curiosity, perceived usefulness, and fun factor. Features that attract consumers are fit, comfort, durability, battery life, and ease of use—with price ranking lower.

• The top hesitation respondents reported was, “I don’t see a use for it.” Other barriers include cost and lack of knowledge, while privacy concerns ranked lower.

• Integration with AI assistants, language translation, and health monitoring (blood pressure, glucose in the future) is highly anticipated. Additionally, smart eyewear with hearing aid functionality is emerging, opening crossover with audiology.