Exam Growth Is Cooling—Strategies for Eyecare Practices to Succeed
Overview
National comprehensive eye exam volume increased 6.7% from 2023 to 2025, reaching 4.63 million exams. However, the annual growth rate nearly halved from 4.2% in 2024 to 2.4% in 2025, signaling a significant slowdown in exam volume growth.
Background
Comprehensive eye exams are a critical component of optometric practice revenue and patient care. Recent data from 2,299 U.S. eyecare practices reveal that while total exam volume continues to grow, the pace of growth is decelerating sharply. This trend reflects a maturing patient base where the easily captured patients have already been seen, necessitating more proactive management strategies to sustain growth.
Data Highlights
| Metric | 2023 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Exam Volume | 4.34 million | 4.63 million | +6.7% |
| Annual Growth Rate | +4.2% (2024) | +2.4% (2025) | Nearly 50% reduction |
| Average Exams per Practice | 2,119 | 2,261 | Flattening growth |
| Lost Growth per Practice | ~40 fewer exams/year | $8,000–$12,000 in lost revenue | |
| Peak Exam Months | August and October | ||
| Lowest Exam Month | February | ||
Key Findings
- Comprehensive exam volume grew 6.7% nationally over three years but with a marked slowdown in annual growth rate.
- Year-over-year growth dropped from +4.2% in 2024 to +2.4% in 2025, nearly halving the growth pace.
- Average exams per practice increased slightly but growth is flattening, indicating saturation.
- The reduction in growth equates to approximately 40 fewer exams per practice annually, translating to $8,000–$12,000 in lost revenue.
- August and October are consistently the busiest months for exams, while February is the slowest.
- Practices growing below the national average face increased risk and must adopt proactive patient management strategies.
Clinical Implications
Eyecare practices should implement robust recall audits to identify overdue patients and enhance retention efforts rather than relying solely on new patient acquisition. Utilizing slower months like February for patient reactivation and staff training can optimize resources. Additionally, scheduling should be adjusted to accommodate peak months to maximize exam capacity and revenue.
Conclusion
Although comprehensive exam volume remains positive, the significant slowdown in growth rate necessitates a strategic shift toward active exam pipeline management. Practices that prioritize patient retention and proactive scheduling will be better positioned to thrive in this cooling market.
References
- GPN Industry Insights 2023 -- Exam Growth Is Cooling—Here's How Eyecare Practices Can Win
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