The demand for eyecare is surging worldwide. Over 2.2 billion people globally suffer from vision impairment or blindness, with at least 1 billion cases preventable or treatable. In Europe, nearly 30% of people over 65 experience some form of vision loss, driven by age-related conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. How is the global eyecare industry measuring up to meet this need and what strategies are in place to help overcome regulatory or workforce shortage issues? Here, we look at some of the emerging threats and opportunities and how Grayling has been supporting some organisations in the eyecare market.

WHO and Universal Eyecare

Recognising the global burden of vision impairment, the World Health Organization (WHO) has made eyecare a priority within its universal health coverage (UHC) agenda. In 2019, WHO launched the World Report on Vision, calling for integrated people-centred eye care (IPEC) as part of every country’s health strategy. This approach emphasises prevention, early detection, and equitable access to treatment across all age groups.

In 2021, WHO member states endorsed a resolution to strengthen eyecare within primary health systems. The goal is to ensure that by 2030, at least 80% of countries have incorporated eyecare into their national health plans.

An industry opportunity

The market is not only being shaped by rising demand, but also by changes in supply. The rise of AI-assisted diagnostics, tele-optometry, and personalised lens technologies is reshaping how care is delivered and consumed. These innovations are not just improving outcomes – they’re expanding access, especially in underserved regions.

In 2025, the global eye care market generated a revenue of US$5.56bn.and is projected to continue to grow strongly over the next ten years. In the U.S.A alone, where over 12 million people aged 40 and older are visually impaired, the market accounted for nearly 45% of global revenue in 2023, driven by high demand for ocular health products, contact lenses, and surgical interventions. Europe also remains a robust market, expected to grow at a rate of 7% in the next five years.  with significant investments in public healthcare and a growing private sector.

Medicine and Equipment Access

Despite this market growth, shortages of essential ophthalmic medicines and diagnostic equipment pose major challenges. Many countries struggle with supply chain disruptions, regulatory bottlenecks, and affordability issues that limit access to treatments for glaucoma, infections, and post-surgical care. WHO’s push for integrating eyecare into primary health systems includes improving access to affordable medications and ensuring consistent availability of basic diagnostic tools like slit lamps and tonometers.

Workforce Shortages and Systemic Strain

Despite the growing demand for eyecare, the industry faces a critical shortage of trained professionals. The WHO estimates a global shortfall of 11 million health workers by 2030, with ophthalmology among the most affected specialties. In the United States, projections show a 30% workforce inadequacy in ophthalmology by 2035, driven by a 12% decline in supply and a 24% increase in demand. Rural areas are especially vulnerable, with only 29% workforce adequacy compared to 77% in urban centers.

Europe faces similar pressures, with the UK’s Royal College of Ophthalmologists warning of serious staff shortages in NHS ophthalmology services and an increasing reliance on independent sector providers. These gaps are compounded by underinvestment in training, and an aging workforce.

France under the microscope

France is particularly affected by challenges in access to visual healthcare, with significant territorial disparities. At Grayling France, we support Lyleoo, a tele-expertise solution in ophthalmology that fosters collaboration between opticians and ophthalmologists to help address medical deserts. Together, we conducted a study based on public data (Health Insurance, RPPS, Atlas of the Medical Council), which revealed that 55 out of 96 departments in metropolitan France face a shortage of ophthalmologists. It’s a pattern repeated across multiple markets.

Looking Ahead

The future of the eyecare is positive, but only if we continue to prioritise innovation, equity, and global collaboration. As the industry expands, so too must efforts to integrate vision care into broader health systems and ensure that workforce shortages are urgently addressed. At Grayling Health, we have the know-how and understanding of the healthcare sector and eyecare in particular to help organisations maximise opportunities at this time of change.