The Problem: Market Size

In our research, we reviewed the academic literature on the topic and have spoken with experts familiar with different regions and have concluded that as many as 1.4 billion people may need glasses of some type.

Many people mistakenly believe that refractive errors and presbyopia are a "First World" problem. This is not true. Although prevalence rates are higher in certain regions, such as the US, China is estimated to have over 500 million people in need of sight correction; India has at least 300 million, and Latin America has at least 150 million people.

Despite the large global need for glasses over half of these people with refractive problems do not own glasses. Presbyopia alone accounts for 800 million uncorrected people. Glasses have penetrated only 7% of the population in China, compared with 40% of the population who would benefit. In India glasses have penetrated an estimated 8% vs. over 30% prevalence rates.