

There’s no doubt that reliable industry data is crucial for business planning – whether you’re in eyewear or eye care at a manufacturing, wholesale or retail level.
Yet we’ve found that the country’s four main sources of data – the Australian Bureau of Statistics, IBISWorld, Medicare and ODMA – have wildly different views on the number of optical doors in Australia, on who has market share, and on revenue generated by the industry.
So who’s right? Who knows where we are at as an industry?
So who’s right? Who knows where we are at as an industry?
According to our investigations, the answer is ‘no-one’ and from the conversations we’ve had with industry leaders, this lack of accurate and decent data is a constant source of frustration.
We didn’t think that was good enough, so after weeks of interviews, analysis and crunching the numbers, we’re presenting our own data. Yes, we know we have opened ourselves up to criticism, but we believe our methodology is sound.
Our data indicates that in the two-year period we reviewed, not only has the number of corporate optical doors grown but so too has the total number of independents. This may come as a surprise because the noise over the past two years has been to the contrary. Perhaps it is a case of the multinationals speaking into a megaphone, while the independents have yet to find a collective voice?
What isn’t in dispute is the split of market share. While both the independents and Luxottica (which remains the number one player in terms of size) have reduced their stake, Specsavers, which has grown by approximately 20 per cent in this time, appears to have taken the difference.
Our accredited CPD articles continue in this issue, with two opportunities to boost your point tally. Dr. Laura Downie reviews the clinical characteristics of keratoconus and corneal collagen crosslinking treatment while the internationally renowned Dr. Gregory W. DeNaeyer looks at what you’ll need to do clinically, as technology develops, to advance vision care in the future.
This issue is packed with features, news and information – covering household eye injuries, fashion, optometry, business, the recent World Glaucoma Congress in Paris and more – but you won’t want to miss our coverage of China’s International Optics Fair. We sent journalist Melanie Kell to Beijing and she came back with a fascinating report and pictures from one of the world’s most colourful optical industry exhibitions. China is already a giant optical market, but it’s still growing rapidly.
Also, feast your eyes on our exclusive preview of the photographic exhibition Fred Hollows: A Global Vision. Featuring the work of internationally recognised photographers, this display is a tribute to the extraordinary life of one of our greatest Australians.
Contents
mistory: In this ‘must read’ investigative report we review the stats on optical doors and industry revenue. With figures that vary dramatically depending on the source, who can you trust for your business planning?…READ MORE |
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mifeature: Our homes and gardens are danger zones for the eyes but you can help your patients identify and avoid hidden hazards…READ MORE |
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mifeature: mivision speaks to Mr. Weiping Dai, the Secretary-General of the China Optometric and Optical Association about his country’s changing eye care profession…READ MORE |
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miview: Geoff Lawson reminds us that in the highly competitive world in which we operate, we must remain gppd sports…READ MORE |
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mioptometry: The latest news and updates from the state division of the Optometrists Association of Australia and theComment from Australia…Read More |
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miworld exclusive: Striking images from a new photography exhibition ‘Fred Hollows: A Global Vision’, celebrate the legacy of the late Australian eye surgeon…READ MORE |
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mieyecare: Evidence-based update on corneal collagen cross-linking treatment for keratoconus. Complete the linked assessment question online and earn 2 CPD points…CLICK HERE TO EARN POINTS |
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mieyecare: Out of the five senses, people generally consider vision to be the most important. In this CPD claimable article, read a discussion on technology’s impact on the future of vision care. Complete the linked assessment question online and earn 2 CPD points…CLICK HERE TO EARN POINTS |
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miophthalmology: Couldn’t get to the World Glaucoma Congress in Paris? Our editorial team brings you the highlights on topics in glaucoma research and practice…READ MORE |
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mibusiness: The Power of Giving Knowledge – As an eye care professional, you can keep your knowledge to yourself or share it with your customers…READ MORE |
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mibusiness: Your (Digital) Optical Toolkit – Luke Jamieson, founder of search engine optimisation company The Search Guys, tells us what businesses must do to stay ahead of the game…READ MORE |
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mibusiness: In the competitive world of optical re |
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mifashionnews: All the latest fashion news from November 2011…Read More |
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mifashionevent: From diamond encrusted solid gold frames to plastic fantastic and even velvet, it was all on show at China’s International Optics Fair, held in Beijing mid-September…READ MORE |
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mifashion: Quirky, colourful and creative: we show you eyewear that kids will want to wear…READ MORE |
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miproducts: All the latest products from November 2011…READ MORE |
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milastword: Life has its natural cycles; we experience its ups and downs, its routine ebbs and flows. In this latest instalment of The Last Word we look at “Riding Out the Storm”…READ MORE |
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