Despite being a natural and inevitable part of ageing, presbyopia is often overlooked or under-treated according to a recent survey commissioned by Johnson & Johnson Vision. The survey uncovered a significant gap in how Australians aged 40 to 55 understand and manage presbyopia, presenting a clear opportunity for optometrists to lead the conversation and improve patient outcomes.
Awareness is Low, Even Among Those Affected
Although presbyopia affects everyone as they age, the survey found that only 68% of Australians aged 40–55 were familiar with the condition, far below the Asia Pacific average of 90%. Interestingly, 78% of respondents indicated they felt the impact of age-related vision changes, yet nearly half (47%) had not yet taken steps to correct it. Many believed their symptoms were too minor to warrant action, and cost was a significant deterrent, with 33% citing it as a reason for avoiding treatment.
Vision Changes Disrupt Daily Life
Presbyopia is not just a clinical issue, it’s a lifestyle concern, with nine in 10 Australians in this age group reporting struggling with at least one symptom, and 65% indicating these changes interfered with their daily routines. Whether reading, working, or enjoying leisure activities, 36% of respondents indicated their vision problems affected both their professional and personal lives. Despite this, only 53% were actively managing the condition.
Presbyopia is not just a clinical issue, it’s a lifestyle concern, with nine in 10 Australians in this age group reporting struggling with at least one symptom
Makeshift Solutions the Norm
Rather than seeking professional help, many Australians reported relying on temporary fixes to cope with presbyopia. Common approaches included enlarging text on their phones (46%), taking photos to zoom in (38%), using torch lights (35%), and stretching their arms to read (32%). These habits reflected a clear gap in awareness and access to proper vision care, and a chance for optometrists to offer more effective, lasting solutions.
Dual vs Single Vision Care Solutions
The survey found that glasses were commonly the primary vision correction offered, however they were not always embraced nor welcomed. More than half of occasional glasses users (56%) wished they didn’t need them, and 22% indicated wearing glasses made them feel less confident. Multifocal contact lenses offer freedom and convenience, although adoption was hindered by fears around handling lenses (51%), misconceptions about clarity (45%), and concerns about cost, hygiene, and eye health. However, 52% of respondents would consider multifocal contact lenses if recommended by a professional, highlighting the influence optometrists have in guiding patient decisions for potentially better outcomes.
A Clear Opportunity for Optometrists to Lead
Presbyopia may be a natural part of ageing, but it doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Routine eye exams are an ideal moment to educate patients about presbyopia, correct misconceptions, and introduce suitable solutions. With many Australians open to professional guidance, optometrists are well-positioned to lead the conversation and improve quality of life for midlife patients.
The survey was conducted by Edelman Data & Intelligence for Acuvue in February 2025, with a sample of 2,500 adults aged 40–55 across Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, with 500 respondents per market.
