August 26, 2020
Slowly, but steadily, eyecare patients are agreeing that masks are valuable in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and are voluntarily wearing them, according to the latest findings from The Vision Council.
Masks continue to be a polarizing issue across the country. In recent surveys, more U.S. adults are indicating that they will voluntarily wear masks to their next eye doctor or eyewear retailer visit in July (64 percent) compared to June (57 percent). “This increase could be partially attributable to consumers’ heightened concern and desire to protect themselves in response to the reported increase in Covid-19 cases in July,” according to The Vision Council.
The Vision Council advises that “Eyecare providers should continue to communicate their mask policy to patients in advance of their appointments and visits. It is also recommended that ECPs have masks on-hand for patients to wear in case they forget their masks or do not have one.”
Majority of ECPs require employees and patients to wear face masks
Most ECPs (~97 percent) reported that mask use is required for both employees and patients, with the majority of these policies being mandated by state or local governments. Approximately 3 percent of ECPs indicated that they are not requiring employees or patients to wear masks.
Q: Are you currently requiring employees and staff to wear masks at your location? Are you currently requiring patients and visitors to wear masks at your location? Is this requirement mandated by the state or local government?
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 US ECP Panel Study, 8/10–8/15/2020, n = 154
One-in-five ECPs believe they have lost sales due to patient mask requirements at their locations
While wearing face masks has become a way of life for many Americans in 2020, it is probable that mask requirements are keeping some Americans from visiting optometry practices and eyewear retailers. In fact, the belief that mask requirements have led to lost sales is prevalent among 21 percent of ECPs surveyed, while another 18 percent are uncertain of the impact on sales.
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 US ECP Panel Study, 8/10–8/15/2020, n = 148
Mask policy compliance issues experienced among one-third of ECPs
It is evident that face masks have created some churn among optometry patients and eyewear retail customers. Approximately 70 percent of ECPs reported having a formal policy for handling patients that do not wear face masks.
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Nearly one-third of ECPs (32 percent) indicated that they have experienced patients leaving their practices due to not wanting to wear a face mask. Another 20 percent of ECPs have had to remove patients from their practices due to face mask policy noncompliance.
Source: The Vision Council COVID-19 US ECP Panel Study, 8/10–8/15/2020, n = 148
