South Africa Eyewear Market Overview, 2028

Eyewear in South Africa is a fascinating blend of functionality, innovation, and cultural diversity. With the harsh African sun, eyewear in South Africa is seen as both a fashion accessory and a functional item, with sunglasses and prescription sunglasses providing sun protection and vision correction. The diversity of the population has led to a wide range of styles and traditions, from bold and colorful frames to traditional beadwork glasses. In addition, eyewear in South Africa often incorporates traditional elements, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. The eyewear industry in South Africa is also marked by significant innovation, with local designers and brands pushing the boundaries of design and technology. Furthermore, another aspect that makes eyewear in South Africa special is the country's strong connection to wildlife and nature. Many local eyewear brands are inspired by the natural beauty of the African continent, incorporating elements such as wood, bamboo, and other sustainable materials into their designs. These eco-friendly materials not only help to reduce the impact of eyewear production on the environment but also create a unique and distinct look that sets South African eyewear apart. In addition, The University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa offers a specialized Master's program in Optometry, one of the few of its kind in the world.

According to the research report "South Africa Eyewear Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the South Africa Eyewear market is expected to grow at more than 7% CAGR from 2023 to 2028. In South Africa, spectacles have the highest market share compared to other types of eyewear products. Spectacles have a longer lifespan compared to other types of eyewear, such as contact lenses and sunglasses, which means that consumers are less likely to need to replace them frequently. This makes them a more cost-effective option for many consumers in South Africa. Furthermore, spectacles come in a wide range of designs and styles, making them a popular fashion accessory in South Africa. Many consumers view eyeglasses as an opportunity to express their personal style and complement their overall look. In addition, despite the popularity of spectacles, other types of eyewear, such as contact lenses and sunglasses, are also gaining traction in the South African market. Contact lenses are particularly popular among younger consumers who prioritize convenience and aesthetics, while sunglasses are sought after for their UV protection and style benefits.

Based on price range, the market is divided into three segments: low, medium, and premium. The medium price range has the highest market share. This is due to several factors, including changing consumer preferences, increasing disposable income, and the availability of a wide range of medium-priced eyewear options. Moreover, as consumers become more conscious of the importance of eye health and the benefits of wearing eyewear, they are willing to invest in high-quality products that provide adequate protection for their eyes. However, the premium segment has the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to several factors, including increasing disposable income, a growing awareness of eye health, and a shift in consumer preferences towards high-quality and fashionable eyewear products.

The Xhosa people of South Africa have a rich history of using eyewear made from natural materials. One of the oldest and most well-known types of eyewear in Xhosa culture is the "umbheqe," a pair of glasses traditionally made from animal horn or ivory. Furthermore, the umbheqe is a unique style of eyewear that is still used today in some Xhosa communities, particularly by traditional healers and elders. The glasses are typically made by hand, with the frame and lenses crafted from the curved and polished horn or ivory of an animal, such as a cow or elephant. In addition to being a functional accessory, the umbheqe is also a symbol of wisdom and status in Xhosa culture. The glasses are often worn by elders and healers as a way to demonstrate their knowledge and experience and are sometimes passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms.

Based on distribution channel, the market is divided into hypermarkets, supermarkets, optical stores, franchises, online retailers, and others. Among them, optical stores will have the highest market share in 2022. Optical stores employ trained professionals who can provide expert advice to customers on the best eyewear products to suit their needs. This helps customers make informed decisions about their purchases. For instance, some popular optical stores in South Africa include Spec-Savers, EyeQ Optometrists, Mellins i-Style, Vision Works Optometrists, Torga Optical, The Optical Shop, Execuspecs, Dynamic Vision, Blink Optical, and Eyesave Optical. Furthermore, the South African eyewear market based on distribution channel shows that online has the highest CAGR. Online eyewear retailers often offer a wider range of products than traditional optical stores, including a variety of brands, styles, and colours. This makes it easier for consumers to find exactly what they are looking for. For instance, there are several online platforms for eyewear in South Africa, including Takealot, Zando, Eyewearsa, Spree, SmartBuyGlasses, Theopticshop, Specsavers, Sunglasshut, Visionworks, Execuspecs, and more.



"EyeCare 4 Kids" is a government programme in South Africa that aims to provide free eye care services and eyewear to children in need. The programme is part of the government's broader efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for all South Africans, particularly those from low-income households. Through "EyeCare 4 Kids," children between the ages of 6 and 18 who attend public schools are eligible for free vision screenings and eye exams. If a child is found to need glasses or other corrective eyewear, the programme covers the cost of the necessary products and fittings. Furthermore, the programme also works to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and vision care among parents, teachers, and school administrators. Educational materials and outreach efforts are used to help identify children who may be at risk for vision problems and to encourage families to seek out eye care services if needed. In addition, some other names for the "EyeCare 4 Kids" programme in South Africa are "Vision for Life," "Child Vision," "School Eye Health," and "Eye Love." These programmes aim to provide free or low-cost eye care services, including vision screenings and eyewear, to children in need. Other similar programmes in South Africa include "Operation Eyesight," "Brien Holden Vision Institute," and "Specsavers Love Your Eyes."

Considered in this report
• Geography: South Africa
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report
• South Africa Eyewear market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type:
• Spectacles
• Sunglasses
• Contact Lenses
• Other Product Type (Eye Care)

By Distribution Channel:
• Hypermarket and Supermarket
• Speciality Stores ( Optical Stores )
• Franchises/ Company outlets
• Online stores
• Others (Hospitals & Clinics)

By Gender:
• Men
• Women
• Unisex
• Kids

By Price Range:
• Premium
• Medium
• Low

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Eyewear industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.