China Eyewear Market Overview, 2031

Eyewear in China has evolved rapidly over the past century, shaped by population growth, urbanization, rising education levels, and expanding access to vision care services. Corrective eyewear gained widespread adoption during the mid-to-late 20th century as myopia rates increased, particularly among students and working professionals, driven by intensive academic demands and prolonged screen exposure. Over time, the expansion of optical retail chains, hospital-based ophthalmology departments, and private eye clinics significantly improved accessibility across urban and semi-urban regions. Today, a very large share of the population relies on prescription glasses or contact lenses, making China one of the largest eyewear consumer bases globally. Demand patterns in China are strongly influenced by functional vision correction needs, especially myopia management, while fashion and lifestyle considerations are becoming increasingly important among younger consumers. Extensive use of digital devices, online education platforms, and mobile-centric lifestyles has driven strong demand for anti-fatigue, blue-light filtering, and myopia-control lenses. Sunglasses and non-prescription eyewear are also gaining popularity, supported by growing disposable incomes, travel, and fashion awareness. While brick-and-mortar optical stores remain the dominant sales channel due to trust in professional eye exams and fittings, e-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer brands have expanded rapidly, supported by China’s advanced digital retail ecosystem. Online eye care services, virtual try-on tools, and fast delivery models have reshaped consumer purchasing behavior. Sustainability is gradually emerging as a consideration, with interest growing in durable, lightweight, and recyclable frame materials. From a regulatory perspective, eyewear and optical devices in China are regulated by national medical product authorities, which enforce registration, safety testing, quality standards, and labeling requirements to ensure consumer protection.

According to the research report "" China Eyewear Market Overview, 2031,"" published by Bonafide Research, the China Eyewear market is anticipated to grow at 6.51% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. The Chinese eyewear market is expected to continue strong growth, supported by demographic pressures, health awareness, and ongoing innovation across products and retail models. High and rising rates of myopia, including among children and adolescents, remain a key structural driver, sustaining long-term demand for prescription glasses, contact lenses, and specialized vision management solutions. At the same time, an aging population is contributing to increased demand for reading glasses and multifocal lenses. Technological innovation is playing an increasingly prominent role, with smart eyewear integrating audio functions, connectivity, health monitoring, and early augmented reality applications attracting interest from tech-savvy consumers. Domestic technology companies and eyewear manufacturers are actively investing in smart glasses development, accelerating market penetration and affordability. Customization represents a significant opportunity, as consumers increasingly seek eyewear tailored to facial features, usage scenarios, and personal style, supported by digital scanning, AI-based recommendations, and mass customization capabilities. Occupational and protective eyewear also represents an important segment, governed by national workplace safety regulations that mandate eye protection in manufacturing, construction, and industrial environments. Sustainability is expected to gain momentum as environmental awareness grows and brands adopt eco-friendly materials and circular production models. Collectively, these factors position the Chinese eyewear market for sustained and dynamic growth, characterized by large-scale demand, rapid digitalization, technology-driven innovation, and increasing emphasis on personalized and health-focused eyewear solutions.

Spectacles dominate the Chinese eyewear market due to the high prevalence of vision issues such as myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia, which are especially common among school-aged children, young adults, and an aging population. China has one of the highest rates of myopia in the world, driven by extensive near-work activities, urbanization, and increasing screen time for education, work, and digital entertainment. This has created strong demand for corrective lenses, particularly single-vision lenses for children and progressive or multifocal lenses for adults seeking seamless vision across multiple distances. Rising awareness of digital eye strain has further boosted demand for lenses with anti-glare and blue-light filtering features. Sunglasses hold a growing share of the market, valued both for UV protection and as fashion accessories, especially among urban and middle-class consumers who increasingly treat eyewear as a lifestyle and fashion statement. Premium and designer brands are gaining popularity in China, particularly among young professionals and affluent consumers in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, reflecting rising disposable incomes and growing interest in luxury goods. Contact lenses are expanding rapidly, driven by younger, urban, and active consumers who prioritize convenience, mobility, and aesthetic appeal without frames. Innovations such as daily disposables, toric lenses for astigmatism, and multifocal lenses have broadened usability and encouraged regular replacement cycles. Emerging categories like protective eyewear, sports glasses, and smart eyewear are also gaining traction, driven by safety-conscious individuals, athletes, and early adopters of wearable technologies. China’s rapid economic growth, increasing health awareness, urban lifestyle trends, and high adoption of technology collectively contribute to a diverse, fast-growing eyewear market that blends function, fashion, and innovation.

Distribution channels in China are evolving rapidly to meet the country’s vast and diverse consumer base, reflecting the balance between convenience, professional expertise, and style. Optical stores, including national chains and independent practices, remain the core channel, offering services such as eye exams, lens fitting, frame adjustments, and personalized consultations, which are particularly valued for prescription eyewear. Independent brand showrooms cater to premium and designer segments, providing curated collections and personalized experiences that emphasize craftsmanship, quality, and exclusivity, appealing to fashion-conscious urban consumers. Online stores are among the fastest-growing channels, leveraging virtual try-on tools, home try-on kits, prescription uploads, and competitive pricing to reach tech-savvy and convenience-oriented buyers, especially in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Retail stores, including department stores and large-format outlets, primarily serve casual and price-conscious consumers by offering accessible frames, sunglasses, and basic prescription eyewear. The Chinese eyewear market is increasingly omnichannel, with digital innovation complementing in-store services to provide seamless shopping experiences. Rapid urbanization, increasing disposable income, high fashion awareness, lifestyle-driven consumption, and technology adoption continue to create opportunities for both established and emerging brands, positioning China as a key and rapidly expanding hub for eyewear demand in Asia and globally.

The Chinese eyewear market exhibits diverse demand across gender segments, driven by fashion trends, lifestyle choices, and increasing awareness of eye health. Men’s eyewear in China shows strong demand for functional, durable, and performance-oriented frames, including classic prescription glasses, aviators, and sports eyewear, emphasizing comfort, quality, and practicality for daily use. Alongside functional requirements, male consumers are increasingly drawn to stylish and contemporary frames that reflect personal taste, professional image, and social status, contributing to growth in designer and fashion-oriented collections. Women’s eyewear in China is strongly influenced by aesthetic trends, fashion consciousness, and brand appeal, with glasses and sunglasses often treated as essential accessories that complement outfits and lifestyle preferences. Popular designs include oversized frames, cat-eye shapes, minimalist metal frames, and color-varied acetate styles, resulting in frequent purchases and engagement with new collections. The unisex segment is growing rapidly, reflecting the rising demand for versatile, gender-neutral frames that appeal to young, urban, and fashion-conscious consumers. Unisex frames typically feature neutral tones, adaptable sizing, and minimalist aesthetics, offering both practicality and style for a wide audience. The children’s segment, while smaller in market share, is expanding significantly due to increasing awareness of pediatric vision care, prolonged screen exposure among children, and parental focus on comfort, durability, and UV protection. Children’s frames are designed to be lightweight, flexible, and visually appealing, promoting consistent use and proper eye protection. Across all gender segments, online retail channels, virtual try-on technologies, and home trial programs are shaping consumer behavior by providing convenience, accessibility, and product variety. Sustainability and eco-conscious production are also becoming important considerations among environmentally aware Chinese consumers.

The Chinese eyewear market is segmented by price into low, medium, and premium tiers, each targeting distinct consumer groups and spending behaviors. Low-priced eyewear caters to budget-conscious consumers, students, and first-time buyers seeking affordable frames while meeting essential vision correction and eye protection requirements. This segment has grown with the expansion of online retail and direct-to-consumer brands, which offer functional, stylish frames with basic lens features and UV protection at accessible prices. Medium-priced eyewear represents the largest segment in China, appealing to consumers seeking a balance between style, durability, and functional enhancements such as anti-reflective coatings, blue-light filtering, and ergonomic designs. Brands in this tier compete based on perceived value, trend relevance, and quality, offering fashionable and reliable frames for mainstream consumers. Premium eyewear targets aspirational buyers, fashion-conscious individuals, and consumers seeking high-end designer brands, superior craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Products in this tier include luxury sunglasses, limited-edition frames, and technologically advanced lenses, commanding higher prices due to material quality, brand reputation, and innovative design. Across all price tiers, online retail channels play a significant role in shaping consumer behavior by offering convenience, product variety, and pricing transparency. Demand remains robust across all segments due to interest in protective eyewear, blue-light-blocking lenses, and fashionable designs. Price segmentation is crucial in guiding brand strategies, meeting diverse consumer expectations, and sustaining market growth by balancing affordability, quality, and style across low, medium, and premium tiers in the Chinese eyewear market.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Eyewear Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Spectacles
• Sunglasses
• Contact lenses
• Other product types ( Eye care )

By Distribution Channel
• Optical Stores
• Independent Brand Showrooms
• Online Stores
• Retail Stores 

By Gender
• Men
• Women
• Unisex
• Kids

By Price Range
• Premium
• Medium
• Low Show more