Industry sources agree that opticians will experience an average employment growth rate. The potential growth predicted by COPS is a result of the increase in population, the aging of the population and the increasing demand for preventive and corrective vision care. Population growth brings increased demand. The maturing of the baby boom generation and the rapid growth of the elderly population will be the main driving forces for employment growth. They may begin using corrective lenses and therefore require the services of opticians.
People are also more aware of preventive vision care than in the past.
It is not only people with vision problems who will need the help of opticians. Those without specific problems may also use optical products, such as sunglasses. New technology, such as laser surgery, may have a negative impact on the demand for opticians' services. Laser surgery may reduce the need for eyeglasses for some people with short-sightedness. However, it is possible that age-related corrective treatment provided by opticians may more than counter the reduced demand for lenses resulting from such procedures as laser surgery.