Revenue in the eye care and eye health sector continued to grow in Finland in 2025. The sector’s total market rose to 611.1 million euros, representing 5.1 percent growth compared to the previous year. Growth came almost entirely from retail, while competition for skilled labor intensified and the sector’s structure continued to evolve. Technology, prevention, and multidisciplinary collaboration are accelerating the sector’s development.
Retail sales grew by 7.2 percent, reaching 444.2 million euros. The number of employees in the sector increased by 5.2 percent and the total payroll by 7.1 percent, reflecting growing demand and intensifying competition for skilled labor.
“The optical sector is growing strongly, but growth is not evenly distributed. Retail is driving the sector, and competition for skilled labor is intensifying much faster than in many other industries. However, it is worth noting that part of the revenue growth is attributable to changes in the billing practices for ophthalmologist services,” says Panu Tast, CEO of the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare.
“In terms of products, development was stable, but the aging population is increasing the share of multifocal products, which is particularly evident in the growth of eyeglass lens sales. Collections from well-known brands and smart glasses are also growing in popularity in Finland,” says Mr. Tast.
Wholesale trade declined – structural change in the background
Turnover in the eye care sector’s wholesale trade fell by a total of 2.5 percent in 2025, reaching 100.0 million euros. The number of employees declined slightly, although total payroll increased moderately.
“The decline in wholesale trade reflects structural change in the sector. Traditional roles between retail and wholesale are blurring, and companies are seeking new business models,” notes Mr. Tast.
Number of outlets declining, retail chains strengthening
The total number of optical outlets fell by about two percent from the previous year. At the same time, market concentration continued: large chains continued to expand their networks, but new independent players also entered the market.
“Consolidation continues, but it is encouraging that new, independent players are also emerging in the sector. This speaks to the market’s appeal and the stability of demand,” says Mr. Tast.
Aging and technology are shifting the sector’s priorities
Alongside economic development, the operating environment of the eye care sector is being shaped by the aging population, an increase in eye diseases, and advances in diagnostic and treatment technologies. According to the Eye Care Sector Trend Map published by the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare, the importance of preventive eye care in particular is growing rapidly.
“The role of optometrists as frontline professionals in eye care and eye health is rapidly strengthening. New diagnostic solutions and remote services enable earlier detection of eye diseases and smoother referral to treatment,” says Pasi Hiukka, Vice Chair of the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare and optometrist (MS).
Developments in the field are characterized by both strong demand and growing resource pressures, which underscores the importance of skilled labor and new operating models in the coming years.
For additional information, please contact:
Panu Tast, CEO of the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare
Tel. +358 40 542 2227, panu.tast@naery.fi
Pasi Hiukka, Vice Chair, the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare
Optometrist MS, Chair of the Board, Suomen Näköasiantuntijat Oy (Vision Experts)
Tel. +358 40 717 1988, pasi.hiukka@brillet.fi
The information is based on the 2025 Industry Review by the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare. It has been compiled from publications by Statistics Finland, Statista, Soter, Kela–the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare(THL), as well as from the Finnish Association of Vision and Eyecare membership registry.
