India’s Eyewear Market Scales Faster Than Optometry Workforce

India’s eyewear industry is expanding rapidly, but the availability of trained optometrists has become its biggest constraint. Companies like

have flagged this imbalance as a structural risk, even as they accelerate store rollouts and market penetration. To bridge the gap, Lenskart is deploying AI-enabled remote eye testing across hundreds of stores, while rivals such as Titan Eye+ continue to rely on traditional in-store optometry. Talent Shortage in Optometry - India produces 6,000–7,000 optometrists annually, yet many face underemployment due to low pay. - Companies cite shortages as they expand into newer domestic and international markets. - Lenskart has repeatedly flagged this as a key risk factor in regulatory filings. Lenskart’s Remote Optometry Model - Over 500 stores now use AI-enabled remote eye testing. - Optometrists are centralized, conducting tests via video links and diagnostic equipment. - This model allows a single optometrist to perform far more tests than traditional setups. - In H1FY26, Lenskart conducted 9.3 million eye tests, surpassing FY24 totals, with 47% YoY growth. Complementary On-Site Testing - High-volume or clinically complex locations retain on-site optometrists. - AI systems have reduced average wait times from 19.5 minutes to 15.8 minutes. - Home eye tests in major cities are routed to the nearest optometrist within 60 minutes. Eye+’s Contrasting Approach - Relies on traditional in-store testing with a “20-step zero-error” process. - Positions trained professionals as central to its brand promise. Expert Concerns and Preventive Care - Optometry is critical for early detection of systemic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders. - Experts caution that AI-led, retail-first models risk eroding clinical judgment. - Corporates are incentivized to sell eyewear, not invest in preventive care, raising long-term concerns.