Report Overview
The global ophthalmic examination chairs market size was estimated at USD 88.93 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.91% from 2023 to 2030. Market growth is attributed to the rising prevalence of eye-related disorders and the growing burden of chronic diseases, which can lead to several vision-related diseases, such as diabetes. Diabetes patients frequently experience problems with the eye, including neuropathies, glaucoma, iris neovascularization, cataracts, and cornea abnormalities.
According to an assessment of the disease's prevalence in the U.S. in 2022, proliferative diabetic retinopathy affects about 700,000 people in the U.S., with a yearly rate of 65,000 cases. This indicates that there will be a huge need for ophthalmic examination chairs for disease management in the market. Furthermore, growing technological advancements in ophthalmic examination chairs and increasing investments by key market players in the R&D of ophthalmic examination chairs are anticipated to drive the market growth.
Rising advancements in ophthalmic examination chairs with unique features such as flexible headrest solutions, electric height adjustable, hydraulic systems, and easy movements are anticipated to fuel the demand for advanced and cost-effective ophthalmic examination chairs. According to the WHO, more than 2.2 billion individuals worldwide have a near- or distance-vision impairment, necessitating more ocular examinations for disease detection. Thus, the demand for ophthalmic examination chairs is growing globally due to the rise in eye-related disorders requiring vision screenings.
Furthermore, increasing eye injuries during work are expected to contribute to market growth. For instance, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that almost 2,000 American workers get eye injuries daily at work. Such wounds require medical attention, which surges the demand for ophthalmic examination chairs during surgical procedures.
Technology Insights
The electric segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 28.11% in 2022. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the accessibility of advanced features like height and position adjustment, memory control, and numerous other electromotor options. The ergonomics of the electronic ophthalmic examination chair is one of its key benefits. Due to its ergonomic design, the patient may remain at ease even during prolonged examinations. These chairs also provide physicians with a wide range of options, such as seat and back positions, range of height, and working distance controls, among others, to help them feel relaxed, after as well as during treatment, for a better experience.
The hydraulic was the second-highest revenue-generating segment in 2022. The presence of large number of market payers offering a wide range of hydraulic chairs is estimated to boost the growth of the segment. Furthermore, a large number of ophthalmic examination chairs incorporate a hydraulic system with motorized elevation by a foot pedal, a sturdy, light frame, rotation, and reclining capabilities, making them more durable. Hence, increasing its preference among individuals.
Section Insights
The 3-section segment dominated the market with a share of 41.34% in 2022. The segment growth is attributed to the advanced features and adjustments in 3 sections of ophthalmic examination chairs. Ophthalmic examination chairs with three sections are anticipated to be helpful in reducing concerns with manual handling and offer a comfortable platform for a patient to be positioned on. Based on the section, the market is segmented into 2-section, 3-section, and 4-section.
The 4-section segment is projected to exhibit the fastest CAGR of 7.68% over the forecast period, owing to the growing awareness about advanced technologies in ophthalmic examination chairs. Increasing healthcare infrastructure in developing countries contributes to the demand for 4-section chairs.
End-use Insights
The hospitals segment held the largest market share of 33.5% in 2022. The growth is attributed to the increasing prevalence of ocular disorders and increased patient visits. Moreover, the market is expected to be driven by rising government assistance in financing and policies for establishing healthcare facilities in developed and emerging countries throughout the forecast period.
The specialty clinics segment is anticipated to show the fastest CAGR of 6.22% from 2023 to 2030, owing to growing public awareness regarding advantages offered by specialty clinics, such as shorter wait times, which is expected to fuel the segment growth over the forecast period.
Regional Insights
North America accounted for the largest market share of 44.49% in 2022. Major factors contributing to the segment’s growth include the presence of a well-established healthcare infrastructure, raising awareness related to ocular disease diagnosis, and the prevalence of eye-related disorders in the region. According to the CDC, it is estimated that by 2050, there will be 8.96 million Americans aged 40 and older with uncorrectable vision impairment. This increase will be largely due to the rising prevalence of diabetes and other chronic diseases and the country's rapidly aging population. Moreover, growing incidences of diabetes retinopathy and the need for eye screening are expected to accelerate the market growth during the forecast period. For instance, according to the CDC, roughly 900,000 Americans are at risk of developing vision-damaging retinopathy, and 4.1 million Americans currently have diabetic retinopathy.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to showcase the fastest CAGR of 7.42% over the forecast period owing to the huge population and rising awareness regarding eye screening in children and the geriatric population. Moreover, the growing public and private investment to create awareness regarding the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease among the population is driving market growth. By partnering with local businesses to meet the region's growing needs, major market players are strengthening their positions on the global stage.
Key Companies & Market Share Insights
The market for ophthalmic examination chairs is competitive. Top companies use various strategies to increase their market share, including mergers and acquisitions, partnership expansions, and the introduction of new products. Key players are acquiring other companies to strengthen their product offerings. For instance, in November 2022, SDC Technology, Inc. acquired Coburn Technologies to increase its offering of premium coatings, cutting-edge lens processing technology, examination chairs, and automated coating tools. This acquisition strengthened the company's product portfolio.
In June 2023, Haag-Streit USA introduced the Reliance Optometry Workplace assessment lane solution in the U.S. The all-new Reliance Optometry Workplace includes the Reliance 520 examination chair, Reliance SL3 slit lamp, Reliance 7900 instrument stand, Haag-Streit AT 870 Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), and Reliance 4246 examination stool, each of which is required for a standard optometry exam lane. Some prominent players in the global ophthalmic examination chairs market include:
Topcon Corporation
Coburn Technologies, Inc. (SDC Technologies, Inc.)
Haag-Streit USA
Takagi Ophthalmic Instruments Europe Limited
Mid Central Medical
AKRUS GmbH & Co. KG
Lemi MD (Brusaferri & C. srl.)
bon Optic Vertriebsges.mbH
BTC SRL
Vermund Larsen A/S