South Africa Ophthalmic Devices Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

South Africa Ophthalmic Devices Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The South Africa Ophthalmic Devices Market is expected to register a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period (2022 - 2027).

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in considerable service reductions throughout the country, with ophthalmology being one of the most severely impacted specialties. For instance, according to an article published by Elsevier in Scientific African, in July 2021, titled ‘Assessment of infection prevention and control measures adopted by eye care practitioners in Ghana and South Africa against COVID-19’, it has been observed that 47% of practitioners had COVID-19 screening at their facilities before the commencement of eye examinations and 10% of practitioners had received any form of training (seminars and workshops) in COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures. In addition, as per the same source, there was a limited number of ophthalmologists (optometrists and ophthalmic nurses) for providing surgical and other essential eye services. Thus, the limited number of healthcare practitioners and restricted eye care services have impacted the demand for ophthalmic devices which has impacted the market growth.

Certain factors that are propelling the market growth are the rising burden of eye disorders and technological advancements.

The increasing prevalence of eye disorders and related diseases is the major key factor driving the market growth. For instance, according to a meta-analysis published by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, in February 2022, titled ‘Prevalence of the Burden of Diseases Causing Visual Impairment and Blindness in South Africa in the Period 2010–2020: A Systematic Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis’, it has been observed that the prevalence for vision impairment was 2% for blindness and 12% for moderate and severe visual impairment (MSVI) and uncorrected refractive error (URE) (43%), cataract (28%), glaucoma (7%), and diabetic retinopathy (4%) were all substantial contributors to moderate and severe visual impairment. Additionally, as per a survey published by the BioMed Central of Ophthalmology, in January 2021, titled ‘Prevalence and associated factors of vision loss in the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1)’, vision loss is a serious public health issue that is particularly prevalent in underdeveloped countries including South Africa. In addition, as per the same source, Southern sub-Saharan Africa comprising five countries (including South Africa) has a crude prevalence of vision loss of 2.11%, with cataracts (0.59%) and uncorrected refractive error (0.84%) being the main causes. Thus, the high burden of eye-related diseases is expected to increase the demand for effective treatment and surgery, which is further anticipated to propel the demand for ophthalmic devices, thereby contributing to market growth.

However, the risk associated with ophthalmic procedures is likely to restrain the market growth over the forecast period.

Key Market TrendsIntraocular Lenses Segment Expects to Register a High CAGR in the South Africa Ophthalmic Devices Market During the Forecast Period

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are long-term, artificial lenses that can restore both near and far vision by swapping out the eye's native lens. IOLs are most frequently used in cataract surgery to replace damaged lenses. For instance, premium intraocular lenses are used for patients with glaucoma during cataract surgery, after removing the cataract, and a new lens is placed into the eye.

Several types of intraocular lenses are monofocal (one focusing distance, providing either near, medium, or distance vision), multifocal (have multiple focusing distances in different areas of the lens, capable of bringing into focus objects that are at a far, medium, or close distance from the patient’s eye), extended depth of focus (have the potential to give patients distance, medium, and even some near vision) and toric (has different focusing powers in different areas of the lens to correct astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea).

The factors attributed to the market growth are the rising eye disorders and the increasing adoption of intraocular lenses. For instance, according to an article published in January 2021, titled ‘Prevalence and associated factors of vision loss in the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey’, the prevalence of blindness with cataract, refractive error, and glaucoma was 0.90%, a major leading cause of vision loss in South Africa.

In addition, the rising geriatric population is also contributing to market growth as aging causes various structural and physiological changes that predispose adults to ocular morbidity (such as presbyopia, cataract, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration). For instance, according to the 2022 statistics published by the United Nations Population Fund, in South Africa, a large proportion of the living population is aged 15-64 and accounts for 66% in 2022. In addition, as per the same source, 6% of the population is aged 65 years and above in 2022.

Thus, owing to the aforementioned factors, the market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The market studied is moderately competitive and there are several local as well as international companies that are operating in South Africa's ophthalmic market. The global players in the South Africa ophthalmic devices market are Alcon Inc., Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Hoya Corporation, Johnson and Johnson, Nidek Co. Ltd, Topcon Corporation, and Ziemer Group AG.

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