United Kingdom Ophthalmology Devices Market - Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

United Kingdom Ophthalmology Devices Market - Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

United Kingdom ophthalmology devices market is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period (2022-2027).

The COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare systems and resulted in the interruption of usual care in many healthcare facilities, exposing vulnerable patients to significant risks. The pandemic has impacted the ophthalmology devices market. For instance, according to a study published by the British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, in March 2021, titled "The Impact of the First Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic on a Pediatric Ophthalmology Service in United Kingdom: Experience from Alder Hey Children's Hospital," it has been observed that during the first peak of pandemic the outpatient clinic appointments were reduced by 87.2%, ophthalmic surgery by 90.9%, outpatient referrals to ophthalmology by 50.2%, and ward reviews by 50%. In addition, as per the same source, 1,377 actual canceled appointments were recorded, and 6.8% of those were determined to be teleophthalmology-eligible. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely curtailed the ophthalmology service's clinical activity. Due to scheduling conflicts, pediatric ophthalmology is susceptible to the effects of missed or canceled appointments which has significantly impacted the market growth.

Similarly, a study was conducted by researchers at the Department of Ophthalmology, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom, where they analyzed the number of cataract surgery procedures performed during three periods: 1st February 2019 to 13th January 2020 (P1) before the pandemic; 3rd June 2020 to 11th January 2021 after 1st lockdown (P2); and 25th January to 30th July 2021 (P3) after/during the second lockdown. The study reported that 2,276 operations occurred during P1, 999 during P2, and 846 during P3. This significant drop in cataract surgery procedures was due to the chances of COVID-19 transmission associated with hospital stays. Therefore, this significant drop in ophthalmic surgeries has negatively impacted the market growth. However, with the increase in vaccination drives across the country diagnostic and treatment services and centers are resuming their services. Hence, the delayed surgical eye procedures are expected to be performed during the study period, boosting the demand for surgical equipment, thus, impacting the market growth.

Certain factors that are propelling the market growth are the demographic shifts and increasing prevalence of eye diseases and increasing technological advancements in ophthalmic devices. For instance, an article published by Eye Journal, in October 2021, titled “Prevalence of refractive error, visual impairment and access to eyecare for the homeless in Wales, United Kingdom” stated that when a prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on participants in homeless shelters in Cardiff, United Kingdom, the findings indicate a significant disparity in ocular health, visual acuity and refractive error amongst the homeless in comparison with the general population. The burden of eye diseases among the target population is expected to rise the demand for early diagnosis which is likely to increase the demand for ophthalmology devices, thereby boosting the market growth.

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

United Kingdom Ophthalmology Devices Market TrendsOptical Coherence Tomography Scanners Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices Segment is Expected to Register a High CAGR over the Forecast Period

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging is rapid, safe, non-invasive, and is increasingly being recognized as the gold standard for the diagnosis of retinal disease. OCT uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of the retina. They also provide treatment guidance for glaucoma and diseases of the retina. These retinal diseases include age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic eye disease.

The optical coherence tomography (OCT) segment in the studied market is expected to be driven due to the growing burden of glaucoma and retinal diseases, and the rising focus of key players. For instance, according to the statistics published by the Glaucoma United Kingdom, in the International Glaucoma Association Report and Financial Statements year ended 31st July 2021, it is predicted that the number of people living with glaucoma will increase by 31% in United Kingdom between 2020-2035. Additionally, as per the article “Using deep learning to predict the vision of glaucoma patients” published by City, University of London, in May 2022 glaucoma affects around 2% of people aged over 40 years and almost 10% of those aged over 75 years, leading to more than a million hospital visits every year. Thus, a significantly high burden of glaucoma on the country’s healthcare infrastructure is expected to drive the market. In addition, as per the same source, optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanner can differentiate layers within the retina and can also measure its thickness, thereby assisting in the early detection and diagnosis of the diseases. Therefore, the rising demand for early diagnosis of diseases throughout the country will fuel the segment growth.

Furthermore, the rising company activities in developing optical coherence tomography products and increasing product launches in the country are also contributing to the growth of the market. For instance, in February 2020, Specsavers launched a new multi-million-pound marketing campaign to raise public awareness of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology that is available in its United Kingdom practices. The purpose of the advertising campaign was to persuade people who had never had an eye exam using an OCT previously to have one. Due to the great precision and dependability of OCT scanners, it is anticipated that such initiatives will eventually draw a sizable number of individuals for eye exams. This will augment the market during the study period.

Thus, the above-mentioned factors are expected the segment to grow significantly and contribute to the market growth over the forecast period.

United Kingdom Ophthalmology Devices Market Competitive Analysis

United Kingdom ophthalmology devices market is highly fragmented owing to the presence of more number of market players. The market players focus on continuous product development and offer ophthalmology devices at competitive prices, especially in developing countries. Some of the major players include IRIDEX Corporation, Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, Abbott, Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., Cooper Vision Inc., Bausch & Lomb, Carl Zeiss AG, Topcon Corporation, Nidek Co. Ltd.

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