Alcon (ALC) has released findings from a new survey highlighting a significant disconnect between parental awareness of vision health and actual eye examination rates among teenagers.
The survey, conducted by Wakefield Research and sponsored by Alcon, gathered responses from 1,000 US parents of teens and young adults aged 13 to 25 years.
Despite widespread parental recognition of vision’s importance, the data reveals that many teenagers are still not receiving adequate eye care on a consistent basis.
Some 88% of parents surveyed said they believe vision affects academic performance, classroom participation, and overall classroom confidence among young students.
Yet 27% of teens have not had a comprehensive eye examination in the past year or ever, a figure that points to a clear gap between parental belief and action.
Only around two-thirds of teens had received a comprehensive eye examination in the past year, even though 66% of parents rated back-to-school examinations as very or extremely important.
The survey found that a recommendation from an eye care provider was the single strongest motivator for parents to schedule an examination, cited by 45% of respondents.
That finding underscores the influential role clinicians can play in closing the eye care gap, particularly around correcting the misconception between vision screenings and full comprehensive examinations.
Alcon noted that August is a particularly significant month for contact lens uptake, with an approximate 13% increase in contact lens patient volume compared to other months of the year.
To capitalise on this seasonal opportunity, Alcon launched its PRECISION Back-to-School campaign, designed to equip eye care professionals with tools and resources during the peak back-to-school period.
The campaign provides Generation Z insights, comprehensive practice resources, and PRECISION contact lens portfolio rebates aimed at supporting proactive conversations between clinicians and younger patients.
Alcon also confirmed it will partner with eye care key opinion leaders to create social media content featuring patients sharing their eye health and contact lens journeys.
Patient education materials, fitting resources, and guidance on communicating with Gen Z patients form the core of the campaign’s practical toolkit for eye care providers.
The broader initiative reflects growing industry recognition that the back-to-school season represents a critical window for improving long-term eye health outcomes among the next generation.