Belgium boasts over 2,000 optical outlets, with a growing trend towards franchising. The majority of eyewear sales are still in the hands of independent entrepreneurs, who account for around 60% of the sector. However, the influence of large conglomerates such as EssilorLuxottica, following the acquisition of GrandVision, is notable. The global eyewear market, valued at around $138 billion. Despite a relatively low penetration rate for glasses in Belgium, the Belgian market anticipates growth due to demographic changes and the rise of e-commerce, where online sales have climbed by 17%. 44.9% of those surveyed in a CINT study said they used them. The number of people using both glasses and contacts fell slightly, while those relying solely on glasses saw an increase. The aging of the population, which is expected to rise from around 18.81% to over 22.34% of people aged 65 or over between 2018 and 2030, suggests that the demand for glasses will increase. The penetration rate of spectacle
