Sales volume of eyeglasses in Germany 2000-2021

More than 11 million eyeglasses were sold in Germany in 2021. While contact lenses are also popular, many consumers will still have a pair of glasses in their possession. Germany is well-known for its optics industry and has many established companies in that field.

The eye of the beholder

The largest optics companies ranked by net revenue as of 2018 were Fielmann, Mister Spex and Apollo Optik. Apollo Optik and Fielmann are in the lead based on the number of branches located throughout Germany. German consumers will typically purchase their corrective glasses and contact lenses directly at Fielmann or Apollo Optik, though they may also go to see an optician and have glasses ordered from there. While in previous years consumers preferred metal frames for their glasses, trends have shifted towards plastic ones.

Industry revenue on the rise

E-commerce revenue in the industry has grown in recent years. The same can be said for the German optical industry as a whole, with 5.96 billion euros generated in 2018.