A young woman chooses sunglasses in a store in Fuyang, East China's Anhui province. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO China Daily)
Eyewear prices vary greatly－from less than 100 yuan per pair to 100,00 yuan per pair (excluding those using precious metals or gems).
Key determinants of the price are quality, functions of lenses, materials used and brands of frames. Some eyewear may need specialist treatment at the optician's, which means extra charges are possible.
Robert Ng, 43, an optician at a Shanghai store of a Hong Kong-based eyewear chain, said he has observed more consumers are choosing high-end lenses nowadays, and the most popular price range spans from 3,000 yuan to 8,000 yuan.
"In the past, when a consumer was recommended Zeiss lenses, he or she would hesitate because the price was beyond his or her budget, or considered not affordable.
Now, many consumers would consult us about the differences between a wide range of lenses offered, and hear us out patiently about particular functions of specific lenses.
"Again, in the past, much of a consumer's eyewear budget was spent on the frame, especially luxury brands' frames. Now, more is spent on high-end lenses."
Market researchers expect eyewear brands and manufacturers in China to take advantage of evolving consumer demand for items that symbolize wealth, health, good looks and taste.
More so because eyewear is now considered part of wearable devices that are fast becoming part of personal high-tech fashion accessories.
A research note from Huatai Securities said eyewear is among the most striking examples of how supply-side reforms, which underline that products should be priced cost-effectively to reflect their real worth, are having an impact on retail.
The note further said the entire eyewear sector in China is moving up the value chain to bring more choice to eyewear users and create more added value by way of superior design, technology and branding.
