The eyes have it 2018-01-01 (1)

A close-up look at eye care. Bloodshot, itchy eyes, whether from irritating contact lenses or pesky allergies, can be maddening. These discomforts are the driving forces behind the estimated $1.6 billion retail eye care industry. According to Chicago-based IRI, for the 52 weeks ended December 1, supermarkets accounted for about 20% of eye/ lens care dollar sales, up a little less than 3.0% versus the previous year. Top vendors Alcorn Laboratories and Bausch & Lomb accounted for about half of category sales. Below is a closer look at how the overall eye/lens care solution and eye/ lens care tablets and accessories categories performed as well as how each performed in just the grocery channel.