In 2026, the UK contact lens market continues its trajectory as one of the largest in Europe, with the total optical goods sector showing resilient growth of 3.5%. As of January 2026, approximately 4.1 million people in the UK use contact lenses, out of a total pool of 20 million spectacle wearers.

1. Market Valuation and Growth

The UK contact lens industry is projected to reach a revenue of $1.04 billion (£815 million) in 2025/2026. Within the specialized cosmetic segment, the following trends are evident.

User Base

Approximately 1.4 million UK residents are regular users of colored contact lenses.

Sales Growth

Daily disposable colored lenses saw a 12% increase in sales between 2023 and 2025, driven by hygiene preferences.

Projected Expansion

The broader UK contact lens market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% through 2030.

2. Consumer Demographics and Preferences

Colored lenses in the UK typically appeal to a younger, predominantly female demographic.

Age

The average age for cosmetic lens fitting is 27 years, significantly younger than the 33-year average for clear lenses.

Gender

Roughly 64.2% of contact lens wearers are female.

Color Trends

For 2026, green remains the most sought-after enhancement color due to its rarity, followed closely by brown and grey.

3. Regulation and Safety Standards

The UK maintains strict regulations to differentiate medical-grade lenses from unregulated "novelty" items.

Legal Requirements

Under the Opticians Act 1989, all contact lenses—including zero-powered (plano) cosmetic lenses—must be supplied by or under the supervision of a registered optometrist or dispensing optician.

Compliance

New UK Cosmetics Regulations coming into force in July 2026 will further restrict 16 specific chemical substances (CMRs) in cosmetic products to enhance user safety.

Safety Risks

Research indicates that 60% of users who buy non-prescription lenses from unauthorized sources report eye problems such as redness or swelling.

4. Digital and Technological Shifts

The rise of e-commerce has transformed the purchasing landscape.

Online Dominance

Online eyewear revenue in the UK is projected to reach £374.6 million by the end of the 2025-26 period.

Tech Integration

Major retailers are increasingly deploying AR/VR virtual try-on tools to allow consumers to preview lens colors before purchase.

To ensure safe usage, use the GOC Public Register to verify that your lens provider is a registered professional.

In 2026, the contact lens market is increasingly dominated by "white-label" or "optician-branded" products, where major manufacturers rebrand their flagship lenses for specific retailers. Understanding these relationships is key to finding the best value and performance for your eye health.

Linarial vs. Umere: Comparing Specsavers' Top Tier Lenses

Both Linarial and Umere are premium silicone hydrogel daily disposables produced by CooperVision for Specsavers. While they share the same manufacturer, they target different performance needs.

Easyvision Linarial (Equivalent: MyDay)

Known as the more premium option, Linarial lenses utilize Smart Silicone™ chemistry. This technology uses less silicone to achieve high oxygen permeability, leaving more room in the lens for hydrophilic (water-loving) materials.

Easyvision Umere (Equivalent: Clariti 1 Day)

These lenses emphasize high water content and use AquaGen™ technology to ensure the lens remains naturally wettable without surface treatments. Umere lenses are often priced slightly lower, with monthly costs for 60 lenses typically ranging from £31.96 to £41.88 as of early 2026.

Statistical Comparison

Linarial is generally cited for higher "breathability" efficiency due to its advanced silicone structure, whereas Umere offers a more traditional high-moisture experience.

Serima Sphere and Its Equivalents

The easyvision Serima Sphere is a daily disposable lens designed for value and convenience.

Performance

It features a UV blocker, handling tint, and silicone hydrogel material.

The "Equivalent" Challenge

Unlike Linarial or Umere, which have direct counterparts like MyDay and Clariti 1 Day, some experts note that Serima Sphere may not have an exact retail-branded equivalent in terms of identical thickness and edge design, though it is often compared to other CooperVision value-tier silicone hydrogels.

Meaning

In contact lens terminology, "Sphere" indicates the lens corrects for simple nearsightedness or farsightedness, rather than astigmatism (Toric) or presbyopia (Multifocal).

Comfi Colours and Enhance

For those looking beyond clear vision, the Comfi Colours range provides affordable aesthetic options.

Comfi Colours Enhance

Specifically designed to boost the natural shade of the eye rather than completely changing it, these are popular among users seeking a subtle "lit-from-within" glow.

Value

Comfi is frequently marketed as a budget-friendly alternative to premium colored lenses, often saving users up to 45% compared to high-street optician prices when purchased through online retailers like Lenstore.

Navigating Brand Names

The "meaning" of names like Linarial is purely a brand designation used by Specsavers since their launch in 1999 to differentiate their exclusive product tiers. By identifying the manufacturer equivalent (e.g., Linarial = MyDay), savvy consumers can often find the same medical-grade product at a lower price point online while maintaining the same prescription specifications.

In 2026, the global contact lens market is valued at over $16.5 billion, with daily disposables leading as the preferred choice for hygiene and comfort. EasyVision, a private label exclusively available at Specsavers UK, remains a dominant player by offering high-performance manufacturer equivalents at competitive price points.

Top EasyVision Daily Disposables in 2026

The EasyVision range uses advanced materials to cater to various eye health needs.

EasyVision Linarial

This premium daily disposable is the clinical equivalent of CooperVision's MyDay. It utilizes Smart Silicone™ technology, which uses less silicone to allow for more moisture channels, resulting in a lens that is 54% water and provides 80 Dk/t oxygen permeability for whiter, healthier eyes.

EasyVision Umere

Rated 4.6 stars by users for comfort, Umere is a high-oxygen silicone hydrogel lens. While praised for its "instantly forgettable" feel, some long-term users note it is more expensive than online alternatives, with prices often starting around £21 per pack.

EasyVision Aquiane

A unique Specsavers-exclusive lens with no direct branded equivalent. It features a riofilcon A material with 58% water content and a modulus of 0.4MPa, offering a flatter fit suitable for specific corneal shapes.

EasyVision Alea

Also known as Soria in some markets, this lens is manufactured by Menicon and is the equivalent of the Miru 1day UpSide. It is designed with a unique "Smart Touch" packaging to ensure the wearer only touches the outer surface of the lens for better hygiene.

The Rise of Direct-to-Consumer: Daysoft

For those seeking the highest value, Daysoft Contact Lenses remains a major disruptor. In 2026, Daysoft serves over 50,000 customers monthly.

Pricing

Daysoft lenses start from as little as 26p per lens, significantly lower than high-street monthly plans.

Technology

Unlike the silicone hydrogel used in Linarial, Daysoft uses a flexible hydrogel material (58% water) with "Soft-Edge" technology for smooth eyelid movement.

Satisfaction

They maintain a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, with customers frequently citing fast letterbox delivery as a key benefit.

Starting Your Journey: Free Trials and Success Rates

Optometrists emphasize that nearly 30% of new wearers drop out within the first year due to initial discomfort. To combat this, most providers offer a contact lens trial.

Specsavers Trial

New customers can typically access a free contact lens trial to test various EasyVision brands like Umere or Aquiane before committing.

Benefit of Trials

Trials allow users to experience silicone hydrogel benefits, which now account for 86% of modern soft lens fits due to their superior oxygen flow.

To find the most cost-effective option, you can use the Lenstore Equivalent Tool to see which manufacturer brand matches your EasyVision prescription.

In 2026, the selection of contact lenses has expanded significantly, with Specsavers' easyvision range remaining a top choice for daily wear. Choosing between two popular options, Linarial and Umere, depends on balancing oxygen permeability with long-term comfort.

Linarial vs. Umere: The Comparison

Both easyvision Linarial and easyvision Umere are daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses manufactured by CooperVision exclusively for Specsavers.

Technology & Material

Linarial uses Smart Silicone chemistry, which allows for high oxygen breathability while using less silicone. This results in a softer, more flexible lens that contains more water for immediate comfort. It is the branded equivalent of MyDay.

Umere features Advanced Edge Technology for an incredibly thin lens edge to reduce "lens awareness". It uses an Aquagen process to ensure continuous wettability throughout the day. It is the branded equivalent of Clariti 1 Day.

Performance Statistics

Breathability

Silicone hydrogel materials like those in Umere and Linarial provide significantly higher oxygen permeability than traditional hydrogel lenses, which is critical for long-term corneal health.

Comfort

In comparative clinical studies of similar materials, surface wettability remained high, with over 93% of users scoring lens deposition and debris at the lowest possible levels during follow-ups.

For those seeking aesthetic changes in 2026, comfi Colors Enhance is a popular monthly disposable option featuring a 42% water content and 12 stunning shades—including Natural Enhancers like Chocolate Brown, Vibrant Tones such as Ocean Blue, and Soft Tones like London Grey—designed to uniquely enhance the natural iris based on your original eye colour.

comfi Colors Enhance

Color Chart

Natural Enhancers

Chocolate Brown, Pure Hazel, Golden Honey, Natural Green.

Vibrant Tones

Ocean Blue, Bright Green, True Sapphire, Sky Blue.

Soft Tones

London Grey, Pearl Grey, Mystic Violet, Cool Turquoise.

Note

Visual results vary based on your natural eye colour.

Maintenance and Solutions

For reusable lenses, selecting the right solution is vital for eye safety.

Asda All-in-One Solution

The ASDA All-in-One Contact Lens Solution is a delicate formula containing Hyaluronic Acid, HPMC, and PVP for high lubrication.

Boric Acid Warning

While many multipurpose solutions, such as Specsavers easyvision Ultrapurpose, use Boric Acid as a buffering agent to maintain pH balance, users with sensitive eyes should check labels carefully. Asda's current 2026 formulation is primarily marketed for its isotonic buffered pH of 7.2 to match natural tears.

As of 2026, the global contact lens market is valued at approximately $16.5 billion, with a projected growth to $27.8 billion by 2035. A significant driver of this growth is the increasing adoption of daily disposables, which currently account for nearly 59% of the market.

The following statistics and data points highlight key products and trends within this evolving landscape.

Easyvision Brand & Specsavers Portfolio

The Easyvision range is Specsavers' exclusive brand, often featuring rebranded versions of lenses from major manufacturers like CooperVision and Alcon.

Easyvision Linarial

These are rebranded CooperVision MyDay lenses. In 2026, they are priced as low as £18.00 for a pack of 30. They utilize "Smart Silicone" technology to balance high oxygen permeability (100 Dk/t) with a 54% water content.

Easyvision Umere

A rebrand of CooperVision Clariti 1 Day. These silicone hydrogel lenses are priced at approximately £20.00 per box. They are widely prescribed for their balance of health and affordability, including specialized toric and multifocal versions.

Easyvision Opsys

A premium daily lens equivalent to Alcon Focus Dailies. They are currently priced at roughly £22.99 per box.

Easyvision Alea & Aquiane

These form part of the broader Specsavers offering, catering to specific comfort needs. Aquiane is often marketed for its high water-retention properties, suitable for users with dry eye symptoms.

Market Alternatives and Specialized Lenses

Daysoft Contact Lenses

Operating as a direct-to-consumer alternative, Daysoft focuses exclusively on daily disposables. Their lenses have a 58% water content. As of 2026, the daily disposable segment they occupy remains the fastest-growing sector, expanding at a 4.84% CAGR.

Serima Sphere

These lenses are primarily designed for spherical vision correction, focusing on high-definition optics and consistent moisture levels. They compete in the soft lens market, which is expected to see a revenue of $769.6 million in the UK alone by 2030.

Key 2026 Market Dynamics

Material Dominance

Silicone-hydrogel lenses, used in the Umere and Linarial lines, lead the market with a 55.12% revenue share due to their superior oxygen permeability.

Consumer Shift

Online and direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels are expanding at a 5.55% CAGR, as users increasingly move away from in-store purchases for subscription-based deliveries.

Specialized Needs

Multifocal and toric designs, like the Linarial Toric (priced at approx. £28.50 per 30-pack), now comprise over 30% of total demand due to rising rates of presbyopia and astigmatism.

As of 2026, the contact lens market is characterized by a significant shift toward daily disposables and silicone hydrogel materials. Specsavers’ easyvision brand, launched in 1999, remains a major player in this sector by offering private-label "clinical equivalents" produced by world-leading manufacturers.

Market Trends and Usage Statistics (2026)

The global contact lens market is projected to grow from $20.2 billion in 2024 to $33.8 billion by 2030, a CAGR of 8.9%.

Material Dominance

Silicone hydrogel lenses, such as the easyvision Umere and Linarial lines, account for more than 88.2% of market revenue.

Usage Patterns

Daily disposable lenses, a core focus of the easyvision range, hold a 33.5% revenue share and are increasingly preferred for their hygiene benefits.

Regional Trends

In the UK, daily disposables have a 77% market share, while 8.5% of all adults currently wear contact lenses.

Easyvision Product Range and Equivalents

The easyvision brand provides cost-effective alternatives to major manufacturer brands.

Easyvision Alea

This is the first silicone hydrogel daily disposable to feature Smart Touch™ technology, which ensures the lens is always the right way up in its packaging, minimizing contamination.

Easyvision Umere

A daily disposable lens manufactured by CooperVision (equivalent to Clariti 1 Day). It features WetLoc technology to retain moisture and provides UVA/UVB protection.

Umere Toric

Designed for astigmatism with high oxygen transmissibility (57 Dk/t).

Umere Multifocal

Aimed at correcting presbyopia with an "Advanced Edge Technology" for a thin, comfortable profile.

Easyvision Linarial

This name refers to a daily disposable lens manufactured with Smart Silicone™ chemistry. It is the clinical equivalent of CooperVision’s MyDay.

Linarial Meaning

The term serves as Specsavers' branding for lenses using "Smart Technology," which balances the high oxygen permeability of silicone with the water-retaining properties of hydrogel.

Easyvision Serima Sphere

A silicone hydrogel daily disposable designed for value, offering high oxygen flow to the eye and built-in UV blockers.

Easyvision Ultrapurpose

While often searched as "ultrapurpose," the primary care product is the easyvision easipurpose solution, a multi-purpose formula designed to clean, disinfect, and remove protein deposits from all lens types.

Consumer and Clinical Insights

Efficiency

Smart Touch™ (Alea) is marketed as a "hassle-free" solution that reduces the need to touch the inner lens surface, addressing hygiene concerns.

Cost-Benefit

While private labels like easyvision offer high-quality materials, they are often tied to subscription schemes like easycare, which include perks like free eye tests and replacement lenses.

Sustainability

Innovations such as the easyvision magic range utilize 80% less packaging material than conventional blister packs.

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