The Global Auto Refractometer Market Size was over USD 9.5 billion globally in 2020 and is estimated to grow over 7.5% CAGR between 2021 and 2031. Automatic refractometer is a device used to automatically measure the refractive index of an eye. The automatic refractometer measurement of the refractive index of an eye is based on the determination of the critical angle of reflection. The manual refractometer cannot offer the level of accuracy and repeatability that an automatic refractometer can.

The automatic refractometer removes the scope for user error during the eye examination by allowing refractive reading to be taken automatically. The working of the automatic refractometer is quite simple the eye patient has to look into the device then focus on the image and automatically adjust the image until an accurate estimate of the patient’s refractive power is obtained and the machine does the rest of the work, auto automatically generates the result. When the automatic refractometer is combined with -a meter automatic refractor was produced this device offers similar features but also allows the measurement of in-depth analysis of corneal shape and curvature. The automatic refractometer also minimizes the risk of transcription errors as the machine calculates an estimated prescription at the end of the eye examination, the prescription can be printed out immediately and sent to the EMR which saves time and errors caused by physicians.

Type Outlook

The online segment is expected to dominate the market share in 2020 of global Auto refractometer market. Global automatic refractometer market is driven by advancements in technology. The increasing demand for automatic refractometer in hospitals and clinics have made the automatic refractometer available in different specifications that are designed using the latest technology. Automatic refractometer is an essential tool in standard optometric and ophthalmic practice and the increase in automation and digitalization of the devices has led to ensuring the automatic refractometer has a long-established utility. The advancement in automatic refractometer eliminates key problems faced by physicians like clinic workflow, time management, and patient education which is further promoting the growth of the type in the market during the forecast period.

Application Outlook

The pharmaceutics segment is expected to dominate the market share in 2020 of the global Auto refractometer market. This is attributed to the increasing demand for automatic refractometer in hospitals and clinics that have made the automatic refractometer available in different specifications that are designed using the latest technology. An automatic refractometer is an essential tool in standard optometric and ophthalmic practice and the increase in automation and digitalization of the devices has led to ensuring the automatic refractometer has a long-established utility. The advancement in automatic refractometer eliminates key problems faced by physicians like clinic workflow, time management, and patient education which is further promoting the growth of the type in the market during the forecast period.

Regional Outlook

North America is expected to hold the dominant position in the global automatic refractometer market during the forecast period owing to the increasing prevalence of age-related macular degeneration among the population. For instance, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, in 2019, in the U.S., age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in one or both eyes among individuals over the age of 50. An estimated 15 million people in North American are suffering from AMD, out of which 85–90% of the population has dry AMD, while, 10 – 15% has wet AMD. The greater percentage of the population in the U.S. is above the age of 60 and it has been predicted that the number of patients suffering from AMD will increase by 60% by the end of 2020.

Europe is expected to be an emerging automatic refractometer market during the forecast period, owing to product launches in the region. For instance, in 2016, Topcon Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer, launched auto kerato-refractometer KR-800A in Europe. 3D auto alignment function and 8.5-inch touch screen panel make the device easier to use and also increases the efficiency of the results.

Key Companies & Recent Developments

Partnerships, strategic mergers, and acquisitions are expected to be the most successful strategies for industry participants to get speedy access to growing markets while also improving technological capabilities. Market players are engaged in launching innovative products which is expected to drive the growth of the global automatic refractometer market. For instance, in 2019, NIDEK CO., LTD., launched the Auto Ref/Keratometer/Auto Refractometer whose functions are fully automatic. The device works by just placing the chin on the chin rest. The voice guidance feature allows smooth and easy measurement for the operator.

Market Segmentation of Global Auto refractometer Market

By Type

1. Digital

2. Online

3. Others

By Application

1. Gas & Oil

2. Pharmaceutics

3. Food & Beverage

4. Others