The revenue of companies in Portugal’s optical retail industry increased by 7% in 2024, reaching 850 million euros, as reported by the DBK Sector Observatory of Informa D&B.
Informa D&B highlights that the aging population and the widespread use of electronic devices will continue to boost the demand for vision correction aids in the short and medium term.
In 2024, Portuguese imports of optical products rose by 19%, amounting to 295 million euros.
The primary countries of origin included Italy, accounting for 24% of the total, followed by France (18%), Spain (14%), Germany (14%), the Netherlands (9%), and China (8%).
Most imports from Italy consist of sunglasses and frames, whereas imports from France, Spain, and Germany are predominantly ophthalmic lenses and contact lenses.
As of May 2025, there were 2,290 optical stores operating in Portugal, with more than half situated in the districts of Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Aveiro.
Informa D&B notes that increased competition in recent years has led to the closure of independent establishments, mostly family-run businesses, unable to survive amid fierce rivalry and margin pressures.
In this context, sector offerings have become more concentrated, and by 2024, the top five chains held a combined market share of approximately 55%, increasing to around 74% when considering the top ten chains.
