PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1884040
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1884040
The global autorefractor and keratometer market continues to expand steadily due to rising ophthalmic disorders, increasing adoption of diagnostic equipment, and strong technological advancements in eye-care devices. The market was valued at USD 69.7 million in 2024, is expected to reach USD 73.3 million in 2025, and is projected to surge to USD 107.1 million by 2032, reflecting strong growth across ophthalmic practices worldwide. North America led the market in 2024 with a 35% share, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure and major players expanding their diagnostic portfolios.
Market Overview
Autorefractors and keratometers are essential ophthalmic diagnostic instruments used to measure refractive error and corneal curvature, respectively. Combined units, known as autorefractor-keratometers (ARKs), provide comprehensive vision assessment for hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, and other refractive issues. Demand for these devices is steadily rising due to the global burden of vision disorders and increased emphasis on early detection.
The market is supported by leading manufacturers such as Topcon Corporation, Carl Zeiss Meditech AG, NIDEK CO., LTD., Canon Medical Systems, and EssilorLuxottica, all investing heavily in technology advancements and product expansion strategies.
Market Drivers
Growing Burden of Eye Disorders
The prevalence of ocular diseases such as astigmatism, hyperopia, and cataracts is accelerating. Lifestyle changes, increased screen time, and age-related degeneration contribute to a growing population requiring vision correction. According to NCBI (September 2023), nearly 50% of the global population is expected to have myopia by 2050, with 10% becoming highly myopic. This rising burden necessitates advanced eye-diagnostic solutions, boosting demand for autorefractors and keratometers.
Push for Early and Accurate Diagnosis
Governments and healthcare institutions are increasing investments in early detection programs to manage preventable blindness. Early refractive error screening allows timely treatment, positively raising the demand for advanced ophthalmic equipment.
Market Restraints
A key challenge in developing economies is limited awareness regarding regular eye examinations, combined with affordability issues. High-end autorefractors costing up to USD 25,000, as cited by Bimedis (2025), are often unaffordable for smaller clinics, slowing market penetration in cost-sensitive regions. The lack of trained ophthalmic technicians in several countries also reduces device utilization.
Market Opportunities
Strategic collaborations among major players are accelerating innovation. In April 2024, Carl Zeiss Meditech acquired D.O.R.C., strengthening its ophthalmic workflow and product portfolio. Such partnerships support the launch of more advanced devices, including handheld and AI-enabled systems, creating strong growth opportunities through 2032.
Market Trends
Technological advancements-including digital imaging, AI-powered diagnostics, machine learning, automated focusing, cloud data storage, and EHR integration-are reshaping the industry. Modern devices can capture high-resolution corneal images, detect subtle anatomical changes, and provide automated results, improving clinical accuracy and efficiency. These innovations are positioning ARKs as indispensable tools in modern eye-care practices.
By Product Type
By Portability
By Indication
Hyperopia held the largest share in 2024, with Cleveland Clinic estimating it affects 4.6% of children and 30.9% of adults globally. Myopia and astigmatism are expected to grow significantly due to increased screen exposure.
By End User
Hospitals dominated in 2024 due to high procedure volume, while ophthalmic clinics are growing fastest with the expansion of specialty eye-care centers.
Regional Overview
North America
The region generated USD 24.4 million in 2024, driven by strong adoption in the U.S. and Canada. High diabetic population rates and increased ocular complications are pushing demand for precision diagnostic tools.
Europe
Europe maintains a strong market due to strict medical device regulations and a large ophthalmologist base. The U.K. had 3,377 ophthalmologists registered in December 2023.
Asia Pacific
Expected to grow at the fastest CAGR. Rising cases of refractive errors-such as 47.8% astigmatism in South Delhi school children (2022)-are driving demand for advanced diagnostics.
Latin America & Middle East/Africa
Moderate growth driven by healthcare investments, including Saudi Arabia's USD 65B Vision 2030 health program.
Conclusion
With a rise from USD 69.7 million (2024) to USD 107.1 million by 2032, the autorefractor and keratometer market is poised for strong, sustained growth. Increasing ocular diseases, technological advancements, and expanding healthcare infrastructure worldwide will continue to propel the market through the forecast period.
Segmentation By Product Type
By Portability
By Indication
By End-user
By Region