GfK Expands Optics Research Reach

GfK has acquired Nielsen's C.L.E.A.R. contact lens tracking service in the United States. Terms were not disclosed.

The service, which reports monthly sales information, will be integrated into GfK's StarTrack global data warehouse and analysis system during the first quarter of 2009.

According to Kervin Henry, US Optics Product Director: 'Once in place, we then expect to expand the sample for both the sales-out measurements as well as the collection of new fits and switches information. Other categories such as eyeglass frames and lenses as well as sunglasses will then be added to our US program with all due speed.'

Launched in Europe in 1995, GfK runs optics panel in several European countries to offer sales tracking and distribution audits as well as test marketing studies for prescription lenses, frames, contact lenses and contact lens solutions.

In 2007, the firm took over a contact lens and cleaning product panel from Nielsen in Japan and launched a monthly panel to track sales of sunglasses across Britain; and last year, GfK Asia released its first Pan Asia contact lens retail forecast.

Discussing the latest acquisition, Carlo Abbiati, GfK's Optics Worldwide Marketing Manager commented: 'This is just another demonstration of our commitment to provide our clients, and the optical industry as a whole, with a truly global and comprehensive research program.'

Web site: www.gfk.com .