NAICS 339115 Quarterly Industry Report
Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 339115Sector: 33Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
Fair Market Value provides this NAICS 339115 industry profile using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Survey of Manufactures[8], Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data[6], and SBA size standard tables[7]. Our research team cross-references trade data from optical industry associations to verify manufacturing trends. This report receives quarterly updates to reflect shifts in production volumes, workforce data, and regulatory changes affecting ophthalmic goods producers.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the ophthalmic goods manufacturing industry.
Industry Definition & Overview
Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (NAICS 339115) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing ophthalmic goods, including prescription and nonprescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, eyeglass frames, and reading glasses. This classification also covers establishments that grind prescription lenses to order on a factory basis and those producing intraocular lenses and lens blanks. The U.S. Census Bureau[5] defines this industry within the broader medical equipment and supplies sector.
Production splits into two primary channels: prescription ophthalmic goods requiring optometric specifications and mass-produced nonprescription products sold through retail outlets. Lens manufacturing demands precision optical grinding, coating, and polishing equipment. Contact lens production requires sterile cleanroom environments and specialized molding technology. Frame manufacturing spans metal wire forming, plastic injection molding, and hand-assembled designer styles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics[6] tracks employment across these production segments.
Under SBA size standards[7], this industry carries a threshold of 1,000 employees, reflecting the capital intensity of optical manufacturing. Domestic producers compete with large volumes of imported frames and finished eyewear from overseas factories. Blue-light filtering lenses and photochromic coatings have driven recent product development. Revenue concentrates among a small number of vertically integrated companies that control lens production, frame design, and retail distribution chains. Progressive lens technology and digital surfacing capabilities continue to differentiate domestic manufacturers from lower-cost import competitors.
What's Included in This Industry
- Prescription eyeglass lens grinding and finishing
- Contact lens manufacturing (soft, rigid, and specialty)
- Nonprescription sunglass production
- Eyeglass frame manufacturing (metal and plastic)
- Intraocular lens fabrication for surgical use
- Lens blank production and optical coating application
- Reading glass assembly and packaging
- Safety and protective eyewear manufacturing
- Lens tinting, anti-reflective coating, and polishing services
- Ophthalmic instrument lens production
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | Miscellaneous Manufacturing | 339 |
| Industry Group | Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing | 3391 |
| NAICS Industry | Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing | 33911 |
| National Industry | Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing | 339115 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 339113 | Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing | Surgical appliance manufacturing shares medical device production processes and FDA regulatory oversight with ophthalmic goods makers |
| 339112 | Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing | Surgical and medical instrument manufacturing overlaps in precision manufacturing methods and medical device distribution channels |
| 339114 | Dental Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing | Dental equipment and supply manufacturing shares the medical device classification and similar SBA size standard thresholds |
| 423460 | Ophthalmic Goods Merchant Wholesalers | Ophthalmic goods merchant wholesalers distribute the finished products from NAICS 339115 manufacturers to retailers and practitioners |
| 621320 | Offices of Optometrists | Offices of optometrists represent a primary customer channel for prescription lens and frame products from this industry |
| 459130 | Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Retailers | Optical goods retailers serve as the downstream sales channel connecting ophthalmic manufacturers with end consumers |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 14.3% | 62 |
| 2 | Florida | 6.7% | 29 |
| 3 | New York | 6.0% | 26 |
| 4 | Michigan | 6.0% | 26 |
| 5 | Texas | 5.5% | 24 |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5.3% | 23 |
| 7 | Ohio | 4.4% | 19 |
| 8 | Illinois | 4.4% | 19 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 4.2% | 18 |
| 10 | New Jersey | 3.5% | 15 |
% Of Establishments
0%
14%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
40
Total SBA Loans
$31.1M
Total Loan Volume
$777K
Average Loan Size
13 yrs
Average Loan Term
9.60%
Average Interest Rate
736
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The SBA[7] classifies NAICS 339115 with a size standard of 1,000 employees, placing it among the larger thresholds within medical device manufacturing. Firms below this headcount qualify as small businesses for federal contracting set-asides and SBA lending programs. The 7(a) and 504 loan programs support equipment purchases for optical grinding, coating lines, and cleanroom buildouts. Many small manufacturers in this space focus on niche prescription lens finishing rather than full-scale contact lens production.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvest Small Business Finance, LLC | 8 | $10.2M | $1.3M |
| 2 | Stearns Bank National Association | 8 | $9.1M | $1.1M |
| 3 | America First FCU | 8 | $8.3M | $1.0M |
| 4 | TD Bank, National Association | 8 | $2.0M | $250K |
| 5 | Capital Certified Development Corporation | 8 | $1.4M | $180K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 339115?
NAICS 339115 covers manufacturers of ophthalmic goods including prescription eyeglass lenses, contact lenses, sunglasses, eyeglass frames, reading glasses, intraocular lenses, and lens blanks. It also includes establishments that grind prescription lenses on a factory basis. The U.S. Census Bureau[5] maintains this classification within medical equipment manufacturing.
How is ophthalmic goods manufacturing structured?
The industry divides between prescription lens manufacturing requiring precision optical equipment and mass-produced nonprescription eyewear. Contact lens production operates in sterile cleanroom facilities with specialized molding systems. Frame manufacturing uses metal forming and plastic injection molding. A small number of vertically integrated firms control large market shares across production, distribution, and retail.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 339115?
The SBA sets the size standard at 1,000 employees for ophthalmic goods manufacturing. Firms at or below this threshold qualify as small businesses for federal contracting preferences and SBA-backed financing. The SBA size standard table[7] lists this threshold under manufacturing sector guidelines.
What NAICS codes are related to ophthalmic goods manufacturing?
Closely related codes include 339113 (surgical appliance and supplies manufacturing), 339112 (surgical and medical instrument manufacturing), and 339114 (dental equipment and supplies manufacturing). Distribution-side codes include 423460 (ophthalmic goods merchant wholesalers). The Census Bureau[5] groups these under medical equipment manufacturing.
What industries are closely related to ophthalmic goods manufacturing?
Related industries include surgical appliance manufacturing (339113) for shared FDA oversight, optometry offices (621320) as key customers, optical goods retailers (459130) as retail outlets, and ophthalmic goods wholesalers (423460) as distribution intermediaries. Toilet preparation manufacturers (325620) produce complementary contact lens care products.
What activities are included in NAICS 339115?
Included activities span prescription lens grinding and finishing, contact lens molding and packaging, sunglass production, eyeglass frame manufacturing in metal and plastic, intraocular lens fabrication, lens blank production, optical coating application, safety eyewear assembly, and lens tinting services. The Census Bureau definition[5] details the full scope of covered manufacturing operations.
Can ophthalmic goods manufacturers qualify for SBA loans?
Yes, manufacturers with 1,000 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses under SBA guidelines[7] and can access 7(a) loans for working capital, 504 loans for equipment and facility purchases, and federal contracting set-asides. Cleanroom buildouts, precision grinding equipment, and coating line installations are common financed capital expenditures in this sector.
Where is ophthalmic goods manufacturing concentrated in the United States?
Production clusters in states with established optical manufacturing infrastructure, particularly in the Southeast and Midwest. Texas, Florida, and California host several major production facilities. Proximity to large consumer markets and skilled labor pools in precision manufacturing drives location decisions. The Census Bureau's County Business Patterns[9] tracks establishment counts by state for this industry.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [7]SBA size standards sba.gov
- [8]U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Survey of Manufactures census.gov
- [9]Census Bureau's County Business Patterns census.gov
Disclaimer
This publication has been prepared by Fair Market Value (“Fair Market Value”) for informational purposes only. It is provided on an “as-is” and “as available” basis. Fair Market Value makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, completeness, or accuracy of the data or information contained herein. This publication is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, professional financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Users should consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or business decisions based on the information presented.
To the extent permitted by law, Fair Market Value disclaims all liability for loss or damage, direct and indirect, suffered or incurred by any person resulting from the use of, or reliance upon, the data in this publication.
Copyright © 2026 Fair Market Value. All rights reserved. All data, information, articles, graphs, and content contained in this publication are copyrighted works and Fair Market Value hereby reserves all rights. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded to a third party, or distributed without the prior written permission of Fair Market Value.