Most of You Are Optimistic For 2026 … Despite Ongoing Economy and Consumer Sentiment Concerns

question:

Are you or are you not optimistic for what the New Year holds?

Yes: 79%

• I’m always optimistic, no matter the business environment, there are always things to be excited about. — Jordan F., Baltimore, MD
• I am excited to have a year with little or no build out projects. It will be nice just to concentrate on operations and fun things around the shop! — Chris W., Portland, ME
• Nothing specific but I try to be optimistic about everything! A new Year is like a fresh start, and I always like to begin it with a great outlook, hoping this will be the BEST year yet! — Jill C., Port Orchard, WA
• Planning to refresh the sales floor. Start to accept crypto payments for sales. — Nikki G., Oakdale, MN
• It’s always exciting to have a fresh start, new set of goals, new metrics to track, and a New Year mindset! — Morgan D., Carmi, IL
• I am looking forward to new opportunities of the new year. I am making transitions in my life that will be happening in the new year. — Danielle D., Detroit, MI
• Does it look like we’re going to see improvement? Not likely but I will always hold out hope and put in 110% to make sure if there is a way to grow we will make the most of it. — Jason K., Phoenix, AZ
• Working on the business, not just in the business. — Joanne L., Easton, PA
• I’m going to be getting my private pilot’s license! … And my CFI is a customer, so I know he sees just fine! — Jen H., Sandpoint, ID
• Business has been great! I am optimistic that the trend will continue. — Ann-Marie W., Lewis Center, OH
• Although cost of goods has increased considerably, I am still doing my all to keep our patients budgets in mind. We are planning on keeping majority of our costs the same and taking the hit ourselves for now. It may not sound like a positive for us, but our patients welfare remains our priority. — William C., McDonough, GA
• I believe the investments in equipment and training we made this year will pay off in 2026. — Lisa S., Vancouver, WA
• Growth, growth, growth. — Eryn S., Ortonville, MI
• I am always optimistic. Hoping to add some new equipment and will be celebrating year 15 of my private practice! — Cynthia S., Lewis Center, OH
• I’m very optimistic that it’s going to be a year of change in many ways. — Jennifer L., Dansville, NY
• Things can’t get much worse politically can they? Maybe I shouldn’t speak so soon. — Harris D., Scarsdale, NY
• I’m generally optimistic … we will just try to move forward in 2026! — Joni S., Iowa City, IA
• I’m feeling very optimistic about 2026. I’ve set clear, exciting goals for each department and can’t wait to see everyone work toward achieving them. My focus is on teamwork, progress, and growth. I’m confident we’ll overcome challenges, innovate, and succeed together. Here’s to a great year ahead! — Melissa R., Port Orchard, WA
• New Year, new beginnings… — Julie U., Jupiter, FL
• I’m looking forward to the heavy construction in front of my practice being done. I’m looking forward to my revenue going back up with it. — Susan E., Austin, TX
• Looking forward to new opportunities with adding a new OD! — Misty A., Burnsville, NC
• Always optimistic and looking forward to keeping things moving forward in a positive environment. — Deb J., Bismarck, ND
• It will be my fourth year, and we are finally finding our groove. We have created events to invite new clients into our shop to introduce them to us. — Jennifer Y., Canandaigua, NY
• I believe in positivity, the world is not so pretty when you are negative. — Ron C., The Villages, FL
• We’ve become lean over the past few years, and we’re now able to do some projects and take care of some employees we’ve neglected. — John B., Middlefield, OH
• Starting retirement, could life be any better? — Mark P., Orlando, FL
• I have a lot of things planned! More keynote speaking, more leadership training, and projected growth of my clinic despite the economy. — Ben T., Miami, FL
• Partnership and increasing dry eye. — Angela H., Mooresville, NC
• Possible retirement. — Rialeigh Y., Norfolk, VA
• Clearing out old lines, bringing in new. — Steve B., Milwaukee, WI
• I have so much hope that the New Year will bring new rewards and challenges. — Dierdre F., Littleton, CO
• I recently took over this single optician run shop within a medical eyecare practice and I’m looking forward to updating inventory and old accounting techniques. — Anne N., Glens Falls, NY
• Personally, I’m excited because I’m getting my first ever nephew in December this year and I can’t wait to watch him learn and grow! — Kelsey B., Winston Salem NC
• Want to increase second pair units. Looking for another OD. Increase social media presence. — B.J. C., Universal City, TX
• I feel the economy will take a positive outlook and improve public confidence. — Mickey B., Fort Worth, TX
• We are a new practice, and so far the results have been very promising! — Pablo M., Woodstock, GA
• A new year with new opportunity. We have already started to implement some new actions that are paying off! — Halston S., Ocala, FL
• Business always has its ups and downs. Appreciate the ups and tolerate the downs. — Robert L., Jefferson City, MO

No: 21%

• Tariff policies that aren’t working and inability to control inflation. — Daniel H., Ontario, CA
• The economy is not great, and people’s confidence is waning. — Jeanne H., Spring Hill, TN
• I do not trust the current administration to support small businesses, and I am not confident that tariffs will NOT affect products coming from outside the USA. — Mitchell K., Brooklyn, NY
• Changes to Medicaid are going to make my life hell. Somehow it will be my fault. — Shannon C., Fort Dodge, IA
• The political climate is making patients opt for more practical solutions instead of what they may actually need or want. Also tariffs are making the cost of goods higher. I don’t see next year getting any better. — Stephanie P., Mount Vernon, OH
• The struggling economy! — Deborah T., Austin, TX
• Consumer confidence is down. — Whitney H., Missoula, MT