NEW YORK—The multi-faceted "See Tomorrow Initiative," undertaken this summer by the Contact Lens Institute (CLI) has many downloadable resources for ECPs to use to communicate with their patients about the value of comprehensive eyecare, infographics and other components which will help them build new types of dialogs in these challenging times. Along with a "See Tomorrow Now Sweepstakes," which is now underway, there is much to be mined from a visit to the See Tomorrow website. In fact, just this week, the CLI reported that one month into the consumer phase of its See Tomorrow initiative, the campaign has already reached millions of U.S. residents.

In addition to a range of resources and helpful tips and advice from several See Tomorrow ECP "Visionaries" taking part in the campaign, new research was commissioned by the CLI for “See Tomorrow,” exploring the mindset of post-pandemic patients. Two nationwide surveys this summer explored evolving beliefs and expectations of U.S. adults regarding their health, spending habits, recreational plans, and confidence as the world looks ahead to better times. 

The See Tomorrow Sweepstakes contest is open to legal residents of the U.S., ages 18 and over (19-plus in some states). The sweepstakes began at 12:00 a.m. (ET) Monday, Aug. 16, and ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sept. 24, 2021. For more details, visit the See Tomorrow website.
 
“It’s clear that America is once again focused on the future, with an optimistic outlook, transformed priorities for spending time and money, and a renewed focus on how their health can affect their dreams of success,” CLI executive director Stan Rogaski said.
 
“Great eyesight, including contact lens options, plays a huge role in turning hopes into reality. That’s why we are launching See Tomorrow and the companion sweepstakes, pinpointing what U.S. residents want for their futures and helping them get there.”
 
When asked to consider their lives over the next six months, 59 percent of the more than 1,000 adults surveyed report they are optimistic; about one in five say they are neither optimistic nor pessimistic. The data is similar for 12-month and 18-month horizons, with 56 percent and 57 percent of people saying they are optimistic, respectively.

Findings of the research are presented in an infographic, in various formats and treatments, which are  available to ECPs in downloadable jpg files that are posted on the practitioners' section of the See Tomorrow Now website, which also includes a recorded webinar by Colette Carlson, founder of Speak Your Truth, Inc., a human behavior expert and keynote speaker.

An overwhelming 89 percent of respondents indicated their eyesight and eye health were important to the pursuit of a promising future. That tied mobility as the highest ranking health factor, with heart/cardiac health trailing closely at 88 percent.
 
Presented with several options about what people wanted to do more of as restrictions are lifted, approximately one in two said they want to dine out (52 percent), gather with friends (48 percent), and travel (45 percent) more. At least one in three are craving more live entertainment (34 percent) and shopping (33 percent), and just under a quarter of U.S. adults (24 percent) are eager to take on more physical activities such as personal fitness or sports.
 
And while money always factors into turning plans into reality—roughly half of all people (49 percent) said a lack of funds was among the greatest obstacles to pursuing their dreams—consumers also strongly affirmed that they would spend on what matters to them.
 
Compared to before the pandemic, 35 percent are willing to spend more on things that improve their future (rising to 73 percent for similar or increased spending). 38 percent are willing to spend more on things that improve their health (76 percent similar or increased). And 32 percent are willing to spend more on things that make them feel good about themselves (71 percent similar or increased).