Nearly four out of 10 tanning facility owners say more of their clients are purchasing their own eyewear this season, a SmartTan.com poll conducted in January showed.

According to the poll, 38 percent say more clients are purchasing their own eyewear, while 49 percent noted no change from last year. Just 14 percent said fewer clients are purchasing eyewear this year.

“This poll indicates that while a large number of salons have started to emphasize eyewear sales, a large number — maybe half — are still not taking advantage of this service and revenue source,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “There are more options for eyewear sales available to tanning salons today. The suppliers clearly see the potential here and our survey, while not scientific, shows that it does indeed exist.”

Many salons today sell eyewear to clients as a mandatory alternative to free salon-provided eyewear. Some offer both options.

“There are several successful models, but we encourage salons to look at eyewear as an additional revenue source,” Levy said. “Selling the eyewear gives you the opportunity to discuss the importance of wearing eywear on a higher level. And that’s good for everyone.”