NEW YORK—Revenues held steady, at approximately 74 percent of levels experienced last year for the week of Feb. 25-28 for ECPs responding to the 20th Wave of Jobson's ECP Coronavirus Survey. The soon-to-grow availability of vaccines against COVID-19 in most parts of the country are improving ECPs attitudes about a stronger business climate, the survey also revealed, as 68 percent said the availability of vaccines was "very important" to a full business recovery, and another 20 percent said that it was "somewhat important."

While some 80 percent of ECPs responding said they would strongly encourage their staff to get the vaccine, only 10 percent said they would require it of their staff. About 35 of the respondents said they'd like optometrists in their state to be able to administer the vaccines a move that has started to be the case in eight states, as VMAIL recently reported.

The introduction of more vaccines did impact some respondents' plans to travel or attend in-person industry events, but the majority remain cautious on that count, according to the survey. About 40 percent remain hesitant to travel to live meetings and events for the near future, respondents indicated.

Go to VM's Coronavirus Briefing section where you can catch up on all of the 2020 and 2021 Jobson surveys here.

Click to view a PDF of the full survey results.