The optical market - France (2025)

1.2 A fast-growing global market

The global eyewear market is enjoying sustained growth, driven by a number of structural and evolutionary factors. In ****, it was valued at $***.** billion, and should reach $***.** billion in ****, with average annual growth of *.**% to ****. This dynamic is based on the increase in visual disorders, changing consumer trends and technological advances.

Global eyewear market World, ****-****, in $ billions Source: ****

One of the key drivers of market growth is the rise in ophthalmic disorders worldwide. The aging of the population and intensive use of screens have led to a significant rise in cases of myopia, presbyopia and other disorders requiring corrective equipment. As a result, demand for spectacles and contact lenses remains strong, particularly in developed countries where prevention and early diagnosis are well established.

Beyond their corrective function, eyewear has become a veritable fashion accessory, influenced by trends in ready-to-wear and luxury brands. Personalized frames, innovative materials and collaborations with designers are attracting an ever-growing clientele. Brands such as Dior, Chanel and Ray-Ban play a key role in the democratization of high-end frames, integrating eyewear as an essential element of personal style.

The rise of e-commerce has transformed purchasing habits. The e-commerce channel now accounts for a growing share of sales, with ...

1.3 A growing national market

The optics market comprises articles, accessories and services relating to eyes and vision, and is generated mainly by the sale of pairs of prescription and sunglasses (***), contact lenses, opticians and optical stores.

Optical market value France, ****-****, in millions of euros Source: ****

In ****, optical sales are estimated at *.* billion euros, up *.*% on **** and **% on ****. Over the period ****-****, sales in this market rose steadily, by **% over the whole period, before declining slightly inthis was made up for in ****, before the health crisis disrupted the **** figures, with an **% drop in sales between **** and ****. Thus, in **** and ****, business is sharply up on the pre-pandemic period.

1.4 Optical foreign trade

France's foreign trade in optical products has changed markedly in recent years, with a structural trade deficit but an improving coverage rate. An analysis of trade flows reveals the main partner countries, both in terms of imports and exports.

We consider here the data provided by UN Comtrade for the following product categories:

**** **** **** And their sub-categories

These three codes include eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses and frames.

Foreign trade in optics France, ****-****, in millions of US$ Source: ****

The first chart shows the evolution of optics exports and imports between **** and ****, as well as the sector's coverage rate.

A persistent trade deficit: optics imports systematically exceed exports, illustrating France's dependence on foreign products in this sector. A dynamic post-Covid recovery: after a drop in exports in **** (***), exports rose sharply up to ****, reaching $*.*** billion. Imports also increased, peaking at $*.*** billion in ****. An improving coverage rate: after a period of stagnation around **-**% between **** and ****, it reaches **.*% in ****, indicating faster growth in exports than in imports.

Main optical supplier countries France, ****, % (***) Source: ****

The second graph shows the main countries supplying optics to France in ****.

Italy (***) dominate exports to France. These three countries account for **.*% of total imports. Ireland and Thailand play a significant ...

2.1 Demographic factors and an ageing population

Opticians' clientele: the age factor:

The aging of the French population plays a key role in the development of the medical optics market. In ****, minors will account for **.*% of the population, while working people will form the majorityat **.*%. However, retirees, who account for **.*% of the French population, are a fast-growing segment directly concerned by the consumption of optical equipment.

French population by type France, ****, in Source: ****

An ageing population: already a reality...

Analysis of the proportion of the French population aged ** and over confirms this dynamic. In ****, **.*% of the French population was aged ** or over, compared with **.*% in ****. This steady rise, which has accelerated since the ****s, reflects widespread aging.

Proportion of French population aged ** or over France, ****-****, in % Source: ****

This trend is set to continue: by ****, projections show that **% of the population will be aged ** or over, and **.*% will be aged ** or over.

Population projections to **** in millions of inhabitants, France, ****-****, as % of total population Source: ****

This ageing population has a direct impact on demand for medical optics, as vision problems increase significantly with age. Among the over-**s, **.*% of men and **.*% of women report having a well-corrected vision problem. In comparison, among **-** year-olds, only **% of men ...

2.2 Reste à Charge Zéro: driving optical demand

The ***% Health reform , introduced in ****, has transformed the optical market by facilitating access to corrective vision equipment with no out-of-pocket expenses. The scheme, which includes frames and lenses fully reimbursed by Social Security and complementary health insurance (***), has led to a significant change in consumer behavior. While its adoption was initially perceived as limited to the most modest households, recent data show a much wider penetration, impacting both the structure of demand and opticians' strategies.

Booming sales of glasses with no out-of-pocket expenses France, ****-****, in Source: ****

In ****, **.*% of corrective eyewear dispensed in France was fully reimbursed under the RAC * scheme, compared with just *.*% in ****. This increase illustrates consumers' growing support for this scheme, which provides easier access to optical care without additional outlay.

This trend is driven in particular by two main dynamics:

An increase in demand for economical solutions in the face of the general rise in the cost of living. Better communication and incentives from healthcare professionals, who are more systematically offering this equipment to their customers.

However, this growth is also creating challenges for opticians, who are seeing their margins shrink on these products, whose prices are capped by regulations.

***% Health goes beyond the underprivileged France, ...

2.3 The French and optics

Optics is a key sector of medical consumption in France. While the majority of French people consider themselves to be in good visual health, the frequency of vision problems and the aging of the population are driving growth in the market for corrective equipment. This section analyzes French people's perception of vision, their use of optical care and their equipment behavior.

The graphs presented are taken from a survey conducted by IFOP forUnadev in March ****, on French people's perceptions and habits in terms of visual health. The study is based on a representative sample of *,*** people aged ** and over, selected according to the quota method (***), stratified by region and urban area. The data were collected via an online self-administered questionnaire between February ** and **, ****, providing a reliable and up-to-date snapshot of vision-related behaviors and perceptions in France.

Perception of visual health France, March ****, in Source: ****

The overall perception of visual health in France is positive, with **% of respondents rating their eyesight as satisfactory. This rate is highest among the under-**s (***). This underlines the importance of eye examinations and corrective equipment renewal as we age.

Knowledge of "small gestures" to preserve sight France, March ****, in Source: ****

Only **% of French people claim to ...

2.4 Demand trends: Contact lenses, an evolving market

The contact lens market, or contactology, is undergoing a major transformation in Europe, with significant growth of +*.*% in ****, for total sales of *.*** billion euros. In France, however, the number of contact lens wearers remains relatively low compared to other European countries, despite significant growth potential. This trend is influenced by several factors: changing consumer preferences, new lens technologies, and the role of opticians in distribution and prescription.

Lens adoption still limited in France Europe, ****-****, in Source: ****

Only *.*% of French people aged ** to ** wear contact lenses, one of the lowest rates in Europe. Contrary to the European trend, France will record a -*.*% drop in the number of wearers in ****, the sharpest decline among the ** countries surveyed. Markets with the highest lens penetration (***) show a preference for daily lenses, unlike France, where weekly and monthlylenses predominate.

Economic weight of the contact lens market in Europe Europe, ****, in € millions Source: ****

With sales of €*** million, France is Europe's *th-largest contact lens market by value, despite a low proportion of wearers. Belgium and Sweden show the strongest growth (***), while the UK, Europe's leading market, continues to grow. Growth in the French market is limited by the still low take-up of contact lenses, notably due ...

2.5 Where to buy, online sales: a new distribution channel with advantages and disadvantages

The optical market, historically dominated by physical stores, is undergoing a gradual transformation with the rise of e-commerce. By ****, online sales of optical products will account for *% of the sector's sales in France, or around *** million euros. This is still a relatively modest share compared to that of e-commerce in French retail as a whole, which will amount to around **% in ****. Moreover, more advanced markets such as the UK and Australia have significantly higher penetration rates, reaching between **% and **%.

Online optics is structured around three key segments:

Contact lenses, which account for a significant share of online sales due to ease of restocking and more attractive prices than in-store. Non-corrective sunglasses and frames, often perceived as a fashion accessory, and therefore less subject to fitting constraints. Corrective eyewear, a fast-growing but still marginal segment due to fitting constraints and the absence of personalized advice. However, players such as EasyLunettes, Mister Spex, Visiofactory, Sensee and Polette are attempting to democratize this online offering through virtual trials and hybrid business models.

While e-commerce offers greater convenience and competitive prices, it still faces major obstacles, notably the lack of professional support and the need for a personalized fit for corrective eyewear. Physical stores therefore ...

3.1 The care pathway and the various healthcare professionals involved

Here's a diagram showing the market structure:

Only an ophthalmologist (***). During the appointment, the specialist examines the eyes through various tests, then draws up the prescription according to the person's specific needs. The first prescription is valid for one year, and once renewed, lenses can be purchased for a further * years. Patients can then purchase their lenses through a variety of distribution channels, mainly opticians or the Internet.

The various healthcare professionals involved in the treatment process are :

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who can issue prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. The optician is usually the person who delivers the glasses or contact lenses, and can provide advice on how to use them. Orthoptists can carry out re-education or visual assessments, and often work in collaboration with an ophthalmologist.

And let's not forget optical equipment manufacturers, wholesalers and central purchasing agencies, who are the hidden part of the iceberg.

3.2 Optical equipment production in France

The eyewear and contact lens production process

The production sites of the optical market are diverse, from the big leaders established in France to the historic houses and the new brands and start-ups that are emerging. Depending on the range, spectacles and lenses are not all manufactured in the same place.

Here's what a production cycle looks like for Ray-Ban eyewear (***), with production separated into frames and lenses:

Frame: Eyeglass frames are generally made of metal or a type of plastic called cellulose acetate.

Source: ****

Lenses

Source: ****

Production organization

To understand the organization of eyewear and contact lens production in France, we can look at NAF code **.**B "Manufacture of eyewear". It should be noted, however, that this category includes manufacturers of eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses, given that many eyewear manufacturers are also manufacturers of other optical equipment such as contact lenses. [***]

Number of establishments under code **.**B France, ****-****, in units Source: ****

Workforce under code **.**B France, ****-**** Source: ****

In ****, there would be *** establishments registered under this NAF code in France, compared with *** in ****, a contraction of -**% in ** years. The number of employees fell by an even greater -**% over the same period, from **** in **** to **** in ****.

Production ...

3.3 Distribution in the optical market

Overview of the optical retailing

Here, we consider the data provided by NAF code **.**A "Optical retailing", which includes the activities of opticians.

Number of establishments under code **.**A France, ****-****, in units Source : URSSAF Workforce under code **.**A France, ****-****, in units Source: ****

In contrast to the lens and eyewear manufacturing activity, the number of establishments and headcount has increased between **** and ****, reaching **,*** optical retailers, employing **,*** people in France. It was estimated that France would have ***,*** m* of optical stores in ****[***].

Optician activity is particularly concentrated in the Île-de-France region, but also in the Rhône-Alpes region.

Distribution channels

Market distributors

The French optical market is marked by a duality between independent stores and chain brands. Independent stores account for **% of total outlets, while chain stores account for **%. This relatively balanced distribution shows that, despite the rise of the major networks, independent opticians still hold a significant place in the market. Their presence enables a greater diversity of offers and a more personalized approach to customer service, although their bargaining power with suppliers is more limited than that of the major networks.

Breakdown of optical stores in France France, ****, in Source: ****

Although independent stores account for almost half of all ...

3.4 Market players

Lens manufacturers

EssilorLuxottica (***), world leader with its subsidiaries BBGR and Shamir, Hoya (***) Carl Zeiss (***) Rodenstock (***) Seiko (***) Ophtalmic (***) Novacel (***)

This handful of players would account for over **% of the market for spectacle lenses sold in France in ****.

Opticians

Source: ****

An OpinionWay survey in February **** for MPF Conseil revealed the following ranking of awareness of French opticians:

Optic **** Krys Aflain Afflelou Optical Center Atol Général d'optique Grand Optical

Optical market concentration in France France, ****, in Source: ****

The French optical market is highly concentrated around a handful of major chains, with the four industry leaders - Optic ****, Krys, Afflelou and Atol - accounting for **% of market share. When Générale d'Optique / GrandVision and Optical Center are added, the concentration exceeds **%.

This breakdown shows the overwhelming dominance of the major chains in the sector, which can be explained by several factors:

Strong brand awareness and a massive presence across the country, with outlets located in strategic areas (***). An aggressive sales policy, with attractive offers (***), powerful marketing and substantial advertising budgets. An optimized logistics network, enabling lower costs and efficient inventory management, in particular via central purchasing agencies. A volume effect, enabling them to negotiate better terms with lens and frame suppliers.

This ...

4.1 Market products

General overview

Broadly speaking, the three main sectors of the eyewear industry include :

Eyewear (***) Sunglasses Contact lenses

The product range is broad, and is measured according to the different needs of the eye. Glasses with different types of lenses, contact lenses, sunglasses with polarized lenses or different colors for a specific need, the optical market offer is divided into several media. What's more, the product range also includes a wide price range, where premiumization is an integral part of the market.

Below is a more detailed breakdown of each of the components in the three categories.

Glasses and lens types

There are three main types of lenses available from an optician

single vision lenses : these correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. These lenses are either spherical or aspherical. progressive lenses : these correct presbyopia. They are divided into three vision zones: the upper part of the lens to correct distance vision, the lower part to correct near vision, and the middle part to correct medium-distance vision. There are three categories for this type of lens: General lenses, suitable for most people Customized products that offer more options and a better fit Individualized, high-end, made-to-measure lenses; Mid-distance lenses: these improve near vision and increase ...

4.2 Eyeglass and contact lens prices

In the optical sector, price variations are significant and depend on various parameters such as lens type, quality, production location and production chain. The distribution channel also plays a role: glasses may be sold in pharmacies, opticians, supermarkets, etc.

Looking at the data provided by INSEE for the "medical optics" category, we can see that the consumer price index for medical optics has been rising for at least ** years:

Consumer price index for medical optics France, ****-****, base *** in **** Source: ****

Price of prescription eyewear

Average price paid for prescription eyewear France, ****, in Source: ****

Price of sunglasses

Average price spent on sunglasses France, ****, in Source: ****

Indicative lens purchase prices

By type

Source: ****

According to correction

Source: ****

Annual budget of a contact lens wearer vs. a spectacle wearer

Contact lens wearers and spectacle wearers do not follow the same economic model: in fact, for the majority of lenses (***). Nevertheless, it is estimated that the average annual budget spent by a contact lens wearer is higher than that of a spectacle wearer: according to a study published in the Observatoire de l'Optique, it is estimated that annual sales generated by a contact lens wearer can reach * to *.* times those generated by a consumer who ...

4.3 AI integration in connected glasses: a booming market

The rise of artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming the market for connected glasses, giving them a new lease of life after several commercial failures. Since ****, major tech players have been redoubling their efforts to make these devices an essential part of our daily lives, by exploiting the growing capabilities of generative AI.

Connected glasses are nothing new. Back in ****, Google launched its Google Glass, a pioneering project that nevertheless failed with the general public, not least because of its intrusive design and lack of concrete uses. Other companies, such as Snap with its Spectacles, have also tried to enter this market, but with mixed results. For years, the models available were either too bulky or too limited in terms of functionality. The situation began to change in late **** with the release of a new generation of connected glasses, where AI becomes a major asset. These new models no longer simply integrate a camera and speakers, but harness artificial intelligence to offer more natural interactions and features tailored to users' needs. [***]

Since April ****, Meta has been integrating its Meta AI assistant into Ray-Ban Stories glasses, allowing users to ask AI questions about what they're seeing, get real-time translations or interact with their ...

4.4 Custom 3D-printed eyewear: a revolution in optics

*D printing is revolutionizing the eyewear market, offering unprecedented opportunities for design, manufacture and customization. Initially used in the medical and dental industries, this technology is now gaining ground in the world of optics, where it is pushing back the limits of frame creativity and adaptability.

In March ****, Thélios, LVMH's eyewear subsidiary, unveiled Dior*D, a collection of sunglasses entirely *D printed using selective laser sintering (***) technology. This innovation was presented at MIDO, one of the world's leading optical events. The frames, designed by Kim Jones for Dior's Spring **** collection, feature an openwork structure inspired by the house's emblematic Cannage motif. This manufacturing process makes it possible to achieve complex shapes impossible with traditional methods, while guaranteeing optimal lightness and strength. [***]

Integrating *D printing into luxury eyewear has several strategic advantages for brands. First and foremost, it enables extensive personalization of models, a growing expectation among consumers who are looking for unique products adapted to their morphology. Unlike conventional frames, which are mass-produced and have to adapt to size standards, *D printing offers the possibility of designing bespoke eyewear, adjusting the frame to the shape of the customer's face thanks to digital scans. It also enhances product comfort and ...

4.5 Amazon et les lunettes connectées

Le marché de l'optique évolue non seulement à travers le développement de modèles économiques hybrides (***) mais aussi via l’intégration de nouvelles technologies. Un exemple marquant est le projet Amelia d’Amazon, dévoilé en novembre ****, qui vise à équiper ses livreurs de lunettes en réalité augmentée.

Amazon s’appuie sur ses Echo Frames, commercialisées depuis décembre ****, pour développer ces nouveaux dispositifs destinés aux coursiers. Intégrant un petit écran de navigation dans l’un des verres, ces lunettes permettront aux livreurs d’être guidés jusqu’à la porte des clients, réduisant ainsi le temps de livraison et augmentant l’efficacité du dernier kilomètre.

L’intérêt d’Amazon pour ce marché souligne l’évolution des lunettes intelligentes au-delà d’un usage strictement médical ou correctif. Si aujourd’hui leur application reste centrée sur la logistique, leur potentiel s'étend au secteur de l’optique, notamment en e-commerce, avec des outils d’essayage virtuel et d’optimisation de l’expérience client.

Cependant, Amazon rencontre plusieurs obstacles :

Autonomie de la batterie, qui doit tenir une journée entière sans alourdir l’équipement. Cartographie des espaces privés, un ...

5.1 The importance of the regulatory environment

Prior to ****, Internet sales of healthcare products (***) were prohibited in France. The European Commission then obliged France to open up the market to online opticians, but the market remained without a legislative framework for several years following this decision. The online sale of optical products was then gradually regulated by a succession of laws:

Hamon law of ****

Law no. ****-*** of March **, **** on consumer affairs, also known as the Hamon Law, aims to rebalance relations between consumers and businesses. The main provisions relating to the optical sector are as follows:

It is no longer necessary to be a qualified optician to open and manage a sales outlet for corrective lenses and glasses, but the presence of a qualified optician is mandatory On the other hand, only a qualified optician is authorized to dispense corrective lenses Opticians and pharmacists no longer have a monopoly on the sale of lens care products: the possibility of selling these products is also open to online sites and supermarkets in particular

Decree n°****-**** of ****

This decree n°****-**** establishes a list of compulsory information to be included on sites selling optical products online, including :

Link to current optical regulations Link to the Agence nationale de ...

5.2 Reimbursement amounts and coverage

The regulatory environment is of paramount importance in France, and new regulations can alter the structure of demand. The new **** regulations capping the reimbursement of glasses and limiting the renewal of glasses to once every two years are thus said to be responsible for the slower growth in the market since their implementation.

Article * of the decree of November **, **** , introducing the reform of responsible contracts for mutual insurance companies, limits to :

*** € for single-lens spectacles, including frames ; *** € for glasses with complex lenses; *** for glasses with very complex lenses.

Mutuelles will also have to offer a minimum reimbursement of €** for single lenses, rising to €*** for complex lenses.

Within this equipment, reimbursement for frames will be limited to :

*** € for individual mutual insurers ; *** € for company mutuals.

5.3 A new stage in zero out-of-pocket expenses in 2020

From January *, ****, entry-level "no out-of-pocket expenses" offers (***) or CMU-c.

The ***% health care reform offers services and equipment in a specific basket comprising * care categories: optical, dental and audiology. The equipment and services contained in these baskets will be fully covered. The optical and dental baskets in the ***% offer will be available from January *, ****, while the "hearing aids" basket will be available from January *, ****.

For optics:

The optician must offer a range containing at least ** adult frames and ** children's frames in different colors, for less than €**; The lenses offered must be able tocorrect all visual problems (***); Consumers are free to choose other equipment, at an unrestricted price , and to "mix and match" the offer: they can choose lenses with no out-of-pocket expenses and frames sold at an unrestricted price; Glasses are guaranteed for * years in the event of breakage.

Source: ****

6.1 Optical market segmentation

6.2 The analyst's eye

Context:

The French optical market is based on an eco-system structured around several players: lens and frame manufacturers, independent opticians and chain stores, as well as online sales platforms. Opticians play a pivotal role as both retailers and healthcare professionals, helping customers choose and fit the right equipment. The sector is highly regulated, notably with the ***% Health reform, which has modified reimbursement terms for glasses and contact lenses. Optical care is mainly financed by complementary organizations (***), rather than by the French Social Security system. Finally, although the market is still dominated by physical stores, digitalization and technological innovation, such as*D printing and AI, are gradually upending the sector.

Major trends:

*st trend: Population aging and increase in visual disorders: Between **** and ****, the proportion of people aged ** and over in France rose from **.*% to **.*% (***). This aging accentuates the prevalence of vision disorders: **.*% of men and **.*% of women over ** declare a well-corrected disorder, compared to just **% of men and **.*% of women aged **-**. This trend is fuelling demand for glasses and contact lenses, particularly for the renewal of optical equipment.

*ᵉ trend: The domination of corrective lenses in optical spending (***).

*ᵉ trend: Supplementary healthcare, the main funder of optical care (***).

*ᵉ ...

• Polette
• Optique E.Leclerc
• Lunettes pour tous
• Otiko
• Mister Spex
• GrandVision
• Optic 2000
• MB production
• Optical Center
• Coffignon
• Marcolin (LVMH Groupe)
• Essilor Luxottica groupe
• Afflelou
• Krys Group
• Kering Eyewear
• Générale d'optique (GrandVision)
• Direct Optic (Acuitis Groupe)
• Easy Verres
• Easy Lunettes
• MyMonture
• L'Opticien qui bouge
• Optique Lafayette (Laf Santé Groupe)
• Optical Discount
• Lissac (Optic 2000)
• Thélios (LVMH Groupe)
• Fittingbox
• Evioo
• Experoptic
• Jimmy Fairly