French consumers spent €8.3bn on eyeglasses and contact lenses last year

French consumers spent €8.3 billion on eyeglasses and contact lenses in 2024, which represented a 3.4% increase from the previous year.

Market Breakdown (2024)

The total market value of approximately €8.3 billion was divided as follows:

• Ophthalmic lenses: €5.33 billion
• Frames: €2.08 billion
• Contact lenses: €861 million

Financing of Expenses

A significant portion of these expenses is covered by private health insurances (mutuelles), while a smaller share is covered by the national social security system.

• Private Health Insurances: Covered 68.1% of expenses.
• Customers (out-of-pocket): Paid 27.8% directly.
• National Social Security: Covered a marginal 3.9%.

The French optical market is primarily driven by health care needs rather than fashion, with the majority of consumers citing medical necessity as their main motivation for purchasing new eyewear.