French optical market driven by health care needs rather than fashion or promotions, new research stresses

New research confirms that the French optical market is predominantly driven by health care needs rather than fashion trends or promotional offers. A comprehensive survey highlights that the primary motivation for purchasing new eyewear remains medical necessity.

Key Findings of the Research

A survey by the Rassemblement des Opticiens de France (ROF) involving 3,000 glasses wearers provided several key insights:

• Primary Motivation: A significant majority, 92%, of those surveyed indicated that their main reason for getting new glasses was based on their visual needs.
• Health Market Focus: The research characterizes the market as driven by the actual health requirements of the population, rather than being an impulse purchase market.
• Price and Demographics: While overall optical expenses have risen, this is more closely linked to an increasing number of glasses wearers and the need for more complex lenses, rather than general price increases outpacing inflation or a focus on fashion.
• Government Program Impact: The “100% Santé” program, which provides no-cost options, accounted for a small portion (6.2% in 2024 excluding contact lenses) of total optical expenses, suggesting consumers often choose to spend more for a broader selection.

Jean-François Porte, president of the ROF, emphasized that the study confirms that French consumers primarily purchase glasses out of necessity.