Eye care in France: how to get glasses, eye tests, and reimbursements

If you are experiencing vision issues or discomfort, or maybe you live in France and just need some new glasses, eye care is accessible through various professionals, from ophthalmologists to opticians and optometrists. 

Eye care is well-covered under France’s healthcare system, including the 100% Santé scheme, ensuring that even those with low incomes can access necessary corrective lenses.

Types of eye care providers in France

The medical professional you see for your eye care will depend on your situation and there are several choices:

Ophthalmologists

Unlike the UK, in France, you cannot go directly to an optician for an eye test but will need to book an appointment with an eye doctor - an ophthalmologist (un ophthalmo). 

To book a first appointment or to renew an optical prescription you can contact the ophthalmologist directly and do not need to request a referral from a GP.

Their services are reimbursed by Assurance Maladie, with the basic consultation fee at €31.50.

As well as performing eye exams, prescribing glasses and contact lenses, ophthalmologists are the primary specialists for diagnosing and treating serious eye conditions and vision problems. 

Opticians

Opticians in France can sell glasses and contact lenses, but only based on an ophthalmologist's prescription. 

They can also perform free basic eye tests and adjust prescriptions if there is a change in vision, unless the ophthalmologist has noted otherwise. 

Some opticians also have optometrist qualifications and may conduct more detailed screenings.

Optometrists

Optometrists are paramedical professionals trained to detect vision defects and signs of eye diseases. 

They can provide advice on the effects of conditions like diabetes or hypertension on your vision.

Orthoptists

Orthoptists specialise in diagnosing and treating issues with eye movement and vision rehabilitation.

They are able to perform eye screening examinations, vision exploration, eye re-education as well as general rehabilitation of your vision. 

Orthoptists can prescribe medical devices like sterile eye washers, eye patches and white canes. 

They can also prescribe glasses and contact lenses for patients aged 16 to 42, provided there are no complex eye conditions. 

If the patient has used glasses or lenses before, they can only get a new prescription if their last eye check with an ophthalmologist was within five years for glasses or three years for lenses. 

An orthoptist can renew a prescription if it is less than two years old; otherwise, the patient must see an ophthalmologist.

Orthoptist consultations are reimbursed up to 60%, but usually require a prescription from a doctor.

Cost of eye care in France

Glasses and Contact Lenses

France’s 100% Santé scheme offers coverage for corrective lenses, but only for glasses, not contact lenses. There are two categories of lenses under the scheme:

• Basket A: Fully reimbursed for those with a responsible mutuelle top-up health insurance policy. These lenses are part of the 100% Santé offering and include essential correction for conditions like astigmatism, myopia, and presbyopia.

• Basket B: These lenses come under the ‘freely-set price’ category and typically have low reimbursement rates. A mutuelle may cover part of the cost, though not always.

Opticians are required to offer at least 35 frames for adults and 20 for children under the 100% Santé scheme. If you have a mutuelle, the cost of frames and lenses in Basket A will be fully reimbursed. 

Without top-up coverage, Assurance Maladie only reimburses 60% of certain base rates, leaving you to pay the remaining cost.

Contact Lenses

Assurance Maladie reimburses part of the cost of contact lenses, but only for certain medical conditions like irregular astigmatism or severe myopia. 

The reimbursement is capped at €39.48 per year per eye, meaning you will need a good mutuelle to cover the rest of the cost.

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery for vision correction is not reimbursed by Assurance Maladie, though some mutuelles may offer partial coverage, depending on the policy.

Eye care in rural areas and online services

In rural areas, where access to eye care may be limited, mobile clinic vans from Optical Center and Lunettes Pour Tous bring eye care directly to communities.

Some optician chains, like Alain Affelou, provide online consultations for eye exams. 

These digital appointments allow ophthalmologists to detect issues like cataracts, though patients may need to visit a physical location for further treatment if necessary.