The Eyewear Market in France

In France, seeing clearly has never been so fashionable! With age, we all go from "I have excellent eyesight" to "Where did I put my glasses again?" Fortunately, the optical market has no shortage of resources to help us see more clearly.

More and more French people wear glasses

In 2023, 70% of French people wear glasses. This figure increases with age, with 90% of people over 75 wearing them. Each year, the average French person spends €250 on eyewear, with approximately 25% of this amount remaining out-of-pocket. The optical market reached a record turnover of €7.8 billion in 2023. This growth is due in particular to the increase in sales of corrective lenses, such as single-vision lenses. Low-cost models (between €20 and €40) increased by 7% in value in 2022, while more expensive products, above €100, also saw an increase.

A booming profession

The number of qualified opticians in France has doubled in ten years. In 2014, there were approximately 27,000 qualified opticians, compared to over 44,000 in 2024, or 65 per 100,000 inhabitants. In 2024, the profession had 44,238 opticians, the majority of whom were women (62.36%). Among employees, the female dominance is even more pronounced, with 23,752 women compared to 11,927 men. Approximately 80.6% of opticians work as employees, while self-employed workers represent a minority. However, the latter have managed to stand out, with an average annual turnover of €350,000.

The Domination of Major Retailers Specializing in Eyewear

In 2025, the optical market in France will continue to evolve. Major retailers such as Optic 2000, Krys, and Alain Afflelou will hold approximately 60% of the market share. In contrast, independent opticians, who control 49% of points of sale, only generate 25 to 26% of total turnover. To remain competitive, several retailers have diversified their offerings, including hearing aids, for example. In 2023, the market generated total revenue of €8.1 billion including tax, recording an 8% growth compared to 2022.

Growth Driven by Aging and Innovation

The aging of the population and technological advances have significantly boosted demand for optical products. In 2022, approximately 17 million pairs of glasses were sold in France. Funding for these purchases is shared between Social Security, complementary organizations, and households. In 2023, Social Security covered €287 million in optical expenses, while complementary organizations covered €5.371 billion. The remaining out-of-pocket costs for households amounted to €2.465 billion. Since 2020, the market has experienced annual growth of 4%, exceeding €8 billion in 2025.

Whether you're nearsighted, farsighted, or simply looking for the perfect style, the French optical industry has a bright future ahead of it! Between innovations, major brands, and independents that are holding their own, the sector continues to thrive. One thing remains certain: with such growth, the future of optical is far from unclear... unlike our vision without glasses.