2024-09-08 12:00:07
Krys, Afflelou, Grand Optical, Optic Santé, Ecouter Voir… In most medium-sized French towns, which see the disappearance of shops in their city centres every year, dotted with abandoned shop windows, one category of stores continues to numerically crush all the others: optical shops, which are over-represented. This exceptional density of opticians is a very French speciality. One shop for every 5,400 inhabitants: this rate is unmatched in the world. And it’s not over! Even today, the deployment of these shops continues. But at a much slower pace than fifteen years ago, when several hundred opened each year.
“It was a period no limit, recalls an industry observer. The reimbursements from complementary health insurance, which were very generous, or even without any restrictions for some, encouraged the acquisition of expensive equipment. With margins so comfortable for opticians that some stores were viable selling less than three pairs a day.
“Economic anomaly“
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A phenomenon described, since 2013, as“economic anomaly” by the Xerfi research firm. At the same time, the Court of Auditors judged the sector “opaque and uncompetitive”and the consumer association UFC-Que choisir denounced the price « exorbitant » glasses in France, a source of significant foregone care for the poorest. In his incriminating investigation For your eyes only (Anne Carrière, 2013), the polemicist Pascal Perri directly evoked a “scandal” and denounced a tendency towards “Invoice optimizations”opticians often aligning, according to him, their quotes, not on the real needs of the customer, but on the maximum reimbursement offered by their complementary insurance.
These repeated warnings have prompted the public authorities to legislate from 2014 (Le Roux law on healthcare networks) to try to stop the inflationary spiral of this market of more than 7 billion euros, and allow all French people to equip themselves with glasses. Several regulatory provisions have been taken to erase the excesses of this sector, make it more transparent and facilitate access to care. The overall expenditure nevertheless remains high in a growing market where optical guarantees remain at good levels, and where aesthetic concerns and the quality of visual comfort are determining selection criteria.
Read also (2013) | Optics: competition is increasing, margins too
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A pair of glasses is, in fact, a unique product since it is both a medical device and a fashion accessory, the coverage of which by health insurance has always been marginal. It is the complementary health insurance companies that assume the bulk of the reimbursement, which has become a real commercial issue for them. “For years, to gain market share, particularly on collective contracts, it was about who would offer the best optical guaranteescomments economist François Lévêque, professor at Mines ParisTech. This competition led to a headlong rush on prices, and an illusion of freebies for policyholders, who did not hesitate to change their glasses every year, since it was allowed.
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The Density of Optical Shops in France: An Economic Anomaly
In the midst of dwindling shop numbers in French city centers, one type of store continues to thrive: optical shops. With an unmatched rate of one shop for every 5,400 inhabitants, France boasts an exceptionally high density of opticians. This phenomenon has been described as an “economic anomaly” by the Xerfi research firm since 2013 [[3]].
The optician industry in France has experienced exponential growth, with several hundred new shops opening each year until fifteen years ago. The sector’s growth was fueled by generous reimbursements from complementary health insurance, which encouraged the acquisition of expensive equipment and led to comfortable profit margins for opticians [[1]]. Some stores were even viable with sales of less than three pairs of glasses per day.
However, this growth has come under scrutiny, with critics labeling the sector “opaque and uncompetitive” and accusing opticians of inflating prices to maximize reimbursements from health insurance. The polemicist Pascal Perri has gone so far as to call the situation a “scandal” [[1]]. In response to these concerns, public authorities have introduced regulations aimed at increasing transparency and facilitating access to care.
Despite these efforts, the optician industry in France remains a multi-billion euro market with high profit margins. Aesthetic concerns and the quality of visual comfort are key selection criteria for consumers, who are often willing to pay premium prices for fashionable glasses. In fact, a pair of glasses is a unique product that combines medical and fashion elements, with complementary health insurance companies shouldering the bulk of the reimbursement cost [[1]].
For those seeking quality glasses in France, there are numerous options available. In Paris, for example, shops like Anne et Valentin, with their talented professionals and extensive collection, offer expert advice to find the perfect frames [[2]]. Online review platforms like Yelp can also help consumers find top-rated opticians in their area, such as Eyes Shop Paris L’Opticien and Optique Caroline Joo [[2]].
the density of optical shops in France is a remarkable phenomenon that has been shaped by a combination of factors, including government regulations, consumer demand, and industry practices. While critics have raised concerns about the sector’s opacity and competitiveness, the optician industry remains a significant contributor to the French economy.
References:
<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SocialParis/comments/owbbsb/whichshopshavethebestframesforprescription/”>[[1]]
<a href="https://m.yelp.com/search?finddesc=eye+shop&find_loc=Paris”>[[2]]
The Density of Optical Shops in France: An Economic Anomaly
France is home to a unique phenomenon – an exceptionally high density of optical shops. With one shop for every 5,400 inhabitants, this rate is unmatched in the world [[1]]. This over-representation of opticians in French towns is a result of a combination of factors, including generous reimbursements from complementary health insurance and a lack of restrictions on equipment purchases [[1]].
The industry experienced a period of rapid growth, with several hundred new shops opening each year. This growth was fueled by comfortable profit margins, with some stores remaining viable even with fewer than three pairs of glasses sold daily [[1]]. However, this rapid expansion has been slowing down in recent years.
Economic Anomaly
The high density of optical shops in France has been described as an “economic anomaly” by the Xerfi research firm since 2013 [[1]]. The Court of Auditors has also deemed the sector “opaque and uncompetitive,” while consumer association UFC-Que choisir has denounced the exorbitant prices of glasses in France, which can lead to significant foregone care for the poorest [[1]].
Polemicist Pascal Perri has gone so far as to call the situation a “scandal,” accusing opticians of aligning their quotes with the maximum reimbursement offered by complementary insurance rather than the real needs of customers [[1]]. These warnings have prompted the public authorities to take action, legislating to stop the inflationary spiral of the market and make it more transparent and accessible to all [[1]].
Regulatory Provisions
Several regulatory provisions have been introduced to address the excesses of the sector. The Le Roux law on healthcare networks, introduced in 2014, aims to make the market more transparent and facilitate access to care [[1]]. These efforts have contributed to a slowdown in the rate of new shop openings, but the market remains highly competitive and lucrative.
Optical Shops in France
For those looking for optical shops in France, there are numerous options available. In Paris, some of the best opticians include Atelier Valentin and Vision Ka [[2]]. Online stores like Glasses Station France also offer a wide range of designer prescription glasses with free France delivery [[3]]. Additionally, Optical Center eyewear stores offer a comprehensive service with opticians and optometrists to choose from [[1]].
Conclusion
The density of optical shops in France is a unique phenomenon that has been described as an economic anomaly. While the market has faced criticism for being opaque and uncompetitive, regulatory provisions have been introduced to address these issues. With numerous options available, both online and offline, French consumers have access to a wide range of optical services and products.
References:
[1] https://optician.optical-center.ca/fr
[2] https://www.favrspecs.com/en/opticians/in/paris/249/
[3] https://fr.glassesstation.com/
