Imagine this: you're sitting at the optician's to finally pay the bill for your new glasses. And the optical journey has been fraught with pitfalls: finding an appointment with the ophthalmologist within 6 months, managing to fit it into your schedule, finding THE pair of glasses you like and the frame that matches the shape of your face...
In short, when it's time to sign the quote, one detail catches your eye: the price! You may not have noticed it before, but it's a hefty sum. And if you've opted for a brand-name mount, the bill is literally close to the price of your latest smartphone.
But what explains this price? How can you find quality glasses (prescription, sunglasses, or anti-blue light) that don't cost an arm and a leg? That's what we're going to look at together in this article.
Are glasses more expensive than before? Price trends for glasses
In 2017, the average price of a pair of glasses (frame and lenses) was 470 euros according to the DREES (Directorate of Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics).
While rates tended to increase (5.3%) between 2010 and 2017, they experienced a slight decrease with the implementation of the 2015 reforms (capping of reimbursements, 2-year renewal period). However, from 2019 to 2022, they are slightly increasing again.
In short, the price of glasses isn't necessarily much more expensive than before. But glasses are essential; without his, our wonderful editor bangs his head against the wall. It's funny for us, but not for him.
And even if prices don't really go up, glasses remain an expensive accessory that we can't do without.
💡 Also read: how much do good anti-blue light glasses cost?
The true cost of a pair of glasses: lenses, frames, treatments, intermediaries...
A market controlled by a single large group
If you thought you had a choice when it came to your new glasses, think again. In reality, the vast majority of the market is controlled by a single group, and that goes for both frames and lenses.
The giant that holds this monopoly is EssilorLuxottica: this group owns major brands such as Vogue, Persol, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Versace, Chanel… From frames to lenses, but also its network of distributor stores, the group has control over the entire distribution chain.
This is what allows it to keep prices high, without having to worry about competition.
The cost of a mount
A lot of frames aren't worth the price. Just putting a logo on them can quickly add up to a hefty price tag.
The main factor in the price variation of an eyeglass frame (apart from the brand) is the material used. Depending on whether you choose a metal frame (titanium or aluminum), polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, wood, or carbon, the price will not be the same.
You also pay for the manufacturing: artisanal or large factory, custom-made or mass-produced, Italian or Asian... all of this has an impact on the price.
➡️ The average price of a frame at an optician: €135.
The price of eyeglass lenses
Here too, everything depends on the material, manufacturing and origin, but also on the type of lenses: depending on the correction and the technology used, the price can vary considerably.
- Standard single-vision lenses: €9 to €40 per lens (index 1.50)
- Thinned single-vision lenses: €50 to €100 per lens (index 1.60 or higher)
- Progressive lenses: €75 to €175 per lens
- Single-color sunglasses (tinted): €30 to €60 per lens
- Polarized sunglasses: €50 to €120 per lens
- Photochromic lenses: €70 to €150 per lens
- Single-vision sunglasses: €30 to €120 per lens
- Progressive solar lenses: €100 to €240 per lens
(Source: DREES - Report on medical optics prices / prices observed on Direct Optic)
To this must be added the different treatments: anti-reflective, anti-scratch, anti-blue light… For the latter, we remind you that not all anti-blue light filters are equal : if the subject interests you, we talk about it in our complete guide on the effectiveness of anti-blue light glasses.
Research and development, the cost of innovation
This isn't a variable that's necessarily going to jump out at you, and yet it needs to be taken into account. To design innovative technologies, you'll need to go through R&D, which involves costs.
Opticians' margin
Like any business, to be able to operate, you have to amortize your expenses and generate a profit.
Opticians are no exception. However, according to recent estimates, only three pairs of glasses are sold per store per day. The market is saturated, so prices in optical stores are higher than those selling glasses online.
Of course, the price of glasses at an optician is also justified by the price of rent, their costs, communication and the expenses of a physical store.
The impact of reimbursement by mutual insurance companies
100% health, still little used
Since 2020, the 100% health system has come into effect, allowing policyholders to avoid paying the famous out-of-pocket cost for their glasses. To do this, you must choose from a specific range designed to cover the needs of a majority of patients.
But this measure has a limit: lenses and frames are often of basic and inferior quality, with a very limited selection. If you have specific needs, it is very likely that you will have to dig into your wallet.
According to Que Choisir, in 2021, only 17% of French people actually used 100% health for their glasses.
Add to this the fact that this measure has increased the selling prices of non-reimbursed services, as well as higher-end models (which are not covered by this system). This is explained by a price adjustment for their customers to compensate for the effect of 100% health.
Impact of social security and mutual insurance reimbursement
It's a fact: Social Security reimburses very low amounts for frames and lenses. In reality, consumers will have to supplement the cost of their glasses, often by resorting to mutual insurance.
And that won't necessarily lower the bill in the end! In fact, reimbursements are capped by supplementary health insurance while the rates are not decreasing, resulting in a remaining charge for consumers.
How to buy quality glasses for less?
That's all very nice, but it still doesn't tell you how to pay less for your glasses without compromising on quality.
Some ideas:
- Don't hesitate to compare prices and play the competition : even if prices have become standardized from one optician to another, you can sometimes save precious euros.
- Find out about coverage and, if necessary, go through a network of partner opticians: to do this, you must contact your mutual insurance company and consult your supplementary health insurance contract.
- Make sure you always get quality at the best price : pay attention to the materials used, whether for the frame or the lenses, the treatments and filters used, but also the warranty! For example, at Horus X, our glasses are guaranteed for life.
- Also explore online shopping : it's a growing market that deserves to be better known. Online, fees and margins are often lower, and you can still get a refund.
- If you don't need prescription glasses, but are looking for a good pair of sunglasses or blue light blocking glasses with unbeatable value for money, take a look at our exclusive collections. You can even try on our glasses online to make sure they're the perfect fit for your little face.
- Horus X quality and price are coming soon for prescription glasses. Okay, that's a spoiler, but the big day is coming! We'll tell you more very soon...
The final word: why are glasses so expensive?
- On average, a pair of glasses in France costs almost €500. This amount is not always reimbursed by the social security optical coverage (third-party payment) and supplementary health insurance.
- This can be explained by the near-monopoly of eyeglass manufacturers and distributors, the saturated market of optical stores that need to make a profit, as well as the various measures adopted in recent years. Indeed, the 100% health insurance has contributed to a ripple effect of increasing prices in France.
- However, solutions exist : by comparing products, whether in-store or online, by having good mutual support, and by ensuring quality according to your needs. If you want to know how, we recommend you consult our dedicated guide: how to choose the right glasses.