France Contact Lenses Market Analysis

France Contact Lenses Market Executive Summary

France Contact Lenses Market was valued at $471.35 Mn in 2023 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2023 to 2030, to $802.59 Mn by 2030.

Contact lenses are versatile medical devices placed directly on the eye, serving both functional and cosmetic purposes. They come in several types: soft lenses, made of flexible plastic allowing oxygen to the cornea; rigid gas permeable lenses for sharper vision; hybrid lenses combining features of both; and scleral lenses covering the cornea and sclera, useful for irregular corneas. They correct refractive errors like myopia and hyperopia and cater to cosmetic needs with colored variants. Fitting by an optometrist or ophthalmologist ensures proper selection based on individual eye health and lifestyle. Regular cleaning and adherence to wearing schedules are crucial for preventing infections and maintaining eye health. Risks include infections, dry eyes, and corneal abrasions if not used correctly. Regulated as medical devices, advancements like silicone hydrogel materials and UV-blocking capabilities enhance safety and comfort, making contact lenses a popular choice for global vision correction and aesthetic enhancement.

In 2020, an estimated 15.2 Mn people aged 50 and older worldwide were blind due to cataracts, with an additional 78.8 Mn experiencing moderate to severe vision impairment (MSVI) from cataracts, reflecting a 29.7% increase in cataract blindness and a 93.1% increase in MSVI cases since 2000. Cataracts and near vision impairment significantly contribute to global vision loss, particularly affecting high-middle and high-SDI regions. In France, an estimated 3.5 to 4.7 Mn people suffer from dry eye disease (DED), including around 1 Mn with moderate or severe conditions.

The market therefore is driven by significant factors like high disposable income, an aging population, and technological advancements. However, limited public insurance coverage, strict regulations, and competition from eyeglasses restrict the growth and potential of the market.

Prominent players in this field are Bausch and Lomb, which emphasizes daily disposable contact lenses enhanced with comfort technologies and supports sustainability initiatives. On the other hand, CooperVision focuses on innovation through advanced materials, specialized solutions for myopia management, and convenient subscription services for contact lenses. Other contributors include Alcon Vision LLC, and Essilor International S.A. among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

High Disposable Income: France boasts a strong economy with a high standard of living. The World Bank estimates France's GDP per capita at $43,320 in 2023. This allows people to spend more on discretionary items like contact lenses.

Aging Population: France has a growing aging population, with a rising prevalence of age-related vision problems like presbyopia (difficulty focusing on near objects). Contact lenses offer a convenient vision correction solution for this demographic.

Technological Advancements: New materials and technologies like silicone hydrogel and daily disposable lenses are readily available in France. These advancements offer improved comfort, wearability, and user experience, encouraging more people to choose contact lenses.

Market Restraints

Limited Public Insurance Coverage: While some reimbursement exists, it's limited to specific situations and age groups. Contact lenses are generally not fully covered by France's public health insurance system. This can be a barrier for some consumers, particularly those who rely on public health insurance for their vision care needs.

Strict Regulations: The stringent regulatory framework for product safety can increase the cost and time it takes for new contact lens technologies to enter the French market.

Competition from Eyeglasses: While contact lenses offer advantages, eyeglasses remain a popular vision correction option in France due to factors like lower overall cost and perceived ease of use.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

In France, the regulatory oversight for contact lenses is primarily managed by the Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santé (ANSM). All contact lenses, whether corrective or cosmetic, must be registered with ANSM, complying with the European Union Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745. Lenses are classified based on risk: Class I for low-risk lenses, Class IIa for most corrective and colored lenses, and Class IIb & III for higher-risk specialty lenses. Manufacturers must implement a Quality Management System (QMS) aligned with international standards like ISO 13485 and conduct post-market surveillance to report any adverse events to ANSM.

France's public health insurance system provides partial reimbursement for contact lenses under certain conditions. Medically necessary lenses, prescribed by an ophthalmologist for conditions like keratoconus or severe myopia not correctable by eyeglasses, may receive partial coverage. Reimbursement is typically available for individuals under 18 or adults with specific medical justifications. Coverage details and reimbursement amounts vary depending on the health insurance plan and the type of contact lenses prescribed.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the France Contact Lenses Market

• Abbott Medical Optics, Inc.
• Alcon Vision LLC
• Bausch & Lomb, Incorporated
• Acuvue
• Dailies
• Hoya
• Biofinity
• Air Optic
• Medennium
• Seed Co., Ltd.