Improving access to healthcare is one of the government's key objectives. In the field of optics, many changes have already been seen with the 2014 Finances law (capping optical reimbursements) and the Hamon law. The Macron law (a law for growth, activity and equal economic opportunity), which covers a wide range of areas, includes a number of changes in the field of optics.

What does the Macron law propose?

Until now, a prescription less than 3 years old from an ophthalmologist was required to purchase glasses. However, in view of the long waiting times for appointments with these specialists, and in order to reduce health-related costs, Richard Ferrand (the bill's rapporteur) has proposed making this prescription optional.

Ophthalmologists were understandably up in arms at this proposal, which could have led to a health catastrophe.

The Macron law passed

Passed by the French National Assembly on June 16, the Macron law has now undergone a number of modifications. The plan to make medical prescriptions optional was finally dropped. The prescription remains mandatory for the purchase of eyewear.

On the other hand, the law makes it compulsory for opticians to provide their customers with a standardized, detailed estimate. Already present in the hearing sector, this document will detail the following elements:

  • - Selling price of each product
  • - Price of each service
  • - Terms of reimbursement by French national health insurance and supplementary health insurance providers

At Mymonture, don't forget to take your prescription with you when ordering your eyewear, and go here to find out more about your prescription.