Getting glasses or lenses can quickly weigh on the budget, as social security offers symbolic refunds. To ease the bill, mutual societies have put in place effective solutions: approved networks of opticians, where the optic partners offer equipment at negotiated rates, and the paying third party often allows nothing to be done at the cash register. But how do these schemes actually work and what benefits do they provide to insured persons? Complete decryption.
Why have the optimist networks been set up?
Optical costs remain very high despite basic reimbursements. On average, the remaining burden amounts to 124 € for unifocal lenses and 248 € for progressive lenses. In the face of this situation, mutual societies have set up specialised platforms to negotiate preferential tariffs for their members with selected opticians.
These independent platforms — Kalivia, Carte Blanche, Santéclair, Itélis, Sévéane, Terciane or the Optistya-Mgen network — co-operate with complementary health care to form approved networks of opticians.
What are the benefits for insured persons?
Through these networks, insured persons benefit from — on average — of:
- up to 40% reduction on lenses,
- and 20% discount on frames and lenses.
In concrete terms, this represents an economy of about 100 € on a single-sided pair and 200 € on a progressive lens pair.
In addition, optic partners often apply the paying third party, which prevents you from advancing the costs, the mutual paying its share directly to the optician.
Some networks go even further: for example, the mutual MGEN improves 25% optical refunds when visiting an optician in his network. Reductions range from 5% on mounts, a choice of models between 50 € and 90 €, up to free services (anti-reflection, break, settings).
Open vs. Closed Networks: Understand the Difference
There are two types of networks:
- Closed networks : a limited selection but more advantageous rates. The inconvenience? A partner optician must be consulted in order to benefit from preferential conditions.
- Open networks : more inclusive, they welcome any optician who adheres to the criteria of the network, thus offering more freedom of choice.
Prefer open networks if the proximity or free choice of a trusted professional is important to you.
Are there any limits and criticisms?
Some critics point to an imbalance induced by these networks: products purchased off-grid can be less well reimbursed, creating pressure to go to a partner. A parliamentary study even condemned the practice of differentiated reimbursements according to the chosen optician.
Many optical signs exist in France — judged « economic anomaly » by some observers — amplify these issues. Historically, generous refunds have encouraged a proliferation of stores and high margins. The Le Roux law of 2014 aimed precisely to limit these abuses by encouraging transparency and the establishment of healthcare networks.
How do I check if your optician is a partner?
3 simple methods:
- Visit the website of your mutual to access the directory of opticians partners.
- Ask your optician directly if he is part of the network.
- Check the presence of the paying third party and the conditions on the estimate.
Key points of vigilance
| Benefits | To be monitored |
|---|---|
| Substantial savings on glasses and frames. | Obligation to use partner opticians to obtain these benefits. |
| Third party paying facilitating access. | Possible geographical limitations or choice of mounts. |
| Quality commitment and services included. | Risk of standardisation of offers and standardization of products. |
The approved networks of opticians offer a real opportunity to control optical costs while maintaining a good quality of service. Average reduction from 100 to 200 €, paying third party, guarantees included... so many elements that make the difference. However, in order to fully benefit from these benefits, one must be informed, choose one's network (open or closed) and remain attentive to maintaining freedom of choice.
In short, a partner optician is a valuable asset for your eyes and your portfolio — provided you know where and how to choose it.
