France Confirms Loss of Insurance Reimbursement for Eyewear Prescriptions from Non-Contracted Doctors Starting January 2027

The French Council of State rejected appeals against Article 76 of the 2026 Social Security Financing Law on October 1, confirming that prescriptions issued by non-contracted doctors will no longer be reimbursed by the National Health Insurance (Assurance maladie) starting January 1, 2027. This measure specifically affects optical equipment and contact lenses prescribed by ophthalmologists practicing outside the conventional system. While such prescriptions remain valid for dispensing glasses or lenses, they will not qualify for standard insurance coverage. The government aims to deter liberal doctors from leaving the conventional system, noting approximately 1,000 doctors were non-contracted as of spring, accounting for nearly €200 million in annual reimbursed prescriptions. Currently, only four to five ophthalmologists practice in sector 3 in France. Opticians must now address the practical implications for reimbursement and patient information.