Ocularist

If you want to practice as an ocularist in France, you need a university diploma in applied ocular prosthetics (DU prothèse oculaire appliquée) and three years of professional experience working with an established ocularist or in a hospital department. You must register in the RPPS directory through the ARS (Agence Régionale de Santé) in your area within one month of starting work.

As a healthcare professional, you are required to carry professional liability insurance. Your premises must meet accessibility and hygiene standards. The ocularist designs, manufactures and fits custom ocular prostheses for patients who have lost an eye, working closely with ophthalmologists.

Required Qualifications

  • Diploma: State diploma of ocularist, or university diploma of ocular prosthesis with 3 years experience, or competence recognized by ministry or professional commission
  • Basic training: CAP in orthotics and prosthetics, podo-orthotics or BTS orthotics and prosthetics
  • EU/EEA nationals: Training title from member state regulating the profession, or practice for 1 year in the last 10 years if not regulated

Procedure

  • Temporary practice (LPS): Prior declaration with regional prefect before first service provision, renewable annually
  • Permanent practice (LE): Application for practice authorization with regional prefect after opinion of prosthetists and orthotists commission
  • Response time: 1 month for LPS, 4 months for LE (silence means rejection)
  • Adeli registration: Mandatory with ARS within the month following taking up position

Professional Obligations

  • Professional secrecy: Respect for patient information confidentiality
  • Premises: Accessible to disabled persons, preserving privacy and complying with hygiene and safety rules
  • Medical prescription: Execution without modification except medical or technical necessity
  • Professional liability insurance: Mandatory for self-employed, optional for employees