Optician

To open an optical shop or practice as an optician (opticien-lunetier) in France, you must hold a BTS Opticien-Lunetier or an equivalent recognized diploma. You need to register in the RPPS directory (formerly ADELI) through the ARS of your area. If you open a shop without holding the diploma yourself, you must employ a qualified optician.

The optician designs, fits and sells glasses, corrective lenses and contact lenses based on an ophthalmologist prescription. They can also perform optometric examinations to evaluate a client's vision. Registration with the Chambre de Commerce or the Guichet Unique is required depending on your business structure.

Required Qualifications

  • Diploma: BTS optician (level III, 2 years after baccalaureate)
  • Training: Technological high schools, private schools or apprenticeship in CFA
  • Cost: Paid training, variable according to type of education
  • EU/EEA nationals: Training title from member state regulating the profession, or practice for 1 year in the last 10 years if not regulated, or recognized third-state title with 3 years practice

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 opticians commission
  • Response time: 1 month for LPS (silence means acceptance), 4 months for LE (silence means rejection)
  • Adeli registration: Mandatory with ARS within the month following taking up position

Professional Obligations

  • Regulations: Compliance with articles L. 4362-9 to L. 4362-12 of the Public Health Code on dispensing corrective lenses
  • Professional liability insurance: Mandatory for self-employed, optional for employees
  • Compensation measures: Adaptation internship or aptitude test possible for EU/EEA nationals in case of substantial differences