Eye Care in France

2020 IMPACT

Growth is set to be positive, as the hay fever season begins earlier in 2020, boosting sales for eye care products

Growth for over the counter eye care is set to remain positive in 2020. Eye drops are widely used in the country to fight against dry eyes, which represents around 85% of the total market sales.

COVID-19 drives the use of eyedrops, as the lockdown increases use of screen time for both work and in-home entertainment

Dry eyes can often be caused by a number of issues, including poor quality or reduced tear production. For several years, there has been an increasing amount of consumers in France, complaining about dry eyes.

Laboratoires Chauvin retains its lead, as all players record positive growth as consumers continue to invest in products during the outbreak of COVID-19

The eye care landscape is very competitive, being extremely segmented with brands offering a wide range of eye drops adapted to respond to specific problems. This includes offerings that focus on dry eyes, red eyes, irritated eyes, drops to soothe, to hydrate, to lubricate and to calm.

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

Ongoing growth will be supported by digital devices and screen use, which may continue to rise following habits established during the outbreak of COVID-19

Growth in 2020 is not predicted to be significantly impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19, although sales did spike during Q1 and Q2, aligned to increased use of screen time for in-home entertainment and work purposes. Over the forecast period, growth is expected to remain steady, with allergy eye care driving slightly higher growth than standard eye care.

Half of the local population could suffer from allergies within the next 20 years, with rising levels boosting growth for eye care across the forecast period

Allergy eye care is set to be the main driver of growth across the forecast period, linked to a growing number of consumers developing an allergic response that impacts the eyes. According to the Association for Clinical Allergy and Asthma Research (ARCAA), 22 million French people suffer from allergies, which is approximately 30% of the population.

Standard eye care benefits from increasing cases of dry eye disease, with the ageing population boosting growth

The ageing population in the country will continue to support growth for eye care across the forecast period. Older consumers are more likely to suffer from eye strain and dry eye disease, and therefore, they are more likely to invest in eye care solutions.