Equipment for the visually impaired, such as smart glasses , magnifying glasses or video magnifiers , can represent a significant investment in order to compensate for visual impairment on a daily basis. However, these technical aids are indeed a necessity for those who need them. They are not comfort accessories, but essential devices for maintaining autonomy. And if the high price of the equipment can discourage its users, it is important to know that financial aid exists to reduce the bill.

 

As an optician specializing in low vision , your role is not limited to providing technical solutions. You can also inform your patients about the subsidies and devices available to them, while providing them with sound advice to better support them.

 

The main financial aids available

 

Disability Compensation Benefit

 

The PCH , awarded by the Departmental House for Disabled People ( MDPH ), aims to compensate for the consequences of disability on daily life. It finances specific needs related to autonomy, such as equipment, human assistance, home improvement or animal assistance.

 

To be eligible, your client must have a disability rate of 80% or more, or between 50% and 79% with a substantial restriction in daily activities. The amount of aid varies depending on the project presented and the quotes provided, but it can reach several thousand euros . By guiding your patients in putting together their file, you increase their chances of benefiting from this subsidy.

 

Health Insurance Assistance

Health Insurance can cover certain optical equipment listed on the LPPR ( List of Reimbursable Products and Services ), although the lump sums paid are often limited . Standard glasses, essential for correcting mild or moderate visual impairments, are reimbursed based on specific price scales. Regarding devices for low vision, such as high-correction glasses or filters for AMD, coverage is conditional on a detailed medical prescription .

If a refund is possible, the amount of the refund often remains symbolic. In particular for new and expensive equipment such as smart glasses or electronic systems, which are rarely reimbursed. This often requires a supplement , either via mutual insurance companies or through other dedicated aid . Informing your customers about these other dedicated aids can help reduce their remaining costs.

 

Supplementary pension funds

 

Supplementary pension funds , such as Agirc -Arrco (private sector) or Ircantec (public sector), provide valuable support to visually impaired retirees through various financial aids. These systems cover the purchase of specialized equipment (adapted glasses, telemagnifiers, electronic magnifying glasses) or home improvement work to secure and adapt living spaces. One-off aid may also be granted for unforeseen expenses, upon presentation of a detailed file including quotes and medical supporting documents .

 

In addition, these funds sometimes finance home services or leisure activities adapted to maintain an active social life. Opticians specializing in low vision can direct their clients towards these aids to reduce the cost of equipment and increase their independence.

 

Specific grants and aid organizations

 

Aid dedicated to assets

 

For visually impaired people who are working or looking for work , AGEFIPH ( for the private sector) or FIPHFP (for the public sector) provide essential support. These structures finance the purchase of devices to adapt the workstation , such as voice reading software, backlit keyboards or specialized screens.

 

The process requires a clearly defined professional project and precise supporting documents . The optician can play a key role in providing the necessary quotes and explaining the importance of the equipment in maintaining or returning to employment.

 

Disabled Adult Allowance

 

The AAH is a social assistance aimed at people whose disability rate is recognized at 80% or more , or those with a rate between 50% and 79%, with severe restrictions on access to employment. Paid subject to resource conditions , it was €971.37 per month in 2024 .

 

Although this allowance is primarily intended to guarantee a minimum income , it can also be used to partially finance the purchase of low vision devices. Directing your clients towards this aid offers them a complementary solution to reduce their expenses.

 

The Personalized Autonomy Allowance

 

The APA , intended for people aged 60 and over who are losing their autonomy, is financial aid awarded without any means test. It can be used to cover part of the expenses related to the acquisition of equipment that makes daily life easier for visually impaired people, such as video magnifiers or electronic magnifying glasses.

 

The amounts allocated vary according to the level of dependency assessed by the GIR ( Iso-Ressources Group ), with ceilings adjusted to each situation. This aid can also be used to finance home adjustments to ensure greater safety and facilitate patient travel.

 

As an optician, informing your customers about the APA and supporting them in their procedures with the departmental council can greatly help them access expensive equipment while reducing their remaining costs.

 

Private associations and foundations

 

Some associations, such as Valentin Haüy , UNADEV , or the Fédération des Aveugles de France , offer partial subsidies or zero-interest loans for the acquisition of adapted equipment. These organizations also support the visually impaired in their administrative procedures .

 

Private foundations , such as those linked to companies like EDF or Banque Populaire , also offer funding and support opportunities for initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of visually impaired people . These one-off grants often require a complete file detailing the project and its impacts on daily life. For opticians, knowing these resources is a major asset for providing effective advice.

 

Supporting clients in their administrative procedures

 

Navigating administrative procedures can be complex for your customers. As an optician, you can play a facilitator role by guiding them in putting together their files. Providing clear quotes , technical sheets , or explaining the terms of medical prescriptions is part of this support.

 

Directing your patients to the right people is just as crucial. The MDPH manages the PCH and the AAH, while the AGEFIPH and the FIPHFP are dedicated to people in employment. For association subsidies or private aid, a simple explanatory booklet available in store can make all the difference.

 

This commitment strengthens your customer satisfaction while promoting your expertise . A well-supported customer is more likely to come back and recommend your services.

 

Conclusion

 

The acquisition of low vision devices often represents a significant cost for your customers, but the financial aid available offers real support. As an optician, your role does not stop at selling equipment : advising on financing solutions and supporting administrative procedures is essential.

 

Considering add-on solutions, such as installment payments , can also make these arrangements more accessible. By mastering this information, you strengthen your position as an expert while providing a valuable service to your customers.

 

Explore these opportunities to better meet the expectations of your visually impaired patients and thus enhance your practice in a rapidly evolving field.