At Ekla, we offer direct billing with all health insurance providers at both our stores in the 10th and 11th arrondissements. You only pay your out-of-pocket costs, if any, and we take care of the paperwork.
We are partners with seven healthcare networks: Santéclair, Itelis, Carte Blanche, Kalixia, MGEN, Actil, and Almerys. This is rare for an independent store.
Is your network on the list?
| Healthcare network | Direct billing at Ekla |
|---|---|
| Santéclair | Yes, partner |
| Itelis | Yes, partner |
| Carte Blanche | Yes, partner |
| Kalixia | Yes, partner |
| MGEN | Yes, partner |
| Actil | Yes, partner |
| Almerys | Yes, partner |
| Any other health insurance provider | Yes, direct billing available |
If your supplementary health insurance provider does not belong to any network, it doesn't change anything for you: we check your policy, tell you the amount covered, and bill directly.
Don't know which network you belong to? It's written on your health insurance card, and if you're still unsure, we'll check it together in store.
What to bring
- Your Vitale card or proof of coverage
- Your valid health insurance card
- Your prescription, if you have one. Otherwise, we can perform an eye exam on site in most cases.
How it works in store
- We check your supplementary health insurance to find out what coverage you have.
- We provide you with a detailed quote, item by item. Each line corresponds to a product you are taking away.
- You decide, without having to make a decision that day.
- We bill Social Security and your health insurance provider directly. You only pay the out-of-pocket costs.
Want to understand in detail how your glasses are reimbursed, what Social Security covers, and what your health insurance covers? We've written a complete guide on the subject: glasses reimbursement, understanding direct billing.
Our commitment to billing
Some opticians offer to adjust the invoice so that your purchase fits within your allowance: inflating the price of lenses to free up the frame, ordering a contact lens prescription you won't use, or absorbing a pair of sunglasses into the optical allowance. This is presented as a service. It is quite the opposite.
At Ekla, we don't do this. Each quote exactly matches what is provided. If your coverage does not cover all your options, we'll tell you, and we'll look at the options that actually exist.
It's not just a matter of principle. A customer who accepts this type of arrangement uses up their benefits for two years, can have their reimbursement revoked, and sees their name appear on a false invoice. We've detailed all of this here: what you really risk when an optician offers to adjust your invoice.
The rest of our commitments can be found on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Do you accept my health insurance provider?
Yes. We offer direct billing with all health insurance providers, and we are partners with seven healthcare networks: Santéclair, Itelis, Carte Blanche, Kalixia, MGEN, Actil, and Almerys. If your supplementary health insurance provider is not on this list, direct billing still applies.
Does direct billing work at both stores?
Yes, at both the store in the 10th and the one in the 11th, under the same conditions.
Do I have to pay upfront?
No, except for the out-of-pocket costs, if any. We bill Social Security and your supplementary health insurance provider directly.
How can I find out how much my health insurance provider reimburses me?
We check your policy in store and tell you the amount before you commit. Bring your health insurance card, it only takes a few minutes.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Not for a question about health insurance or a quote; stop by anytime from Tuesday to Saturday. For an eye exam or a complete fitting, an appointment helps avoid waiting.
Can you adjust the invoice so that everything fits within my allowance?
No. This type of arrangement is insurance fraud, and you are the one who bears the risk: benefits used up, reimbursement revocable, and your name on the invoice. We explain what your policy actually covers, and we look for a solution within the rules.
Our two stores
📍 Ekla Paris 10 — 84, rue d'Hauteville, 75010 Paris — 01 42 28 90 89
📍 Ekla Paris 11 — 147, rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75011 Paris — 01 56 61 00 00
🕘 Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.