On the eve of the near-total eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, pharmacies are out of stock of specialized glasses. Impossible orders, alternatives… how are they managing this the day before the event?
In Nice pharmacies, the comings and goings don’t stop. The reason: the near-total solar eclipse that will take place this Wednesday, August 12. However, shortages of specialized glasses have been announced by the National Order of Pharmacists. This is the case at Port Lympia Pharmacy, which has been out of stock for five days.
Depleted stocks and late deliveries
Laura, 26, a pharmacy technician, admits that the team was surprised and lacked anticipation: “We only learned about the eclipse a month ago. For the past week, people have been coming in a panic because they too only just found out.”
However, supplies remain complex. Wholesalers and distributors cannot deliver on time. Sylvain, 28, a pharmacist at Mont Alban pharmacy, explains that they cannot order directly from the UV-blocking glasses manufacturer.
He adds that initially demand was low. The pharmacy, facing the rush, “tried to order urgently. However, deliveries are scheduled for the day after the eclipse… It was too late,” he adds. Only 200 lucky people from the port district were able to benefit from an order from another pharmacy. “They are on a waiting list and we couldn’t order more,” adds Sylvie*.
They advise going to the pharmacy at Nice Étoile, located at 30 Avenue Jean-Médecin, in the Nice Étoile shopping center. The latter received 3,000 pairs late afternoon, and are to receive 1,500 pairs, sold in pairs of two, on the day of the eclipse itself. Sylvain reminds that “opticians also have their stocks, and some newspapers and magazines may have them inside,” for last-minute buyers.
Professionals warn about alternatives
Faced with this shortage, pharmacists act as safeguards against alternative methods. Laura emphasizes that “it is strictly forbidden to take photos without appropriate filters for the phone. This damages the device’s sensor. Then, UV radiation can still seriously damage the retina in the long term.”
The CNES (National Center for Space Studies) recommends alternatives if people still wish to watch it, while the pharmacist advises against it: “Making a black box, using a colander… This remains extremely dangerous. Without real glasses (certified ISO 12312-2 and marked CE) there is always a risk of retinal burn.” Mont Alban pharmacy prefers to simply refuse alternatives.
This is why some customers, disappointed as they leave pharmacies, abandon their search. Jackie, 75, an American living in Nice, says “I hope to find a pair here, but my husband refuses to look further.” The American couple will watch it on YouTube instead so as not to miss this event.
*Name changed to protect anonymity
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