French authorities probe lens firms

French competition body Autorité de la Concurrence has started an investigation into the country’s ophthalmic optics market.

The investigation concerned the online sales of ophthalmic lenses, Essilor said, with raids on lens makers reported by media last week.

Essilor said it was one of a number of lens manufacturers in the scope of the investigation, and that it was fully cooperating in the inquiry.

‘As reported, the French Competition Authority stressed that the searches are part of an ongoing investigation and did not imply any formal charges at this stage,’ a company spokesperson added.

Carl Zeiss Vision France also confirmed it was one of the manufacturers being investigated.