Photochromic dispute settled

The US Federal Trade Commission and Transitions Optical have reached a settlement that bars the photochromic lens company from using allegedly anti-competitive practices to maintain its monopoly and increase prices on photochromic lenses.

The FTC complained that Transitions Optical allegedly illegally maintained its monopoly by engaging in exclusive dealing in the photochromic lens distribution chain, citing its refusal to deal with lens makers if they sold a competing photochromic lens. The director of the FTC's Bureau of Competition said Transitions had crossed the line between aggressive competition and illegal exclusionary conduct.

Transitions responded: 'We continue to believe our business practices are, and have been lawful, fair, pro-competition and pro-consumer - but we also take seriously FCT's goal of fostering greater competition in the eyewear marketplace. In that spirit, the terms of the proposed consent agreement signed by Transitions Optical and the US FTC go above and beyond what we believe is required under the law.'