Transitions defends suit

Transitions Optical has been accused of monopolising the market for photochromic lenses in a lawsuit filed by US lens manufacturer Vision-Ease Lens.

Alleging that Transitions controls more than 85 per cent of the photochromic lens market, the company claimed that Transitions violated US anti-trust laws by adopting a policy not to deal with any lens maker that sold or promoted a competing photochromic lens.

Vision-Ease claimed that Transitions' actions have harmed the public by increasing lens prices, deterring competition, reducing innovation and reducing consumer choice according to US website Vision Monday. The Vision-Ease complaint also alleged that 'Transitions has maintained its monopoly power by engaging in a variety of actions which thwarted competition and foreclosed substantial portions of the retail and wholesale distribution channels.'