WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a final order for Transitions Optical which settles charges that Transitions, the nation’s leading manufacturer of photochromic lens treatments, violated antitrust laws. The FTC vote approving the final order was 3-0-2, with Commissioners Edith Ramirez and Julie Brill not participating. Upon issuing the final order, the FTC sent letters to members of the public who submitted comments.

The FTC announced on March 3 that it has reached a settlement with Transitions Optical barring the company from using allegedly anticompetitive practices to maintain its monopoly and increase prices on photochromic lenses. The settlement, which accompanied a “consent agreement” between the FTC and Transitions Optical, was the result of a complaint filed by the FTC.

In response to the FTC settlement, Transitions Optical issued a statement in which the company denies any wrongdoing. Transitions Optical’s complete statement as well as other documents related to the FTC settlement can be found at TransitionsAgreement.com, a Web site set up by the company. Additional information about the settlement is available on the FTC’s Web site.

To read the full text of the FTC’s March 3 press release regarding its settlement with Transitions Optical, visit VisionMonday.com.