Transitions Optical
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Optical lens manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Joint venture between PPG Industries (51%) and Essilor (49%) |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Fate | Acquired by Essilor in April 2014 |
| Headquarters | Pinellas Park, Florida , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Photochromic lenses (Transitions Signature GEN 8, GEN S, XTRActive New Generation, XTRActive Polarized, Drivewear) |
Number of employees | 320 |
| Parent | EssilorLuxottica |
Transitions Optical is an American enterprise specializing in the production of photochromic lenses, which darken upon exposure to specific lighting conditions. Established in 1990, the company pioneered the commercialization of plastic photochromic lenses by 1991. Originally formed as a joint venture with PPG Industries holding a 51% stake and Essilor owning 49%, Essilor acquired full control in April 2014, making Transitions Optical a wholly owned subsidiary.
Between 2009 and 2012, Transitions Optical was the title sponsor of the Transitions Championship, a PGA Tour event held in Palm Harbor, Florida. Additionally, it acted as the Official Eyewear supplier for the PGA Tour, Champions Tour, and Nationwide Tour. The company also supports the professional cycling team Garmin-Cervelo.
Headquartered in Pinellas Park, Florida, and employing roughly 320 staff members, Transitions Optical operates globally as part of EssilorLuxottica. Its focus lies on delivering innovative eyewear solutions within the optical lens industry.
Products
- Transitions Signature GEN 8 - The latest iteration offering enhanced fade-back speed for quicker indoor clarity, deeper outdoor tinting, and improved color fidelity and sharpness. This version continues to be available at various retailers until its replacement by GEN S in 2024.
- Transitions GEN S - Characterized by rapid darkening (approximately within 25 seconds), swift fade-back, and a broader range of colors. It remains completely clear indoors.
- Transitions XTRActive (New Generation) - Engineered to provide darker tints outdoors, effective under intense sunlight and elevated temperatures, with some variants activating behind automobile windshields. Indoors, it maintains a subtle tint to minimize glare.
- Transitions XTRActive Polarized - Integrates photochromic technology with polarization to offer superior outdoor glare reduction while preserving indoor transparency.
- Transitions Drivewear - Combines photochromic and polarized features designed specifically for driving and diverse outdoor lighting conditions, adjusting hues to enhance contrast depending on ambient light and surroundings.
The availability of Transitions lenses has grown through e-commerce platforms and collaborations with prominent optical retailers such as Ray-Ban.com, GlassesUSA.com, and Warby Parker, broadening consumer access and market penetration.