Global Action Against Monopolistic Control in Eyewear

EssilorLuxottica, a global giant, dominates the eyewear industry—controlling everything from lenses to retail. The FairSight Alliance is mobilizing a global coalition to fight back, protect competition, and ensure consumers worldwide have real choices.

Join the Global Movement

About FairSight Alliance

FairSight Alliance is a global coalition of independent opticians, online retailers, industry professionals, and concerned consumers. We are united in our mission to challenge EssilorLuxottica’s monopolistic practices and restore fairness and competition to the eyewear industry worldwide.

EssilorLuxottica’s influence spans across continents, impacting consumers and businesses from the Americas to Europe, Asia, and beyond. Our approach is equally global, leveraging international partnerships and advocacy to counter their dominance and bring about meaningful change.

The Global Problem: Monopolistic Control in Eyewear

EssilorLuxottica’s reach extends far beyond any single market. As a global corporation, they control nearly every aspect of the eyewear industry worldwide, from manufacturing to retail, leaving consumers with fewer choices and higher prices. Here’s how their dominance impacts the industry:

Global Monopolistic Control

EssilorLuxottica controls the supply chain from start to finish, owning major brands, the largest lens manufacturers, and retail giants across multiple countries. Their global reach means that whether you’re buying glasses in New York, London, or Tokyo, you’re likely contributing to their monopoly.

Unfair Pricing Worldwide

With their global dominance, Luxottica imposes significant markups on both frames and lenses. Independent retailers around the world are forced to pay these inflated prices, while Luxottica rakes in massive profits. This global pricing strategy leaves consumers everywhere paying more than they should for eyewear.

Stifling Global Competition

Luxottica’s global presence makes it nearly impossible for independent retailers and manufacturers to compete. They control key markets and push out competitors by leveraging their massive resources, leading to a homogenized market where consumer choice is severely limited.

The Cycle of Buyouts

As Luxottica increases its prices, independent retailers around the world struggle to stay competitive. Many are forced to sell their businesses—often at a fraction of their true value—to Luxottica, which then consolidates its control even further. This cycle of buyouts and consolidation is a global issue that stifles innovation and drives up costs for consumers everywhere.

The Real Cost of Your Glasses: Exposing the Markups

EssilorLuxottica's dominance in the eyewear industry allows them to inflate prices far beyond the true cost of production. Here's a breakdown of what it really costs to make a pair of glasses, how much you’re being charged, and how this impacts independent retailers and consumers.

How Much Does a Pair of Glasses Really Cost?

Actual Production Costs

  • Frame from Manufacturer: £0.10 to £5 (landed cost, taxes included)
  • Standard Lens from Manufacturer: £0.10 to £3
  • RX/Custom Lens from Manufacturer: £3 to £30
  • Total Cost to Produce: £3 to £35 (depending on complexity)

Luxottica's Retail Prices

  • Luxottica Designer Frame: £40 (charged to retailers)
  • Essilor Standard Lens: £70 (charged to retailers)
  • Total Retail Price: £110+ (before any additional markups by retailers)

What If Independent Retailers Used the Same Markup?

If independent retailers applied the same 40x markup that Luxottica does, a pair of glasses that costs £3 to £35 to produce could be priced at over £4,000. However, independent retailers can’t afford to charge such exorbitant prices. They face intense pressure to stay competitive, meaning they must keep prices reasonable for consumers. This often forces them to absorb the rising costs imposed by Luxottica.

As a result, independent retailers’ profit margins are squeezed, making it increasingly difficult for them to stay in business. Over time, many of these retailers are forced to sell their businesses—often at a fraction of their true value—to the very company that is driving them out: Luxottica. This cycle of rising costs, squeezed margins, and eventual buyouts consolidates Luxottica’s market power even further.

The Impact on Consumers and the Market

For consumers, this means higher prices and fewer choices. The lack of competition allows Luxottica to keep prices high, knowing that independent retailers can’t afford to match their pricing power. This results in a market where consumers are forced to pay more than necessary for their eyewear, while innovation and quality suffer due to the lack of competitive pressure.

The consolidation of independent retailers under Luxottica’s control further reduces consumer choice and solidifies their monopoly. This is why it’s so crucial to challenge their dominance and restore fairness and competition to the eyewear industry.

Our Solution: Restoring Fairness in Eyewear

The FairSight Alliance is committed to challenging Luxottica’s monopolistic practices and restoring competition in the eyewear industry. We are fighting for fair prices, greater transparency, and the survival of independent retailers. Here’s how we plan to achieve that:

Advocating for Regulatory Action

We are working to push governments and regulatory bodies to investigate and take action against Luxottica’s anti-competitive practices. Our goal is to break up their monopoly and create a more balanced, competitive market that benefits both consumers and businesses.

Supporting Independent Retailers

We provide resources, support, and a platform for independent retailers to stand together against Luxottica’s unfair practices. We also offer a way to participate anonymously, ensuring that companies can join the fight without fear of retaliation.

Empowering Consumers

We are committed to educating consumers about the true cost of their eyewear and the impact of Luxottica’s pricing on their wallets. By raising awareness, we aim to build public pressure for change and encourage consumers to support independent retailers.

Join Us Anonymously

We understand the risks involved in challenging a powerful corporation like Luxottica. That’s why we offer the option to join the FairSight Alliance anonymously. Your identity will be protected, allowing you to contribute to the cause without fear of being targeted or shut down.

Get Involved: Take a Stand Against Unfair Practices

Your voice and support are crucial in the fight against Luxottica’s monopoly. Here are the ways you can get involved:

Sign Our Petition

Join thousands of others in calling for regulatory action against Luxottica. You can sign our petition anonymously, ensuring your privacy while making your voice heard.

Sign Now

Share Your Story

Have you been affected by Luxottica’s practices? Share your experience with us. Whether you’re a retailer or a consumer, your story can help us build a case for change. You can choose to share your story anonymously if you prefer.

Share Now

Donate to the Cause

Your donations help us fund our advocacy efforts, legal challenges, and outreach campaigns. Contributions can be made anonymously to protect your identity while supporting the fight for fairness.

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Contact Us: Let’s Work Together for Change

Whether you have questions, want to get involved, or wish to share your experience, we’re here to listen. Your privacy is our priority—reach out to us securely, and choose to remain anonymous if you prefer.

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