SALT LAKE CITY — In an interesting turn of events, a federal appeals court has given the green light to a controversial Utah law that prohibits price fixing for contact lenses. This ruling could potentially have far-reaching implications for the $4 billion industry.
The decision, which was made by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, comes after three major contact lens manufacturers filed a lawsuit to block the law. Alcon Laboratories, Johnson & Johnson, and Bausch & Lomb argue that the law is an audacious overreach designed to allow Utah-based retailer 1-800 Contacts and other discount sellers to bypass the minimum prices set by the companies, which they claim is illegal.