SAN DIEGO—Carl Zeiss Vision is cancelling its lens distribution agreements with the prescription laboratory networks operated by its two biggest competitors, Essilor of America and Hoya Vision Care. Zeiss sent letters to the two companies last week informing them of the policy change and advising them to stop selling Zeiss lenses through its company-owned labs within 30 days. Essilor was given 90 days to stop selling Zeiss lenses through its partner labs.

In a statement issued today, Zeiss said it is making the move “in response to changes in the wholesale lab ownership landscape, emerging channels of distribution, and the rapid progression of lens technology…”

According to the statement, “Zeiss lenses will continue to be available from all 17 Carl Zeiss Vision laboratories and more than 100 independent wholesale laboratories nationwide. Zeiss lens distribution agreements with lens competitor-owned Rx laboratories will not be renewed.

“This change in policy will allow Carl Zeiss Vision to focus on readying the Zeiss distributor network for emerging technologies, while maintaining Zeiss standards of quality and service,” the company stated.

Zeiss said it will continue to honor all warranties on Zeiss products. There are no changes to SOLA and AO distribution agreements, Zeiss noted.