Transitions Optical

Transitions Optical is a U.S.-based company known for manufacturing photochromic lenses, which darken on exposure to specific types of light. The company was founded in 1990.^[1]

Transitions Optical, Inc.

Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Optical; Eyewear, eyeglass, Lenses
Founded	1990 (1990)
Headquarters	Pinellas Park, Florida , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Chrystel Barranger (President of Photochromics)
Products	Photochromic lenses
Number of employees	320
Parent	Essilor
Website	www.transitions.com

In 1991, Transitions Optical became the first company to commercialize and manufacture plastic photochromic lenses.^[2] From inception the company has been a joint venture between PPG Industries (51%) and Essilor (49%).^[3][4] In April 2014, Essilor acquired the entire stake of PPG in Transitions.^[5]

From 2009 to 2012, Transitions Optical was the title sponsor of the Transitions Championship, a PGA Tour event held at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida.^[6][7] The firm was the Official Eyewear of the PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour.^[8] It also sponsors pro cycling Team Garmin-Cervelo.^[9]

In April 2014, Essilor acquired the remaining stake from PPG, making Transitions Optical a wholly owned subsidiary of Essilor.^[10]

Products

• Transitions Signature GEN 8 - Latest generation aimed to improve fade-back speed (faster return to clarity indoors), darker outdoor performance, enhancements in colour and clarity. GEN 8 is still selling in multiple retailers but since was replaced to GEN S in 2024.
• Transitions GEN S- designed for more rapid darkening (within ~25 seconds in some cases), fast fade back, expanded colour palette. Fully clear indoors.^[11]

• Transitions XTRActive (New Generation)- For those who need darker tints outdoors, including in very bright light or hot temperatures. Some versions even activate behind car windshields. Indoors, typically a slight tint to cut glare.^[12]
• Transitions XTRActive Polarized- Transitions XTRActive Polarized lenses combine photochromic (light-responsive) technology with polarization. They are designed for people who need extra glare control when outdoors, while maintaining clarity indoors.^[13]
• Transitions Drivewear- Drivewear lenses are photochromic and polarized lenses specially designed for driving and outdoor conditions that frequently change (sunlight, glare, weather). They also shift among different colors depending on light and environment to improve contrast.^[14]

In recent years, Transitions lenses have become more widely available for purchase online, through eyeglass retailers and optical brands like Ray-Ban.com, GlassesUSA.com^[15], Warby Parker and more.^[16]