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]