Price-fixing for contact lenses
is now outlawed. According to the Utah local government, the new law would
ensure that the new company, 1-800 Contacts, would thrive as it aims to sell
contact lenses at lower prices.
Proper intentions are seen
behind the law, Steve DelBianco, the executive director of Netchoice, said that
it was good for customers.
That's good for consumers, who
pay less for their lenses when they buy from Utah suppliers," he said.
However, other contact lens
manufacturers disagree because it could drive down the value of their products.
Utah’s contact lens market is
at $4 billion and has a total of 38 million American customers.
1-800 Contacts makes about 10%
of the national market. Without minimum prices, it could make customer service better
for discount shops. However, it would mean purchasing contact lenses without
the help of an eye specialist to ensure the results of the product.
The law may also be unfair to
contact lens manufacturers because legal action could be taken against them if
they refuse to sell the product to a retailer who sells it at a lower price.
