Essilor Laboratories Settles Kickback Claims for $23.8 Million

Essilor Laboratories of America Inc. will pay $23.8 million to settle claims the prescription glass manufacturer paid kickbacks to eye care professionals, the California Department of Insurance said Monday.

The state and a whistleblower sued in California Superior Court in San Francisco, claiming Essilor illegally gave thousands of dollars in payments and promotions to eye care providers to steer eyeglass lens and coating purchases, primarily to Essilor-owned labs and partner labs.

The scheme caused false claims to be submitted to private insurance companies including health care service plans and vision benefit organizations and their members, the plaintiffs said.

Essilor is ...