Lens Manufacturer Agrees To Pay $16.4 Million To Resolve Alleged Violations of the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute

Essilor International, Essilor of America, Inc., Essilor Laboratories of America Inc., and Essilor Instruments USA (collectively, Essilor), which manufacture, market, and distribute optical lenses and equipment used to produce optical lenses, have agreed to pay $16.4 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute initiated by former Essilor district sales managers. According to the qui tam complaint, Essilor knowingly and willfully offered or paid remuneration to optometrists and ophthalmologists (and other eye care providers) in return for ordering and purchasing Essilor products for their patients, including Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The kickback scheme allegedly spanned January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2016. As part of the settlement, Essilor entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement requiring an independent review organization to review and ensure that Essilor’s policies and procedures relating to payments of discounts, rebates, and other price reductions comply with the Anti-Kickback Statute.

“When medical equipment manufacturers provide kickbacks to referring providers, it can compromise the integrity of medical decision-making,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will...

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