HEALTH

Essilor to Buy Benson Eyecare: The French maker of eyeglasses and lenses said it will acquire Benson Eyecare Corp. and spin off all but the U.S. company’s Omega Laboratory operations. Essilor International, the maker of Varilux progressive lenses, said it will transfer Benson’s nonprescription eye wear and optics-related businesses to a new company, BEC Group Inc. Essilor will retain Dallas-based Omega Laboratory Group, which has annual sales of $150 million and is the largest U.S. wholesale eye-care laboratory, the companies said. Essilor said the purchase will help it develop high-value-added products for the U.S. market.