* H1 revenue up 15.8 percent to 1.93 bln eur
* Adj profit up 19.3 percent to 238.8 million euro
* Net profit dragged down by German antitrust fine
* Confirms 2010 targets
* Shares down 3 percent, hit lowest since early June
(Adds share reaction, analyst)
By Leila Abboud and Gilles Guillaume
PARIS, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Essilor International, the world's top maker of corrective eye lenses, saw product launches drive strong revenue growth in the first half while charges in a German antitrust case dragged down net profit.
Citing a "slowly but steadily improving market", Essilor confirmed its 2010 targets for underlying sales growth of 5 to 7 percent and an operating profit margin similar to last year's record 18.2 percent.
Shares dropped 3 percent to 46.74 euros by 0821 GMT, the lowest since early June. Several analysts characterised the results as in line or slightly ahead of consensus, while some signalled concern over tepid sales in the United States.
"Despite headline figures that look very good there are a few dark clouds for Essilor, notably in North America where the company reported disappointing growth (compared with Q1)," wrote one Paris-based trader.
The group, which competes with Hoya of Japan and Carl Zeiss of Germany, saw its net income drop 1.3 percent to 197.5 million euros ($251 million) because of a 43 million provision taken for a fine imposed by the German antitrust authority. Essilor has appealed the case.
Adjusted profit reached 238.8 million euros while sales were up nearly 16 percent to 1.9 billion euros.
Essilor said that it would pursue its strategy of acquisitions to expand its geographical footprint, as well as launching new products and targeting the middle market.
"The very good first-half results support Essilor's major strategic choices," said the company statement. "During the second half, in a still fragile business recovery, Essilor will continue to implement its growth strategy."
Essilor made 210 million lenses in 2009, its website shows. Flagship brands include Varilux progressive lenses or Transitions variable tinted lenses. (Editing by Michael Shields)