Varifocal Lenses

itsj2

Local optician has quoted me exactly £300 for a pair of Essilor Varilux varifocals (frames extra). They said a Japanese equivalent would be £269. Are these quotes fair?

suki1964

http://www.iris-spectacles.co.uk/faqs5.cfm

Running_Horse

Shop around, but make your choice not just on price, but after sales service (what happens if you don't get on with them?), and the qualifications of the dispenser (did they go to college for 3 years, or have 2 weeks "training"?). It might be that the £300 is better value than cheaper alternatives. In my humble opinion the varilux is good but a little dated, but there are more modern alternatives.

o2brich

'.....In my humble opinion the varilux is good but a little dated, but there are more modern alternatives'

What are the modern alternatives to the essilor varilux? I have been using the varilux (glass not plastic lens 'cos they seem to be one of the thinnest lens available) and was just wondering if there are now better ones available?

nedmundo

"In my humble opinion the varilux is good but a little dated, but there are more modern alternatives."

Surely, it depends on exactly which Varilux design - Comfort, Ellipse or Physio to name but a few. Whatever design, they are still the biggest selling varifocal manufacturer and probably have the lowest non-tolerance rate, which speaks volumes.

Running_Horse

Would be interested to see the research which proves they have the lowest non-tol rates. But it is true Varilux like Hoover has become the generic term for many varifocals.

Not sure if reading the Essilor website http://www.essilor.co.uk/lensinfo/varilux.html would help or confuse a consumer. As well as types of varifocal, there are numerous materials http://www.essilor.co.uk/lensinfo/varilux.html . When you include all the other manufacturers there must be hundreds to choose from. Although most multiples push their own brands (often Essilor under a different name), and even at an independent the dispenser is likely to use only 2 or 3 types.

As for glass, for all but the highest powers you are likely to be just as happy with the substance of a modern hi-index plastic, but just be careful about getting used to a new lens design. Sorry if it looks like information overload, but it does show it is hard to say if £300 is a fair price for Varilux.

suki1964

TBH I had absolutely no problems with specsavers varifocals. This was after spending 500 quid previously on a pair of varilux after being told they were the easiest to get on with. I dont have a clue what make the specsavers ones are but two pairs for 250 was the sort of price I was happy with

o2brich

'...As for glass, for all but the highest powers you are likely to be just as happy with the substance of a modern hi-index plastic, but just be careful about getting used to a new lens design...'

Mine unfortunately is really really high, -12 and -10, hence my need for glass rather than plastic. I have been persuaded by opticians over the last 4 years to use the Essilor varilux lens but I have to say the ones I have always been happiest with are the Zeiss ??Gradal Top and each time I have used Zeiss I have not had any problems adjusting to them. My question was going to be whether anyone knows whether it's worth spending the extra money for Zeiss lens but I suppose for my purposes I have answered the question myself really!

I am still searching for an optician/dispenser who can give me really good advice and over the years I have occasionally found this - but they never seem to stay around. The town centres nowadays just seem to be full of the Specsavers/Vision Express etc - not really the right place for my kind of prescription.

Would appreciate any advice from anyone else out there with high prescriptions re the best place to use.

Running_Horse

Get to know a good local qualified independent. It is worth paying a little more for good advice on your prescription.

GlenDerryl

Save money by buying the right choice of quality varifocal lens of various colors suiting your face.

tidus

o2brich wrote: »

'...As for glass, for all but the highest powers you are likely to be just as happy with the substance of a modern hi-index plastic, but just be careful about getting used to a new lens design...'

Mine unfortunately is really really high, -12 and -10, hence my need for glass rather than plastic. I have been persuaded by opticians over the last 4 years to use the Essilor varilux lens but I have to say the ones I have always been happiest with are the Zeiss ??Gradal Top and each time I have used Zeiss I have not had any problems adjusting to them. My question was going to be whether anyone knows whether it's worth spending the extra money for Zeiss lens but I suppose for my purposes I have answered the question myself really!

I am still searching for an optician/dispenser who can give me really good advice and over the years I have occasionally found this - but they never seem to stay around. The town centres nowadays just seem to be full of the Specsavers/Vision Express etc - not really the right place for my kind of prescription.

Would appreciate any advice from anyone else out there with high prescriptions re the best place to use.

Zeiss varifocals are difficult to change out of once you have had them. All too often when you try a different brand you don't like it as much. Based on years of experience, if you have got zeiss and you like them, do not change out of them.

What gives you the impression you won't get decent advise from VE or Specsavers? Just make sure you are talking to an optometrist or dispensing optician, doesn't really matter who employs them.