variofocal lenses

sillyvixen

benny123 wrote: »

i have had a recent eye test where optician advised variofocal lenses, i have'nt had them before but friends have said they're hard to adjust to though optician did'nt think this would be the case, also the cost was a bit alarming, will be approx £250 with fairly ordinary looking frames, a lot more for designer type frame
any tips from anyone would be appreciated
thank you

£250 with frames and lenses - if you go for 2 seperate pairs as an alternative you will have to pay for 2 sets of frames and lenses possibly costing more - with the disadvantage of having to chop and change depending on what you are doing.
where i work standard own brand vari lenses and entry level frames start at about £150 and depending on needs (ie thinnest lenses, finishes and certain brands) can top £600 with top of the range thinest lenses and high spec frame.. 2 seperate frames for reading and distance start at £89 per pair with cheapest unfinished lenses and entry price frames!! try varis as if they work for you will be more cost efective in the future!

bignev_3

Some opticians will let you try them for say, ten days or a fortnight, if you haven't had them before. If they don't suit you, they will swap them for distance glasses instead.

tidus

Just to clarify, almost all opticians will sort you out if you can't adapt to varifocals - usually a free swop to bifocals or to 2 seperate pairs. This is not something only a few places do. Just check the time limit. A swop to other lens types would be more common than a refund. Just clarify before you buy.

Also there are many different types of varifocals. If one place is significantly cheaper than another you may not be comparing like with like. I would avoid the very cheapest and at least pay mid range to get a more modern design - these offer less side distortion and are easier to get used to.

lexie55_2

Noticed on Specsavers website, they offer 4 types of varifocal lenses - I have the standard which they are doing FREE at moment, but would like to know if there is a difference if I went for any of the others...Also any codes or vouchers for FREE eye test with them.

sillyvixen

lexie55 wrote: »

Noticed on Specsavers website, they offer 4 types of varifocal lenses - I have the standard which they are doing FREE at moment, but would like to know if there is a difference if I went for any of the others...Also any codes or vouchers for FREE eye test with them.

there are many different brands of varifocals (all differ slightly in design ie where the reading is and the areas of soft focus at the edge) - some are more addaptable than others (i truly believe you get what you pay for) brands like varilux and zeiss are harder to chop and change from than others and also more pricey!! if it is first time use it may be worth trying an own brand on the proviso that you can trade up or change if you dont get on with it... many opticians will state that these brands of varifocals are like beans there are lots of brands some cheaper than others - but if you are always used to a varilux or zeiss lens it is not the same as eating value beans on your toast occasionally compared to heinz!!

unfortunatly untill you try a varifocal there is no way of knowing if it will suit you and your lifestyle .. which is why any decent practice will change it for you - once you have tried a standard vari you will be aware of the issues which can give a decent dispencer an idea of what could be improved with a different type of vari or a different appoach - bifocals or 2 pairs!!

Loopy_Girl

I would also say as well, having previously worked as a dispensing optician, that where frames are concerned you really do get what you pay for.