Specsavers rubbish varifocal specs

katejo

nedmundo wrote: »

So that's defeated the object of having Varis then?

Maybe but I didn't know that I would find it easier to do this before trying them out did I? Perhaps I won't go for these next time.

nedmundo

It may be a different design of varifocal would work better for you.

Vari_expert_1977

Right let's clear up a few facts, if you're a myope then you'll always prefer taking you're spex off, which is why myopic people are dispensed a narrow corridor varifocals,

Also everyone here spouts on about different varifocals types but does anyone actually realise that YOUR prescription itself is what actually dictates the size of the usable areas, now if people actually bothered with looking at the actual lens maps, they would see that specsavers don't actually sell inferior products. It's brand snobbery, I drive a car, but I wouldn't even presume to know about as much as a mechanic, it's a shame that people don't apply this to people who work in specsavers, a lot of my colleagues (and former colleagues) have worked for different opticians, and I myself have got 10 years working in the industry, I'm also a qualified dispensing optician so I think I now a thing or two when it comes to these things,

Please also ignore any comments on specsavers staff being on anyt form of commission it's just not true.

And tbh free form lenses (even those like the essilor physio 2 and the hoya id and the gradal individual) generally take longer to get used to due to things such as compensated rx's as well as them being rear surfaced. Such things make a difference.

I wish though that everyone would drop the attitude and just be polite when they came in, I am much more likely to be receptive to any issues if you bother with politeness, and remember varifocals are a compromise (like bifocals) and as such aren't suitable for everyone

nedmundo

The whole idea of freeform varifocals is that the progressive curves are on the rear surface, making it closer to the eye. This in turn produces wider usable areas and less minification (in myopes). They are also able to minimise distortions by taking into account exactly how the lens is positioned (including tilt, wrap and distance).


So, a good freeform design (if precisely measured - preferably by digital means) should take less adaptation than a conventional varifocal.

Vari_expert_1977

In a perfect world yes you are correct, however when people are used to more traditional varifocals there is adaptation (which anyone with a working knowledge of practical optics would understand) also there is a difference in free form lenses, you have the normal type such as the physio and hdv's and then the much more expensive which require the optician to purchase a machine so that each individual viewing area can be mapped for each and every patient!

And I've seen people not adapt to wearing single vision specs, so it's not guaranteed that anyone will get on with vari's but it's forums like this where people are miss fed information by a plethora of Internet experts who could no doubt perform open heart surgery because they read the Wikipedia article, which cause the issue of people not going into varifocals with the required open mind and TRUST, which I think is the most importants aspect, not what vari they choose!

Oh and did you realise that in the first 6 months to a year of the physio's original launch it had a 70% non-tolerance rate.

Laz123

Vari_expert_1977 wrote: »

Right let's clear up a few facts, if you're a myope then you'll always prefer taking you're spex off, which is why myopic people are dispensed a narrow corridor varifocals,

Also everyone here spouts on about different varifocals types but does anyone actually realise that YOUR prescription itself is what actually dictates the size of the usable areas, now if people actually bothered with looking at the actual lens maps, they would see that specsavers don't actually sell inferior products. It's brand snobbery, I drive a car, but I wouldn't even presume to know about as much as a mechanic, it's a shame that people don't apply this to people who work in specsavers, a lot of my colleagues (and former colleagues) have worked for different opticians, and I myself have got 10 years working in the industry, I'm also a qualified dispensing optician so I think I now a thing or two when it comes to these things,

Please also ignore any comments on specsavers staff being on anyt form of commission it's just not true.

And tbh free form lenses (even those like the essilor physio 2 and the hoya id and the gradal individual) generally take longer to get used to due to things such as compensated rx's as well as them being rear surfaced. Such things make a difference.

I wish though that everyone would drop the attitude and just be polite when they came in, I am much more likely to be receptive to any issues if you bother with politeness, and remember varifocals are a compromise (like bifocals) and as such aren't suitable for everyone

Fair enough. But I've had varifocals from D & A and they were far superior, with virtually no 'fogging' around the edges. This time I thought I'd try Specsavers and they really are crap in comparison.

pollypenny

I cannot comment on the technical side of lenses.

However, I can only compliment Specsavers. I have had varivocals from them for 18 years now. Always a good choice of frame and lense to suit.

Any problem has been dealt with promptly and pleasantly.

The customer service in our local franchise is excellent. As franchises, it's in the interest of the people to look after their business and customers.

BTW; I first went there when my local independent appointed a very unhelpful dispensing optician.

nedmundo

Vari_expert_1977 wrote: »

In a perfect world yes you are correct, however when people are used to more traditional varifocals there is adaptation (which anyone with a working knowledge of practical optics would understand) also there is a difference in free form lenses, you have the normal type such as the physio and hdv's and then the much more expensive which require the optician to purchase a machine so that each individual viewing area can be mapped for each and every patient!

That's what I was getting at - theres no point in having freeform lenses unless the extra measurements can be taken accurately - i.e. digitally. When that is done properly, patients really do notice the improvement and normally take to them like a duck to water.

Physios aren't freeform anyway. They are a conventional varifocal, albeit one of the better ones. Physio f360s are however!

I take it you don't have access to this equipment then?

Vari_expert_1977

We don't use them, however the cost of the purchase is reflected in the cost of these lenses, and I agree that the actual areas of use are better than most traditional varifocals, however they can be 3x or more in cost and when coupled with a frame juts not unknown for a pair of glasses to cost over a thousand pounds!

However I still believe that a traditional varifocal, measured correctly and a frame that is suitable will always be more than enough for the majority of varifocal users, I do feel sorry for those people that have had bad experiences but it's not just from specsavers, you can get a bad experience anywhere. My staff are trained to take inconsideration all aspects of the patient so as to determine what lens they will get the most benefit from, this is done by looking at the current specs and asking the right questions, just because in my experience a poorly measured and fitted top of the range lens will perform far below a old lens that has been fitted correctly.

It's unfortunate that people aren't asking the person who's dispensing them why they think the lens is the right choice as I encourage all my staff to explain everything to the customer just so they understand!

Have you used the proper free form fitting equipment?

nedmundo

I have indeed - I own one! I've never encountered specs that cost £1000 though, that must be Cartier or something.

There are some very good freeform designs out there which don't cost any more than premium conventional lenses, so they aren't automatically that much more expensive.