First varifocal lenses/glasses: Go for the best?

PterionPterion

greyteam1959 said:

Varifocals lenses are NOT the same as Varilux lenses.
Varifocals have a distinct line across the lens.
Varilux have a graduated lens with no line.
That's why Varilux are considerably more expensive.
I have Varilux lenses & they a very good in my particular case.
One pair only of Varilux lenses from a local optician cost around £400 

What you're referring to is a bifocal (line across lens)
Varifocals don't have a line. Its a progressive lens. Varilux is a brand of varifocal lenses

PterionPterion

LandM1 said:

I’ve had varifocals for years. I’ve had the lenses done in numerous places because I often buy frames abroad where they tend to be more interesting, especially in Italy. I usually pop into a couple of places with my frames and prescription and get a price, then  I go for the cheapest. Never had a problem. I think that some opticians massively overcharge and mystify specs. I’d get some sunnies too, I apply the same idea to those, although I’ve had ok ones from Specsavers. My last pair of varifocals cost me about £160. Frames from Venice, 99 euros, bought online, and lenses done locally £70. 

There is some truth to this. However there is a noticeable difference between the cheaper and expensive varifocal lens. The more you pay the better the quality of lens in that it offers more field of vision, less soft focus (peripheral blur), less head movement required, allows for more quick glances over a larger area of the lens. 

Some lenses are designed with particular tasks in mind. 

Having said that the middle range across opticians is fairly similar and that's where the difference in prices isn't often justified. 

Q02

PterionPterion said:

However there is a noticeable difference between the cheaper and expensive varifocal lens. The more you pay the better the quality of lens in that it offers more field of vision, less soft focus (peripheral blur), less head movement required, allows for more quick glances over a larger area of the lens.

That is exactly what suppliers such as Specsavers will drum into you when you are selecting specs. There is no way they want you to buy their £39 lens when they can convince you to spend £149 on an upgrade.

Truth is I have found over the pat 4 years that the varifocals supplied by Asda £45 all in with frame and all coatings) are just as good as the £149 upgrade option from Specsavers. The pair I got from the local Asda in mid March are superb, full field of vision, no soft focus.

In my opinion the only difference is the amount they charge you.

Q02

Think I am finally sorted with my specs now after my November Cataract op and eye test (at the Hospital).

As noted previously I bought a pair of Asda vari focal specs for £45 all in, brilliant best varifocals I have ever had. Also ordered 2 pairs of tinted varifocals (£90 in total) which did not arrive since the frames had been discontinued, not happy, should not have happened. So I had to go back (again) and chose a different frame for which I ordered photochromic varifocals, £94 all in. After 3 weeks still no specs so I rang them. They seemed to be struggling to find my order but eventually found it and and confirmed they actually had them but had no idea when they arrived. Said I would go and collect the next morning.

Saw the lady I had spoken to the previous evening but although she remembered speaking to me she could not find the order (again) and after 2 other members of staff also failed they gave up and went through all the boxes. Found the specs, fitted fine, vision perfect, very happy with them.

But I have to say that after using Asda with 100% satisfaction since 2019 (as did the MIL and wifes uncle) this years experience has been pretty poor. Seems they have got a new computer system and it does not talk to the old one. In truth it seems to me it does not talk to anything, its outside having a fag.

Based on this experience I would struggle to advise anyone to use them until they get sorted despite all 3 pairs of specs being perfect.

Hopefully I won't need to visit them for at least a year and by them they will be fully up and running thus will use them again but if its no better I will simply ask for a refund.

Surely it cannot be only me who has had these issues, it must be a total nighmare.