Best places to buy varifocals

When buying varifocals, it's important you buy them from somewhere that will explain the difference between lenses, fit them properly and deal with any problems that arise. 

Varifocal lenses are also known as progressive lenses, and they allow you to see in the distance (the top of the lens), as well as intermediate (middle) and near vision (bottom of the lens). This gives you distance and close-up vision in one pair of glasses. 

Varifocals are good if you've become presbyopic, which means you can't focus on nearby objects but also need glasses for distance vision.

Generally, if you pay a bit more for varifocals, you get better optical design and quality, with fewer distortions around the edges. But most people are unlikely to benefit significantly from the very priciest bespoke lenses.

We've surveyed more than 4,000 people who wear varifocals, to find out about their experiences with different opticians and help you choose the best place to buy varifocals. Plus, we've got expert tips on prices, ranges and what to be aware of.

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Best and worst places to buy varifocals

In the table below, we reveal the best and worst-rated brands for buying varifocal glasses, based on how well different options for price and type were explained, how well the lenses fit and the help you get in adjusting to wearing varifocals.

High street varifocals compared

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Video guide: how to buy the best varifocals

Varifocal prices: is it worth paying more?

It's possible to buy good quality budget varifocals but whether they're right for you depends on what your specific needs are. 

For example, if you're using various digital devices and multiple screens in the workplace, or have specialist needs, for example reading music, it might be worth forking out for a more expensive design.

Here we explain the different types of varifocals and their prices to help you find the right option for you:

Budget varifocals

Expect to pay: £50 to £200

• Budget or entry-level varifocal lenses are often based on an older lens design.
• They offer a restricted area of near and intermediate vision, more (possibly annoying) peripheral distortions at the lens edges, and may take longer to get used to. 

Budget varifocals can be a good option if you don't want to spend as much, don't do much reading or will consider using additional reading glasses. 

Some retailers do both standard and standard-plus versions.

Optimised freeform design (some bespoke features)

Expect to pay: £160 to £420

• These lenses are likely to be the best choice for most people. 
• They use clever designs and manufacturing methods to maximise the width of the reading and intermediate areas, while being comfortable to use. 

There is still a variety of designs and quality (so they overlap in price with bespoke varifocals), and choice often comes down to personal preference.

Bespoke (latest-generation) varifocals

Expect to pay: £160 to £500

• Bespoke varifocals are configured using your specific measurements. 
• They can cost significantly more, but are likely to offer only marginal visual benefit to many people. 

Consider them if you have: 

• more than 1.50DC of astigmatism
• a particularly large or small distance between pupils (greater than 70mm or less than 55mm)
• frames very close or far from your eye (for example, if you have a prominent nose).

You should also consider bespoke lenses if you've had previous problems with varifocals, or have specific near and intermediate vision requirements – such as using multiple computer screens.

Driving lenses

Expect to pay: Around £250

• Driving varifocals are designed specifically for driving.  
• These designs usually have a wider intermediate area to enable you to have a clearer view of the dashboard, but sometimes with a compromise on the near-vision area (that is, the part towards the bottom of the lens used mostly for reading).  

The lenses usually come with an anti-reflective coating that has been designed to help reduce the dazzle and glare from modern xenon headlights.

This type of varifocals are becoming increasingly popular. 

Enhanced computer/reading varifocals

Expect to pay: £65 to £220

• These are designed for office use. They can be ideal if you use a computer for long periods, or use a large screen.
• They are often not offered as an option, but can prove invaluable as a second pair. This is because traditional varifocals may require you to lift your chin to view a computer screen, contributing to neck aches, headaches and eyestrain.

The lenses enable two distances to be viewed – typically your computer screen at around 65cm, and your desk and phone at around 30cm. You also get a really wide field of vision, while still keeping a good head posture. 

However, computer/reading varifocals offer little or no distance vision. So you may need to swap to another pair of glasses for driving.

Our expert optician said: 'The range of occupational lenses is huge and most manufacturers and opticians offer more than three designs. When choosing, it's best to run through your particular needs with a qualified dispensing optician to get the best advice.' 

For more expert independent advice on choosing health products and services, see our reviews of the best hearing aids, best dentists, best private health insurance

Your rights when buying varifocals

Most high street opticians will supply varifocals with at least a 30-day exchange period. In most cases, two weeks is long enough to adapt to your new lenses and know whether they are right for you.

If you're not happy with the width of the reading or intermediate areas, or find the lens uncomfortable, ask to try a different lens design. You could even consider additional glasses, such as computer glasses.

See our guide to the best optician stores overall, as rated by people who've used them.