Varifocals from Specsavers…
Discussion
I’ve really been struggling with close work over the last year or so, and after a recent eye test at Specsavers have been told I need varifocals.
As a musician I’ve been advised by quite a few colleagues to get some fixed distance glasses for music reading (I guess around 2-3 feet, further away than “close work” anyway).
Specsavers seem to offer a 2 for 1 deal but I’m increasingly confused by their website. Went in today to have a look a frames and within 20 seconds I just wanted to leave as it all seemed to be sales patter rather than anything of actual substance.
2 for 1 only seems to be on £70+ frames. Frankly some of the £15 frames look OK so I’m wondering if it’s worth just buying both separately especially as the fixed distance ones should be fairly cheap.
They seem to do varying levels of varifocals, from £40 up to £180. Would be tempted to go for one of the better ones, but are they worth it? Then there’s the coatings… Is it as simple as paying £250 for lens + coating, + £15 or whatever for glasses, then buy a second pair for £15 (which seems to include boggo lenses) + whatever coating…. Could be all in 2 pairs for £400? Is the 2-for-1 a false economy?
Also, how does one specify the distance of the fixed distance? Do they work it out for you? Again, slightly odd talking to sales people abut this who will promise the earth…
Appreciate any experiences anybody’s had with Specsavers or any light that can be thrown on how their confusing pricing works…
I’m not open to online stuff at the mo, given it’s my first experience with varifocals I want somebody I can go and shout out if they’re not working for me!
As a musician I’ve been advised by quite a few colleagues to get some fixed distance glasses for music reading (I guess around 2-3 feet, further away than “close work” anyway).
Specsavers seem to offer a 2 for 1 deal but I’m increasingly confused by their website. Went in today to have a look a frames and within 20 seconds I just wanted to leave as it all seemed to be sales patter rather than anything of actual substance.
2 for 1 only seems to be on £70+ frames. Frankly some of the £15 frames look OK so I’m wondering if it’s worth just buying both separately especially as the fixed distance ones should be fairly cheap.
They seem to do varying levels of varifocals, from £40 up to £180. Would be tempted to go for one of the better ones, but are they worth it? Then there’s the coatings… Is it as simple as paying £250 for lens + coating, + £15 or whatever for glasses, then buy a second pair for £15 (which seems to include boggo lenses) + whatever coating…. Could be all in 2 pairs for £400? Is the 2-for-1 a false economy?
Also, how does one specify the distance of the fixed distance? Do they work it out for you? Again, slightly odd talking to sales people abut this who will promise the earth…
Appreciate any experiences anybody’s had with Specsavers or any light that can be thrown on how their confusing pricing works…
I’m not open to online stuff at the mo, given it’s my first experience with varifocals I want somebody I can go and shout out if they’re not working for me!
Edited by NiceCupOfTea on Tuesday 7th May 01:33
This might be an interesting read for you: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Posted my thoughts in that thread previously so won't replicate them here but suffice to say I'm very, very happy with mine.
Posted my thoughts in that thread previously so won't replicate them here but suffice to say I'm very, very happy with mine.
Edited by Funk on Tuesday 7th May 11:48
I bought a pair of varifocals from them, I need glasses for reading but my long sight had got worse, I could not pass the driving test reading the number plate unaided. Was persuaded to go for varifocals.
Could not drive for two weeks because of the above, not really a problem for me I do few miles anyway.
Was advised to get used to the varifocals as they take a while for eyes to adjust. This would save me having two pairs one for long range one for reading. Struggled to use them TBO especially when stepping up or down anything easy to get confused about distance.
Most unhappy with them, need them for driving but cannot read the dash with them on. Reading prescription was changed from last time and they are worse, now use varifocals to drive but old prescription for reading as they are much clearer.
Boots for me next time
Could not drive for two weeks because of the above, not really a problem for me I do few miles anyway.
Was advised to get used to the varifocals as they take a while for eyes to adjust. This would save me having two pairs one for long range one for reading. Struggled to use them TBO especially when stepping up or down anything easy to get confused about distance.
Most unhappy with them, need them for driving but cannot read the dash with them on. Reading prescription was changed from last time and they are worse, now use varifocals to drive but old prescription for reading as they are much clearer.
Boots for me next time
I use costco for optical appointments and prescriptions, they've been great to be fair. I tried some varifocals at significant cost (£360) and really struggled with them. They asked me to give it 3 weeks, I just couldn't get them to work clearly and moving your head around to achieve vision close up felt wrong after years of plain contact lens wearing.
They refunded me fully without quibble as promised at the end of the 3 weeks, and I'm on multifocal contact lenses with a +2.5 add, however my close range now needs me to use reading glasses as well (1.5).
This slight downside is negated by being able to see pretty well with the contacts at everything from 2 feet away to distance.
They refunded me fully without quibble as promised at the end of the 3 weeks, and I'm on multifocal contact lenses with a +2.5 add, however my close range now needs me to use reading glasses as well (1.5).
This slight downside is negated by being able to see pretty well with the contacts at everything from 2 feet away to distance.
Both myself and brother-in-law had trouble getting used to their varifocals, they just seemed to be not quite right even after having many re-visits for "adjustment". Was told it takes time to get used to them even though I've been wearing vaifocals for many years, binned them off after 6 months and went to a non-chain opticians for new lenses and haven't had a problem since, brother-in-law managed to get his money back after months of complaining and likewise went to another optician.
I had a pair from them.
Tried them on when I picked them up and an involuntary’Christ they are terrible’ came out of my mouth as soon as they were on.
The guy in the shop insisted I give them a couple of weeks to adjust to them, but I returned them after a week as I simply could not wear them, I could see better when squinting.
I ended up going to an independent optician and got a pair of varifocals from them and wear them all day every day.
Tried them on when I picked them up and an involuntary’Christ they are terrible’ came out of my mouth as soon as they were on.
The guy in the shop insisted I give them a couple of weeks to adjust to them, but I returned them after a week as I simply could not wear them, I could see better when squinting.
I ended up going to an independent optician and got a pair of varifocals from them and wear them all day every day.
Got a pair of varifocals from them as a spare pair of glasses in case I broke/lost the stupidly expensive glasses I was persuaded to buy by an optometrist. No issues with them at all and they’re no better or worse than the stupidly expensive pair.
Edited for typo
Edited for typo
Edited by Martin315 on Tuesday 7th May 13:04
NiceCupOfTea said:
I’ve really been struggling with close work over the last year or so, and after a recent eye test at Specsavers have been told I need varifocals.
As a musician I’ve been advised by quite a few colleagues to get some fixed distance glasses for music reading (I guess around 2-3 feet, further away than “close work” anyway).
Specsavers seem to offer a 2 for 1 deal but I’m increasingly confused by their website. Went in today to have a look a frames and within 20 seconds I just wanted to leave as it all seemed to be sales patter rather than anything of actual substance.
2 for 1 only seems to be on £70+ frames. Frankly some of the £15 frames look OK so I’m wondering if it’s worth just buying both separately especially as the fixed distance ones should be fairly cheap.
They seem to do varying levels of varifocals, from £40 up to £180. Would be tempted to go for one of the better ones, but are they worth it? Then there’s the coatings… Is it as simple as paying £250 for lens + coating, + £15 or whatever for glasses, then buy a second pair for £15 (which seems to include boggo lenses) + whatever coating…. Could be all in 2 pairs for £400? Is the 2-for-1 a false economy?
Also, how does one specify the distance of the fixed distance? Do they work it out for you? Again, slightly odd talking to sales people abut this who will promise the earth…
Appreciate any experiences anybody’s had with Specsavers or any light that can be thrown on how their confusing pricing works…
I’m not open to online stuff at the mo, given it’s my first experience with varifocals I want somebody I can go and shout out if they’re not working for me!
TBH I would have thought that a normal pair of varifocals will be ok for middle distance. I have to use a different pair for computer work. Assuming the music would be at a decent height.As a musician I’ve been advised by quite a few colleagues to get some fixed distance glasses for music reading (I guess around 2-3 feet, further away than “close work” anyway).
Specsavers seem to offer a 2 for 1 deal but I’m increasingly confused by their website. Went in today to have a look a frames and within 20 seconds I just wanted to leave as it all seemed to be sales patter rather than anything of actual substance.
2 for 1 only seems to be on £70+ frames. Frankly some of the £15 frames look OK so I’m wondering if it’s worth just buying both separately especially as the fixed distance ones should be fairly cheap.
They seem to do varying levels of varifocals, from £40 up to £180. Would be tempted to go for one of the better ones, but are they worth it? Then there’s the coatings… Is it as simple as paying £250 for lens + coating, + £15 or whatever for glasses, then buy a second pair for £15 (which seems to include boggo lenses) + whatever coating…. Could be all in 2 pairs for £400? Is the 2-for-1 a false economy?
Also, how does one specify the distance of the fixed distance? Do they work it out for you? Again, slightly odd talking to sales people abut this who will promise the earth…
Appreciate any experiences anybody’s had with Specsavers or any light that can be thrown on how their confusing pricing works…
I’m not open to online stuff at the mo, given it’s my first experience with varifocals I want somebody I can go and shout out if they’re not working for me!
Edited by NiceCupOfTea on Tuesday 7th May 01:33
Oh and you don't have to use Specsavers, I used a good local optician. Costly mind, but I want the best quality lenses I can get.
My first two pairs were from a high street optician the next 2 pairs were from Glasses Direct (online retailer).
First pair needed lens changing as the reading area was too big for me (messed up my intermediate field vision). The high street optician had a no quibble replacement policy. They managed to get it wrong again 2 years later even though I told them I wanted the exact same reading size. Again they replaced the lenses.
When I went to Glasses Direct I told them I wanted a small reading area and they got it right first time. I ordered a spare pair a year later and again spot on. Glasses Direct were half the price of the high street optician and they have a no quibble refund/replacement policy. You can also sample 4 frames at a time at home free of charge (they even pay return postage). They also do intermediate lenses if that's what you need for work (eg, computer or music stand).
Based on my experience, I would actually go to a high street independent fora first pair of varifocals - so long as they have a no quibble replacement policy. As you say, being able to talk to them face to face if there's a problem counts for something.
By the way, I knew straightaway that the first pair weren't right, but I gave it 48 hours just to be sure.
First pair needed lens changing as the reading area was too big for me (messed up my intermediate field vision). The high street optician had a no quibble replacement policy. They managed to get it wrong again 2 years later even though I told them I wanted the exact same reading size. Again they replaced the lenses.
When I went to Glasses Direct I told them I wanted a small reading area and they got it right first time. I ordered a spare pair a year later and again spot on. Glasses Direct were half the price of the high street optician and they have a no quibble refund/replacement policy. You can also sample 4 frames at a time at home free of charge (they even pay return postage). They also do intermediate lenses if that's what you need for work (eg, computer or music stand).
Based on my experience, I would actually go to a high street independent fora first pair of varifocals - so long as they have a no quibble replacement policy. As you say, being able to talk to them face to face if there's a problem counts for something.
By the way, I knew straightaway that the first pair weren't right, but I gave it 48 hours just to be sure.
I can’t comment on the varifocal issue but I can regarding needing glasses that cover a slightly longer distance than close up ones.
I play guitar and need to read the tabs on my computer that is more than an arms length away. Specsavers suggested intermediate glasses and they have been excellent. I can read up close all but the smallest print and read things that are over an arms length away really well.
I suggest asking if that would work for you?
I play guitar and need to read the tabs on my computer that is more than an arms length away. Specsavers suggested intermediate glasses and they have been excellent. I can read up close all but the smallest print and read things that are over an arms length away really well.
I suggest asking if that would work for you?
NiceCupOfTea said:
As a musician I’ve been advised by quite a few colleagues to get some fixed distance glasses for music reading (I guess around 2-3 feet, further away than “close work” anyway).
https://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/glasses-lense...
I got them for desk work. They have the upper lens for screen work (my screens are 34inches/2.8foot away) and the lower lens for reading things closer.
My last set of glasses were varifocals, around 2 years ago.
I really struggled with them, and still do. I've recently been back to the same opticians and explained my issues and they have suggested that things like seating position etc is affecting my viewing angle for things like TV or when driving.
I had another eye test and ended up buying another set of glasses and they are going to adjust the varifocal parameters to suit my viewing angle better.
I also wear contacts and as I ride motorcycles my current prescription has always been for distance, but they have provided several sets of lenses where my dominant eye is focused on distance and my other eye on reading. This takes some time and adjustment as it's a compromise for each eye, but in general it works.
I don't want prescription sunglasses as it's usually not sunny for too long, or I go indoors and I take them off I'll have to either have glasses or contacts with me. So they have also provided me with a prescription for when I have contacts in (distance) and I can then wear glasses with my contacts for reading, they've suggested just getting some cheap off the shelf pairs for this.
Ultimately varifocals are a compromise, I'm not a fan, but it's the best option unless you can have lens replacement surgery.
I really struggled with them, and still do. I've recently been back to the same opticians and explained my issues and they have suggested that things like seating position etc is affecting my viewing angle for things like TV or when driving.
I had another eye test and ended up buying another set of glasses and they are going to adjust the varifocal parameters to suit my viewing angle better.
I also wear contacts and as I ride motorcycles my current prescription has always been for distance, but they have provided several sets of lenses where my dominant eye is focused on distance and my other eye on reading. This takes some time and adjustment as it's a compromise for each eye, but in general it works.
I don't want prescription sunglasses as it's usually not sunny for too long, or I go indoors and I take them off I'll have to either have glasses or contacts with me. So they have also provided me with a prescription for when I have contacts in (distance) and I can then wear glasses with my contacts for reading, they've suggested just getting some cheap off the shelf pairs for this.
Ultimately varifocals are a compromise, I'm not a fan, but it's the best option unless you can have lens replacement surgery.
As an Optometrist i'd probably do a single vision pair for music, the person who did your test will be able to work out what strength you need but you will need to measure your distance (it's always really useful if you can bring in your stand and music so we get it right).
Varifocals will have an area on the lens with that prescription but it will probably be too narrow and in the wrong position .
If you need clear vision further away at the same time you could try a degressive or extended range reader such as the Hoya Superreader but I'd normally just go for the single vision option.
Varifocals will have an area on the lens with that prescription but it will probably be too narrow and in the wrong position .
If you need clear vision further away at the same time you could try a degressive or extended range reader such as the Hoya Superreader but I'd normally just go for the single vision option.
I went varifocal 4 or 5 years ago. Specsavers second pair free deal means the cheaper of the the 2 frames, and standard single vision lenses in the second pair I always use them specifically for that deal, and get one pair of normal with the extra thin lenses, all the coatings, etc, and one pair as sunglasses, but I think I have to pay a bit extra to get the second pair varifocal.
Varifocals do take a while to get used to though, I had several weeks of occasionally feeling similar to motion sickness. No issues when I changed to a slightly updated prescription a couple of years later though.
Varifocals do take a while to get used to though, I had several weeks of occasionally feeling similar to motion sickness. No issues when I changed to a slightly updated prescription a couple of years later though.
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Tuesday 7th May 11:59
Happy with my Specsavers Varifocals that I bought a few weeks ago, chose some £129 frames and had SuperDigital lenses fitted, totalled just over £300 I think. Initially the mid zone was too small for computer use so they remade the lenses and made that area larger, now they are spot on so I ordered my free pair to be the same but with reactive lenses added.
When walking around they are great, can see into the distance, nearby and read close up. You just need to get used to looking out of the correct area of the lens.
For driving they are perfect, can see into the distance and read the dashboard.
Reading is perfect too.
Laptop and computer use is spot on, but my previous computer glasses are obviously better as I can look out of any area of the lens.
Picked up the free second pair the other day nd was told if I order a third pair in the next 6 months they would be half price.
When walking around they are great, can see into the distance, nearby and read close up. You just need to get used to looking out of the correct area of the lens.
For driving they are perfect, can see into the distance and read the dashboard.
Reading is perfect too.
Laptop and computer use is spot on, but my previous computer glasses are obviously better as I can look out of any area of the lens.
Picked up the free second pair the other day nd was told if I order a third pair in the next 6 months they would be half price.
RizzoTheRat said:
Varifocals do take a while to get used to though, I had several weeks of occasionally feeling similar to motion sickness. No issues when I changed to a slightly updated prescription a couple of years later though.
The left is a bifocal, the right is a varifocal. The red dots are where my eyes are in the frames, when I looked down to read with the varifocal there was no near lens for me to read though, it was too far to the center of the frame. I could turn my head to get one eye to focus but then the other eye had no near lens to look through so was blurred.
The optometrist wasn't able to explain why the reading part of varifocal wasn't closer to nose part of the frame like the bifocal is.
Edited by Cotty on Tuesday 7th May 13:39
don't go to specsavers.
Utter s
te.,
I did, and got my first set of Varifocals, in fact I got two pairs, one for office work and the other for driving ( it had a wider field of vision)
Utter crap, both of them. No headaches, just the way you have to angle your head to read is bks. I also can't read name plates on peoples badges at trade events.
Eventually I went elsewhere and focused on the driving varifocals and they are now.. ok.
I still have to take my glasses off to read though, which kind of defeats the object.
Utter s
te.,I did, and got my first set of Varifocals, in fact I got two pairs, one for office work and the other for driving ( it had a wider field of vision)
Utter crap, both of them. No headaches, just the way you have to angle your head to read is b
ks. I also can't read name plates on peoples badges at trade events.Eventually I went elsewhere and focused on the driving varifocals and they are now.. ok.
I still have to take my glasses off to read though, which kind of defeats the object.
Dynion Araf Uchaf said:
don't go to specsavers.
Utter ste.,
.
Yup they had 6 goes at getting varifocals to work for me but it was instant nausea as soon as I put them on, and couldn't read to both edges of a page without moving my head a lot, I think the lenses they use are poor quality and the staff poorly trained. My wife had similar and has given up.Utter s
te.,.
I went to an independent that used Varilux lenses. The difference was amazing. The price difference was amazing too, but you definitely get what you pay for. It was about 2 years ago circa £600+ for the lenses and frame by Starck
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