Anyone bought varifocals online?

[theoldhasgone]

I have recently got varifocals - bought through a great optician. I've got on well with them (didn't get on with the first pair from a different optician).

I have a high distance prescription and astigmatism. I'm a bit nervous about buying varifocals online with my requirements so wondered if anyone has any experience to share. Thank you!

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No as it’s so important they’re fitted and measured properly, but DH discovered that Asda do the full bells and whistles (extra thin, anti glare, scratch resistance etc) for £80 for one pair, £120 for two or £150 for three.

They also insisted that he got one pair first for him to give them a go (he’s needed strong distance glasses for years and now needs readers too) to see how he got in with them before they made the second pair up.

Honestly so impressed with them

I've done it. Absolutely no problem. Bought expensive frames on Ebay very cheaply and sent off to get the lenses done. They weren't quick, that's the only drawback, but they were way less than half price.

I have bought varifocals from Glasses Direct and they were fine.

Hi OP, I have worked in optics for 20 years. Varifocal lenses require particular measurements that include the distance between your pupils and where your pupil sits vertically in the chosen frame order to have the distance, intermediate and near vision sat in the correct position. The frame size and how it sits on your face also affects this measurement. When ordered online, they are either set as a Standard' position or the website encourages you to try and measure it yourself. If the measurements aren't correct it can cause issues being able to adapt to the lenses. Some people do adapt ok, the prescription will have a part to play also.
Hope you fine this helpful

Those who have bought varifocals online, how did you get the frames adjusted to fit your ears/head?

Yep, I have - from Glasses Direct and Mr Spex. They both have excellent returns policies, so no real risk.

I tried to buy some from Spex4Less but my prescription is too complex and high (-9 and -10) and they won’t do it.

When I think of the complex assessment carried out by the opticians to work out whether I move my head or my eyes, and by how much, for close, intermediate and distance vision, plus the actual fitting I can't see how buying online can be anything other than a gamble and a back up pair possibly. Good luck if it works as mine cost a fortune.

I've used Glasses Direct for years. I bought my first varifocals from a High Street place then next time I sent them to Glasses Direct who said they could get my Pupil Distance from them. (I always get two pairs at a time.) Whatever they did, I've had no problems.

I actually got my current glasses on the High Street as I particularly liked the frames, but vision-wise they are no better nor worse than the Glasses Direct ones.

I have bought several pairs of varifocals online always providing my own frames, also bought online.

I have a low prescription and a slight astigmatism and the glasses have been fine. I use Lensology.

I got varifocal sunglasses online because I couldn't justify the cost for a "proper" pair. They're OK, but nowhere near as good as the glasses I got from the optician. Mind you they did only cost about £40 and I didn't donall the upgrades I usually get talked into.

No, if you have a high prescription you won't be able to do it.
Even single-vision lenses are rarely available above -8.0 online, and varifocals are more complicated, especially with astigmatism.

Thanks so much everyone.

My prescription is about -6 ish so not as high as some.... but high enough. I have my pupillary distance.

Maybe the fact that there's a good return policy means online buying is worth a punt. But I agree that the optician's measurements seem to be finely judged.

I've had shit varifocals from both specsavers and vision express. I have a complex prescription from my excellent local optician where a pair of glasses would be £400×. I did a much better job of measuring my own focal distances and been successfully buying from glasses direct for a few year there's always some kind of voucher! I recently went cheap for a back up pair with goggles4you and they messed up so they're on the same list as specsavers & VE for me.

I have had a few pairs from glasses direct and am happy with them. I did go for the gold package frames though. My optician glasses were so expensive . The mark up on the lenses must be huge . It’s just not affordable , especially if you want a spare pair.

Look at Asda. MN directed me towards them; of course, I eye-rolled, but- SO many posters convinced me to go for Asda.

I nervously got fitted for one pair of vari; but asked for the second pair (deal) to be made up as my straight script.

Yes, it felt a bit municipal, getting vari marked up. It felt a bit hit or miss. Bloke staring at me, look up, look down, straight ahead.. etc. Chinagraph marks on the lenses.

But- absolutely spot on. They knew their stuff. (Which I trusted).

I got my single-visioned 'spares' changed to vari with sunglass tint. Additional £30.

Seriously, consider Asda. I'm a convert. MNetters who recommend them; thank you.

And, if they're feeling a bit loose, drop in while shopping; they'll sort it.

I'm an Asda optician fan. And I'm fussy.

Asda sounds like a good idea - never even knew they had an optician's in store.

Shamelessly go into local optician and offer to pay a small amount (£5?) for adjustment "if they have time please" on glasses I got from next city over... conversationally implying that they'v had a bump or something. They're usually nice about it and don't always take my money.