Varifocals??? Specsavers

[Neednewspecs]

I have realised I can’t go around with one pair of glasses on my head and the other on my face as I swap from working on the computer to doing chores!
last time I got new specs I promised I would think about varifocals. But I get such polarising views on them.

I’ve got a choice of local independent or Specsavers. I know that the former will be close to £1000 for two pairs. Got to have a spare

specsacers have their premier lens at only £180 plus frames (and two for one) so about £350 all in

would I be foolish to go to Specsavers. My understanding of the independent shop is that people are not always satisfied with what they end up with but think Specsavers isn’t very good quality
eye test on Friday so any views welcome. Even if to say stick with different glasses and different prescriptions!

TIA

Specsavers have perfectly adequate varifocals at an affordable price. I used them for several years. My local independent optician is much more expensive but the varifocals they offer have a much larger range of vision. They basically start where Specsavers leave off.

That pretty much describes my experience, except that my local optician was slightly more expensive.

The whole experience at my local independent optician was far superior to the production line Specsavers one. I used to go to Specsavers and they were fine, then when I saw the reviews praising the local one I gave them a try and they were brilliant.

Their bottom of the range lenses were the same quality at Specsavers top of the range, and when it comes to varifocals you really do get what you pay for.

I went for best lenses at Specsavers and they were awful and I ended up going back to 2 separate glasses.

Went to Boots and it was a different experience completely. They do one pair of varifocals plus second pair for half price.

I could wear them immediately unlike the Specsavers ones which were hopeless.

I got my varifocals from Pret A Voir (online) and they are great. Cost about £400 (£130 for the frames and the rest was the lenses).

I had a pair from Specsavers that I never got on with, despite going back and having them adjust the lenses.

Following with interest. I didn't get on with VFs from Sepcsavers but have the sea issue if swapping glasses all the time.

Good luck !!!
it’s a minefield I have spent so much money on glasses don’t get me wrong the best lenses at specksavers are good but there frames are absolutely shit ! I have never ever found a pair that fit correctly!
vision express lenses are pretty good again there frames not so good !
I have used two independent expensive opticians and the lenses were rubbish I felt ripped off .
just recently bought 2 pairs of frames with varifoculs from Jimmy fairly ultra thin lenses just over £500 and there the most clearest lenses I’ve ever had and the frames are perfect for me !!! X

I have the specsavers varifocals. Just be aware when selecting frames that the lenses work better is smaller frames.

I get Asda varifocal sunglasses as they are so cheap, not worried if I lose or sit on them!

YY to Asda

I used to spend £500+ a par at my local independent optician. I broke my glasses whilst working away from home and hit replacements from Asda. £140 for 2 pairs of varis, with all the whistles and bells.

Asda - two pairs for £120

First time varifocal wearer after laser eye surgery years ago

The though of one pair of glasses at $500 would have to last me 4 years at that price

What does laser eye surgery fix? Short or far sightedness or both, or something else?

I wonder if prescription is also worth bearing in mind. As I say, I went with mid range from specsavers, and no blurry edges at all. Literally wouldn’t know they were any different to my old glasses except I can now read small text again.
i am a -5 and +1.5

Love my Specsavers midrange varifocals and also have had a lot of compliments on the frame, which is one of their own standard range. For the second pair I got sunglasses for driving. Have used Specsavers for varifocals ever since I started needing them about 5 years ago and have been very happy with their service.

The costs on here aren't really relevant because it depends so much on the visual issues you have.

I am very short sighted, but need varifocals for reading while working
I also have astigmatism and have my lenses thinned because I am so short sighted. There is no way I would get two pairs of thinned varifocal glasses for £120.

The glasses I have come with magnetic "clip on" sunglasses, and they are brilliant - they are similar to the ones on the link.

https://www.opticiansdirect.co.uk/prescription-sunglasses/polaroid-pd6138--cs-polaroid-pd-6138--cs-086-sp-havana/size-53+-+16/g46216/?gad_source=1

They are excellent for driving and sightseeing as I don't have to keep swapping glasses. When the sunglasses lenses are on my glasses just look like ordinary sunglasses.

I know £500 is a lot to pay for glasses but I wear glasses all the time, so the cost per wear is negligible.

From where I used to work I know that independent opticians have massive mark up on their lenses. Basic single vision at £1.70 a pair retail at £70. Varifocals costing less than £25 a pair retailing at £195 and so on. Frames costing less than £5 marked up to £49, frames costing £45 retail £195 etc.
The independent sells less per day as usually longer appointments and shorter days.

I got extremely expensive varifocals from an independent opticians and they were rubbish.
Got some from specsavers for a fraction of the cost and they were far superior.
However, I do still prefer my computer glasses for just computer use, varifocals for everything else.

Is that because you think they won't do them in your prescription or you have complex prescription and it won't be good enough?

Asda will do any prescription lenses for that price but i cannot comment on the quality.

or you have complex prescription and it won't be good enough?

This ^^

@ThisIsPippa I had short sightedness and Astigmatism pre laser.

I knew I needed reading glasses but my general vision started to slide. I tried off the shelf readers but they were no good

Turns out my distance vision is fine, mild astigmatism and mild reading and intermediate.

Optician said "age catching up with you"

I’ve only been wearing glasses for the last 6 months i have varifocals from spec savers. I’ve had no complaints. I got my first pair for £200 with free prescription sunglasses and got a 50% off voucher (by email) and got myself a spare pair of glasses, just in case.

spent approx £300 for 3 pairs of glasses. No complaints here.

I've been using Specsavers varifocals for years with no complaints about either quality or price.

Another vote for Asda. Husband & BiL both have complex, high prescriptions and are very happy with their quality

Thanks again for all the comments. I think more in favour of specsavers than negative comments

i dont think I have a very strong prescription. I have astigmatism?

but +.5 and - 1.25 in my eyes. So I don’t know if that makes a difference to my needs?

Get the prescription, then order glasses on line! Mine cost me 50 quid!

I've had varifocals from Specsavers from the get go. The only problem I have with them is a me problem. I have a rather small nose and they don't always stay in place.

That's not dissimilar to my prescription (with astigmatism). At that level, you don't need lens thinning, which will keep the cost down.

You've literally got nothing to lose by going with SS, because of their 100 day guarantee. If you don't get on with them for whatever reason you can get a refund. You won't get that with an independent.

I really wouldn't advise that for varifocals.