Online glasses retailers.

[Whatwaswrongwiththatusername]

Hi, not exactly style related as such, although that will obviously be a consideration.
I had my regular 2year eye exam coming up for a year ago. Before that my eyesight had changed from being just shortsighted to also becoming a bit longsighted. At that previous appointment I opted for varivocals instead of two separate pairs. I wasn't entirely convinced by them so last year I chose two pairs. I have really found them impossible to get on with and have mostly just been wearing the pair for longsighted as that is what I need more. Anyway, I've been considering changing back to varivocals. Luckily (?!) I haven't really been able to drive due to health, colliding with the pandemic so it wasn't a massive problem, but I'm fed up with not being able to wear glasses when needed, or switching between the two so now I'm quite certain I need to switch back now.
So...actual question here is has anyone had any experience of online opticians/retailers that they have used specifically for varivocals, but generally also for reliability, quality etc. There are so many out there that knowing where to start is just like a trudge through mud, and as it's my eyes I don't want to mess up, so I need to get some recommendations.
I have considered returning my glasses for shortsightedness to the optician I usually use and asking them to replace the lenses with varivocals, as they have all my details etc, but I'm not sure that would be the cheapest way. Unexpected financial fuck up a couple a couple of months ago and I've lost over half my income so price is now a bigger consideration than it was, but also not prepared to jeapordise my eyesight but just choosing the cheapest option. I've no idea if any of the online companies will allow me to send in my glasses to replace the lenses (neither pair were cheap, unfortunately, and they do fit me), so this is my preferred Avenue, if at all possible.
Sorry for long post! And thank you for reading, if indeed you did manage to do so!

Sorry, I meant I have mostly been wearing the pair for shortsightedness, which is what I need more, not longsightedness. Just in case that makes a difference to the type/quality of new lenses.

Oh, and another thought; as my last test was oct/nov is it worth having another test first to see if there have been any changes, as my last prescription was a fair amount stronger than the previous. Thanks again.

I once got a quote for varifocals from an online glasses supplier and it wasn't that much difference in price from my local Specsavers so I went with Specsavers, as usual as I've always had really good service from them.

I'd hoped the online company would be cheaper but I think it's only cheaper if you've got a not too difficult prescription.

I've been wearing glasses since I was a child, currently have varifocals and reading glasses as my job requires a lot of detailed, work up close work. I would have no problem getting a reading prescription online, but I wouldn't even consider buying varifocals online.

IME of wearing varifocals the measurements within the lens for the 3 focal lengths need to be incredibly precise, even a millimetre out can make the glasses uncomfortable. I would be inclined to bring the frame that you're not using to your optician and ask hem to replace the lenses with varifocals. They do this all the time, I have done it a few times as I have a small face and struggle to find frames that I like/fit me.

Ring around your local specsavers and some independent opticians and ask them for a price so you can compare. I just wouldn't take the risk with these lenses online.

I think whether you need another eye test depends on your age really. If you are 50+ I think the advice is every 2 years. I have noticed I need to change my reading prescription ( I'm longsighted) quite frequently, every 18 months, as Im getting older.

My varifocals not so much, I could probably do with a new pair soon as mine are from 2019.

I would never buy varifocals online. Getting the measurements and fit right is crucial. If I just needed reading glasses or single vision glasses for myopia I might consider it, but getting the fit even slightly wrong just doesn't work for varifocals.

I would try and start with a good quality new pair of varifocals from an independent optician. There are many different varifocal lens types. Mine are called Essilor Comfort and they just seem to suit me so I've stuck with them. The Asda and Specsavers (even their "top" option) were much worse. My prescription is -5.5 / near add +2.0 so quite shortsighted.

What I did do after a couple of years (exasperated with Asda/Specsavers) was to get my varifocals reglazed with Lensology. They used the same brand of lens and copied the alignment/measurements off the old lenses.

It's worth ringing Lensology as they are very helpful and have more options than just what's on their website.
I would get a new eye test, that's relatively cheap, if it's over 12 months.

So I suppose the advice is get some good frames and lenses to start with - these might be £400+, fitted by an inperson optician, and then you can get them reglazed online if your prescription changes.

Single vision glasses (sunglasses, reading glasses etc) I would definitely recommend Lensology.

I've bought from superdrug online, glasses direct (wouldn't recommend) and firmoo.

The quality of the cheapest from firmoo is amazing. I always used to buy designer but I can now get 3 or 4 pairs from firmoo for the same price.