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Original poster

Varifocal sunglasses anyone?

80 replies

tobee · 14/06/2023 16:50

If you wear varifocals what do you wear for sunglasses?

I got some varifocals a few months ago and found them transformative.

However, if I got a matching pair (prescription wise) of sunglasses are they inordinately expensive? Especially as I wouldn't be wearing them that much?

I can imagine 3 options. Potentially pricey varifocal sunglasses, prescription sunglasses only fitting one of my sight issues, or popping big pair of sunglasses over the top of my ordinary glasses. But does that look naff? And they would probably be a poor fit?

OP posts:
RampantIvy · 14/06/2023 16:51

I have them. I am wearing them now. I have rubbish(and expensive) eyesight, but it is what it is.

AllTheWatersTurnedToClouds · 14/06/2023 16:53

Yes i have varifocal sunglasses. Need to be able to read and drive in them so no choice really. Very sunny where i live so i do wear them a lot, including in winter.

Can often get % off when buying the two pairs together. Bloody expensive though.

Lovetoridemybicycle · 14/06/2023 16:54

It doesn't help you now but ask about adding reactor lenses in next time so they change automatically. Not a cheap add on but cheaper than a second pair of varifocals.

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 14/06/2023 16:54

I have varifocal sunglasses - and yes, they cost a fortune. More than my normal glasses due to the coating . I wear them a lot though and I imagine it would be difficult to alternate single prescription sunglasses with varifocals the rest of them time .

gogohmm · 14/06/2023 16:54

Just ordered some, pick them up in a week. They were free with my standard varifocals (which were £179)

LancreWowhawk · 14/06/2023 16:56

DH has them. He got them as his free second pair with Specsavers. But the first pair were almost twice the price of my two separate pairs!

Highlandhome · 14/06/2023 16:57

I’ve got a few pairs now of varifocal (prescription) sunglasses ….. might not be the cheapest option, but definitely the best. I get all mine now from an independent dispenser rather than optician.

you think you don’t wear them often, but I wear mine for driving on all but the dullest of days. Wore them 12 hours a day last week on holiday.

Starlitexpress · 14/06/2023 16:59

Definitely worth the money, I only change mine every other eye test anyway so that helps. Don't forget, you generally don't need to have them thinned down as they are usually going into chunky frames.

Original poster
tobee · 14/06/2023 17:00

Wow! I go and pour another cup of tea and find all these replies! Thank you!

I'm going to the Côte d'Azur in July for a few days and it's the first time I've been able to go abroad in 12 years! So will probably need sunglasses really. Obviously I'd wear them for more than that!

I usually go to Boots Opticians but maybe shop around.

OP posts:
Original poster
tobee · 14/06/2023 17:01

Starlitexpress · 14/06/2023 16:59

Definitely worth the money, I only change mine every other eye test anyway so that helps. Don't forget, you generally don't need to have them thinned down as they are usually going into chunky frames.

Sorry what is this thinning down of which you speak? 😬

OP posts:
TeenDivided · 14/06/2023 17:01

I have varifocals with reactions lenses. They are fab.

chilaquiles · 14/06/2023 17:05

I used to get a separate, tinted pair but I’ve been collecting vintage clip on sunglasses instead. You can buy new versions too if you prefer.

TheFairyCaravan · 14/06/2023 17:07

I’ve got varifocal sunglasses. I got them in Asda opticians at the same time as I got my glasses, it was £120 for both pairs.

JamMakingWannaBe · 14/06/2023 17:17

I have magnetic (clip on) sunglasses for my varifocals. They came with the glasses.

AllTheWatersTurnedToClouds · 14/06/2023 17:17

depending on your prescription you may not need thinning - it's sooo expensive but i have to get it done or i look like this

Varifocal sunglasses anyone?
AuntieDolly · 14/06/2023 17:25

Thinning is included in the price at Asda. I don't know why you'd go anywhere else - great value

missmoon · 14/06/2023 17:37

I’ve been thinking of getting some, but discovered that Cubitts sell clip on sunglasses for most of their frames. I have a pair of varifocals from them and think I might try it. They don’t look as naff as it sounds!

Original poster
tobee · 14/06/2023 17:57

AllTheWatersTurnedToClouds · 14/06/2023 17:17

depending on your prescription you may not need thinning - it's sooo expensive but i have to get it done or i look like this

Lol!

OP posts:
Original poster
tobee · 14/06/2023 17:58

Well I've located my local Asda Opticians so that's a start.

OP posts:
SauceForTheGoose · 14/06/2023 18:00

Have a look a Eco Eyewear -
They all come with a sunglasses piece that uses magnets to fix on.

Wehadabetamax · 14/06/2023 18:03

AuntieDolly · 14/06/2023 17:25

Thinning is included in the price at Asda. I don't know why you'd go anywhere else - great value

Because there is no Asda opticians anywhere near me unfortunately.

OPI have varifocal sunglasses, they were my free second pair from Specsavers. I really want reaction ones though. So much easier for work where I am in and out all day.

Lilsoph · 14/06/2023 18:07

I wear varifocal glasses but my prescription sunglasses are for my short sightedness only. I wear them for driving just fine as I can still read the speedo etc. I think it may depend on your actual prescription.

Original poster
tobee · 14/06/2023 18:10

Are reaction ones good? I remember my history teacher having them forty years ago and they seemed to take ages to change from outside to inside conditions.

OP posts:
CottonSock · 14/06/2023 18:11

Yes I wear sunglasses enough to feel its justified

RampantIvy · 14/06/2023 18:14

tobee · 14/06/2023 18:10

Are reaction ones good? I remember my history teacher having them forty years ago and they seemed to take ages to change from outside to inside conditions.

They don't react very well in the car and I need good sunglasses for driving.