Best places to buy varifocals

To help you buy the best varifocals, we surveyed more than 3,000 Which? members who wear varifocals, to find out about their experiences. 

Choosing varifocals can be complicated. That's why it's important you buy them from somewhere that will explain the difference between lenses, fit them properly and deal with any problems that arise. 

Generally, if you pay a bit more for varifocals, you get better optical design and quality (fewer distortions around the edges). But most people are unlikely to benefit significantly from the very priciest bespoke lenses.

The ideal varifocal lenses (also known as progressive lenses) allow you to see in the distance (the top of the lens), as well as intermediate (middle) and near vision (bottom of the lens). 

This gives you distance and close-up vision in one pair of glasses. They're ideal if you've become presbyopic - which means you can't focus on nearby objects but also need glasses for distance vision.

Watch our video and keep reading to find out more about the best and worst places to buy varifocals, and to find out how much you should expect to pay.

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Video: How to buy the best varifocals

Best and worst places to buy varifocals

In the table below, we reveal the best and worst-rated brands for buying varifocal glasses, based on how well different options for price and type were explained, how well the lenses fit and the help you get in adjusting to wearing varifocals.

High street varifocals compared

Which? members can log in to find out how these brands compare and to reveal our expert analysis. Not yet a Which? member? Join Which? to get instant access to our survey results and all of our reviews.

Table Notes: Based on a survey of 3,348 Which? members and non-members in June 2022. Customer score based on satisfaction with the store on last visit and likelihood of recommending to a friend.

Varifocal brands

There are hundreds of varifocal lens designs available and it can be difficult to compare quality. Most brands include a variety of ranges, from entry level to bespoke.

Some stores stock own-brand lenses (which may be manufactured by the same overarching company, like Essilor). Many stores stock brands such as Varilux (another Essilor brand), Seiko and Zeiss, so you could shop round for the same brand at different retailers. 

If you like the brand you’ve already got, stick with it, as different brands and designs suit different people. 

Some opticians use technology to get accurate measurements. For this, a computerised camera takes images of your posture, head tilt and frame position to provide fitting measurements and lens customisation. 

This makes the process more objective, although some opticians argue it isn't necessarily better.

Varifocal prices

With so much variation in varifocal prices it can be hard to know what you really need to pay. There are many good-quality budget varifocals but it depends on what your specific needs are. For example, if you're using various digital devices and multiple screens in the workplace, it might be worth forking out for a more expensive design.

Below, we go through different types of varifocals and their prices, to help you decide how much you should pay.

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Budget varifocals - what you need to know

Expect to pay: £50 to £200

• Budget or entry-level varifocal lenses are often based on an older lens design. 
• They offer a restricted area of near and intermediate vision, more (possibly annoying) peripheral distortions at the lens edges, and may take longer to get used to. 

Budget varifocals can be a good option if you’re cash-strapped, don't do much reading or will consider using additional reading glasses. 

Some retailers do both standard and standard-plus versions.

Our expert optician told us that Asda is probably the cheapest option, where there is currently no extra charge for varifocal lenses. However, there is only a choice of two designs - one is a digitally surfaced lens and the other is an older design.  

Examples: Boots Silver (BBGR Selective), Specsavers Standard or Premium, Vision Express Essential

Optimised freeform design (some bespoke features)

Expect to pay: £160 to £420

• These lenses should be the best choice for most people. 
• They use clever designs and manufacturing methods to maximise the width of the reading and intermediate areas, while being comfortable to use. 

There is still a variety of designs and quality (so they overlap in price with bespoke varifocals), and choice often comes down to personal preference.

Examples: Boots Varilux Physio, Specsavers Tailor-made, Vision Express Performance

Bespoke (latest generation) varifocals

Expect to pay: £160 to £500

• Bespoke varifocals are configured using your specific measurements. 
• They can cost significantly more, but are likely to offer only marginal visual benefit to many people. 

Consider them if you have: more than 1.50DC of astigmatism, a particularly large or small distance between pupils (greater than 70mm or less than 55mm), frames very close or far from your eye (for example, if you have a prominent nose).

You should also consider bespoke lenses if you've had previous problems with varifocals, or specific near and intermediate vision requirements - such as using multiple computer screens.

Examples: Boots Platinum, Specsavers Tailor-made, Vision Express Advanced

Driving lenses

Expect to pay: Around £250

• Driving varifocals are designed specifically for driving.  
• These designs usually have a wider intermediate area to enable you to have a clearer view of the dashboard, but sometimes with a compromise on the near-vision area (that is, the part towards the bottom of the lens used mostly for reading).  

The lenses usually come with an anti-reflective coating that has been designed to help reduce the dazzle and glare from modern xenon headlights.

This type of varifocals are becoming increasingly popular. 

Examples: Boots Drive Safe, Essilor Varilux Road Pilot

Enhanced computer/reading varifocals

Expect to pay: £65 to £220

• These are designed for office use. They can be ideal if you use a computer for long periods, or use a large screen.
• They are often not offered as an option, but can prove invaluable as a second pair. This is because traditional varifocals may require you to lift your chin to view a computer screen, contributing to neck aches, headaches and eyestrain.

The lenses enable two distances to be viewed – typically your computer screen at around 65cm, and your desk and phone at around 30cm. You also get a really wide field of vision, while still keeping a good head posture. 

However, computer/reading varifocals offer little or no distance vision. So you may need to swap to another pair of glasses for driving.

Our expert optician said: 'The range of occupational lenses is huge and most manufacturers and opticians offer more than three designs. When choosing, it's best to run through your particular needs with a qualified dispensing optician to get the best advice.' 

Examples: Essilor Interview/Varilux computer 2V or 3V/Digitime range, Hoya Tact Trueform, Boots Occupational Essilor/Zeiss 

Your rights when buying varifocals

Most high-street opticians will supply varifocals with at least a 30-day exchange period. In most cases, two weeks is long enough to adapt to your new lenses and know whether they are right for you.

If you are not happy with the width of the reading or intermediate areas, or find the lens uncomfortable, ask to try a different lens design. You could even consider additional glasses, such as computer glasses.

Find out thebest optician storesoverall, as rated by Which? members, and read ourfive steps to the right prescription glassesfor essential tips on lens types, coatings, and saving money on your glasses.

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