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Varifocals and Bifocals

How much do varifocals cost?

Our varifocal lenses are an additional £75 on top of the normal lens price. See further details on the lens prices page.

How do our prices compare with other vendors

Our standard varifocals that cost an additional £75 are equivalent to specsavers Tailor-made lenses which are their highest quality lenses and cost £159 - a saving of over 52% for the same high quality of lens if you buy them at Glasses Direct

Other opticians have similarly high prices:

  • Optical Express: £119
  • Boots: £110
  • Vision Express: £220

Getting used to varifocals

  • Ensure your glasses are comfortable and secure on your face.
  • Try to avoid looking down, especially whilst you are on the move.
  • For the best results when reading, rest your chin on your chest and gradually raise your head upwards until your vision becomes clear and in focus. Do not move the position of your book.
  • To make sure that you’re looking through the correct part of the lens, aim your nose towards what you want to focus on.

What are varifocals and why are they useful?

Varifocal lenses have more than two parts. The top part is for seeing things at a distance and this gradually increases in strength until the full reading prescription is reached near the bottom of the lens. You can use the part that gradually increases for middle distance, for example looking at a computer. These are ideal for people who need to switch between long, intermediate and short distance throughout their day.

It will take two to four weeks to get used to your varifocals, especially if you haven’t worn them before, so be patient and persevere with them.

We supply Freeform lenses which are digitially designed to offer an enhanced field of vision at all distances. They have far less distortion at the edge of the lens than ordinary varifocals and are easier to get used to. We supply Freeform lenses as our standard varifocal.

  • Enhanced field of vision at all distances
  • Less distortion at the edge of the ears
  • Easier to get used to for both first-time and existing wearers
Varifocal free form illustration

What do we need from you?

Due to the complexity of varifocals lenses, we take some additional steps to ensure we get the exact measurements. These measurements can be taken from a previous pair of glasses that you send to us. It doesn’t matter if the prescription is out-of-date, just as long as they were comfortable when you used them.

If you would like to place an order for varifocals, please call one of our opticians on 08456 88 20 20.

What are bifocals and why are they useful?

Bifocal lenses contain two parts; the upper part is used for seeing at a distance such as for driving or watching TV and the lower part is used for reading. We can also supply lenses with intermediate vision at the top and reading at the bottom for use at a computer. There are different sizes of reading area available depending on preference, and we recommend you call one of our opticians for advice on the best bifocal lens for you.

If you would like to place an order for bifocals, please call one of our opticians on 01793 746555.

How much do bifocals cost?

Our bifocal lenses cost an additional £30 on top of the normal lens price.

Do you offer sun reactive lenses?

Yes we do. See our lenses page to view details and prices.


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UK company number: 05139004.