Which optician staff for help choosing varifocals

[The Gauge]

I'm keen to learn about the different staff that can/should be found in an opticians, and who you'd really want serving you when buying glasses. I keep hearing of different titles and have no idea what they do and who I'd want to see such as..

Optometrist
Dispensing Optician
Dispenser
Optical Assistants
Clinical Assistants

My first pair bought from Boots and had no idea at the time who the person (qualification wise) was that served me, but since then I've only bought from glassesdirect online so never had anyone offer assistance.

I fancy getting some varifocals and would want to find an opticians that has the right people to help me choose. I need glasses when sitting at a computer all day, also need them for reading, like to wear them watching TV and benefit from them when driving, but don't really wear glasses for general walking about. Would a pair of varifocals help do all the above?

Right now i'm sat on the sofa with my laptop so I need my reading glasses on, but if I glance up to the TV then I ideally need to swap to my general vision glasses, then back again which gets annoying.

[Jon39]

I have used various different opticians over the years, but recently have been happy with our local Boots. Some time ago, Boots bought Dolland and Aichison, who were specialist opticians. They do seem to have very up to date electronic equipment for checking eyes.
You might be offered a print of one of their tests for about £30. Get ready to decline. What do they expect us to do, frame it then hang on a wall? -

I used Specsavers for some time, but gave up with them after a couple of lash ups. The last one was supplying variable tint for an indoor pair of glasses. When I pointed out that is a ridiculous mistake, they tried to argue. Never went back there again.

Am sure that you know, you can have an eye test at say Boots, then take your prescription away to buy glasses from anywhere you wish. Probably much cheaper.

I have avoided varificals because when driving, I understand that a quick glance to say your right (looking towards the blind spot), can result in looking through a blurred part of the glasses. For that reason, I have always had bi-focals. Odd to begin with, but soon become used to them.

[oddman]

The Gauge said:

I fancy getting some varifocals and would want to find an opticians that has the right people to help me choose. I need glasses when sitting at a computer all day, also need them for reading, like to wear them watching TV and benefit from them when driving, but don't really wear glasses for general walking about. Would a pair of varifocals help do all the above?

Right now i'm sat on the sofa with my laptop so I need my reading glasses on, but if I glance up to the TV then I ideally need to swap to my general vision glasses, then back again which gets annoying.

I was the same with you except I don't need a prescription for distance vision so probably persited with the the 'on off' thing with reading glasses for longer than most. Eventually I realised that things at about 1.5m were not in focus with or without reading specs.When getting vaccinated, I couldn't see the nurses face clearly. Over the years I hadn't realised as the only people I would get that close to would be family, friends or colleagues and I 'know' what they look like so hadn't noticed they were out of focus.

Went to local high street optician for first eye test in 40 years. So saw optician for the tests and prescribing but optometrist set up the frame. I think it's pretty critical how they set up the lens on your visual axis and this interoperates with frame size/fit etc.

Varifocals were a game changer for me. My observations are - I was advised to go for a more expensive lens. Apparantly the hourglass in the middle is ?wider and easier to use. My dad couldn't get on with them and would have definitely bought the cheapest. I found in the first week or so I had to be more conscious of how I was looking at things to bring them into focus. Almost as if I was shining a torch beam from my eyes to illuminate the object. This soon became second nature. I've also noticed that the glasses I bought for sport have a greater depth top to bottom than my dailies and are easier to use than the narrower dailies although these do have a bit of lens distortion - phone looks ever so slightly curved.

Still use readers for close work as I can look through the axis of the lens rather than the bottom.

I really like them for driving. Also shoot (game and clays) wearing them without a problem and don't cause any problem when skiing/mountaineering which involves map reading; fiddling with gear; tying knots as well as avoiding hazards and enjoying scenery.

Edited by oddman on Sunday 26th November 08:46

[Mark-ri571]

I have had Varifocal (progressive) lenses for the last 12 years or so. Have always had Seiko Emblem lenses apart from on one occasion when I tried another premium brand which I rejected after a week or so. A good independent optician should be able to advise you as to which lens is best for you but I would certainly recommend a Seiko lens.
Some useful info here:
https://www.seikovision.com/ph/lenses/progressive/

[Paulsd]

I’ve had varifocals for a few years and had no issues with getting used to them. I go to David Clulow - they have been really good.

As per PP above, went for the more expensive level of lenses and got used to them very quickly (ie before I got home after collecting). Driving was fine.

The only small issue is with my latest pair. The reading distance doesn’t work for my monitor at my desk so I tend to use my previous glass while I work (from home). They said to measure the distance I need and they’ll remake them for me for free, which I’ll do at some point.

[The Gauge]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'd like to find a good opticians locally with staff who know their subject, otherwise its the usual Boots/Specsavers etc.