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Can You Buy Varifocal Glasses Online?
Buying varifocal glasses online in the UK is safe, practical and significantly cheaper than the high street. Providing you order from a qualified optical retailer like Direct Sight.
Published by Direct Sight | Eye Care Centre
What You Need to Order Varifocals Online
- A current glasses prescription - Your prescription must include an ADD value. Adult prescriptions are valid for two years. You are entitled by law to a copy of your prescription at the end of any eye examination. You do not need to buy from the optician who issued it.
- Your Pupillary Distance (PD) - PD is the distance in millimetres between the centres of your pupils. This is used to position the optical centre of each lens correctly. It may or may not appear on your prescription. If it does not you can measure it yourself at home. How to measure your pd at home
- Your frame choice - Varifocal lenses need a minimum lens height of 30mm to fit all three prescription zones. On the Direct Sight website, only varifocal-compatible frames can be customised with varifocal lenses. Our varifocal frame filter shows suitable options.
Are Online Varifocals as Good as the High Street?
Yes. Varifocal lenses bought online from Direct Sight are made in our own optical laboratory using freeform digital production. The lenses that we make are to the same optical standards as the high street optician. What differs is the price, not the optical quality.
The price difference is because of our direct-to-customer model. We eliminate the middleman by selling straight from our production facility. The savings are passed on to the customer.
The one genuine practical difference is that you cannot try frames on before buying. A good size guide, a fit finder tool and a clear returns policy make this manageable. For most people, the price saving is significant enough to be worth it.
How Much Do Online Varifocals Cost?
Varifocal glasses from a high-street optician typically cost £200.00, £500.00 or more for prescription lenses alone. Depending on the lens design and any upgrades.
At Direct Sight, premium varifocal lenses start from £45.00. Complete with 30 days returns and 365 day guarantee.
Ready To Order Varifocal Glasses
Browse our varifocal compatible frames and customise with your lens options
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy varifocal glasses online in the UK?
Yes. You can buy varifocal glasses online in the UK from Direct Sight.
You choose your frames, select from the types of varifocal lenses that we offer. Customise your varifocals with lens options such as lens coatings, then provide your prescription.
We then make your varifocal glasses to your exact prescription in our optical laboratory and delivered to you.
Are online varifocal glasses as good as those from a high-street optician?
Yes. The lenses that we supply are advanced technology freeform digital progressives. Manufactured using state of the art computer aided design.
What differs between online and high-street varifocals is the price, not the optical quality. At Direct Sight, every varifocal is inspected by a qualified dispensing optician before dispatch. We adhere to the same standard as any registered optical practice.
Do I need to visit an optician before buying varifocals online?
You need a current prescription from a registered optometrist before ordering prescription varifocal lenses. But you do not need to visit an optician specifically to order online. If you have had an eye test in the last two years, your existing prescription is valid.
Is it safe to buy progressive lenses online?
Yes, as long as you choose a qualified optical retailer. Direct Sight varifocal lenses online are made in our own UK optical laboratory. A dispensing optician reviews every order. Prescriptions are verified before glazing begins and we have a clear guarantee and returns policy.
What if my varifocals are not right when they arrive?
Every Direct Sight varifocal order is covered by a 365 day guarantee and 30 day returns. If the lenses are not optically correct, wrong prescription, pd error, or lens quality, we will remake them at no charge. If the frame fit is not right, you can return within 30 days for a refund or free exchange into a different frame. Contact us on 01494 307 345 or help@directsight.co.uk and we will resolve it.
How long does it take to receive varifocal glasses ordered online?
Varifocal orders at Direct Sight are typically ready within 5 to 7 working days of your confirmed prescription. Then dispatched by your chosen Royal Mail service.
Varifocal glasses are not available on the Next Day Express service. Freeform digital lenses require the full production time to ensure accuracy. You receive an email dispatch notification when your glasses leave our laboratory.