Choosing a varifocal · Independent opticians, Liverpool
Which varifocal lens is right for you?
Essilor, Nikon, Zeiss or Hoya? We fit all four on Park Road and we are not tied to any of them. Here is how we choose, in plain English.
Start with the honest answer
The brand matters less than you think. All four make superb varifocals and all four make basic ones. What decides whether you love your glasses is, in this order: the design within the range, how accurately it is measured and fitted to your face, and whether the frame holds that fitting. A top lens badly fitted will fail. A mid-range lens fitted properly will feel like nothing at all.
The four ranges we fit
Essilor Varilux
The original and the most fitted varifocal in the world. Very wide range, from everyday to premium designs, and the Essilor Visioffice X we measure on was built for them. Our default recommendation for many first-time wearers.
Nikon Presio and Seemax
Edge-to-edge clarity and coatings that last. Seemax is what we reach for when someone has struggled with varifocals before, or wants a sport or wraparound frame.
Zeiss
German precision optics with strong designs for people who spend the day on screens and drive at night. Excellent digital-life lenses.
Hoya
Japanese lens maker with very comfortable adaptation for people who have found other varifocals hard to get used to, and good value in the mid range.
Current designs, and who each is for
How Essilor and Nikon describe their current UK varifocals, and when we reach for each.
- Varilux Comfort Max (Essilor): designed for first-time varifocal wearers and easy adaptation.
- Varilux XR series (Essilor): Essilor’s premium design, with sharp vision including in low light.
- Varilux Physio extensee (Essilor): extra sharpness and contrast, including in dim light.
- Nikon SeeMax Ultimate Z and Presio Ultimate Z: Nikon’s most personalised designs.
- Nikon Presio Power Z: for strong reading prescriptions and people who have found varifocals hard to adapt to.
- Nikon Presio W: designed for people with astigmatism.
- Office lenses for long hours at a screen: Varilux Digitime and Nikon eLife Pro. See computer and office glasses.
Drive a lot at night? Add a driving anti-reflective coating: see glasses for night driving. Wondering about cost? See how much varifocals are.
What we do differently
Whatever the lens, we can add Transitions light-reactive in every type and colour, and the coatings each maker does best. We recommend one lens and explain why. We measure it on the Essilor Visioffice X, in your frame, not with a felt-tip pen. Gavin fits the finished glasses himself and refits them free until they are right. Usually ready within 48 hours. If a cheaper design will do everything you need, that is the one we suggest.
“I decided to go for the Nikon lens and the difference is like night and day compared to my five-month-old lenses from a well known high street chain.”
“After struggling with my varifocals for three years I thought I’d give it a go. My lenses are 100%, it’s like seeing in a whole new world. There was no hard sell. 100% worth travelling for.”
“Their technology to get your prescription spot on is like something from the future. No pushy suggestions to upgrade. Frames to suit every budget, and 0% payment plans without credit checks.”
Common questions
Choosing a varifocal, answered
Is Essilor better than Nikon?
No. They are two of the best lens makers in the world and both make varifocals we fit every week. The right one depends on your prescription, your frame and how you use your eyes. The fitting matters more than the badge.
What about Zeiss and Hoya?
We fit both. Zeiss and Hoya make excellent varifocals too, and for some prescriptions or frame shapes they are the best choice. We recommend from all four.
Can I try before I buy?
You can try frames as long as you like, and we show you on the Visioffice how a lens will sit in each one. Varifocal lenses themselves are made to your prescription, so they cannot be tried on, which is why the fitting and our refit promise matter.
Why did my last varifocals fail?
In our experience it is almost always the fitting, not the lens. If the corridor of clear vision is a millimetre or two out, your brain fights it. Bring them in and we will tell you honestly what went wrong.
Do you push the dearest lens?
No. We recommend one lens and explain why. If a mid-range design will do everything you need, that is what we suggest.
Let us choose with you
Book an eye test on Park Road and we will recommend one lens, explain why, and fit it properly.
Written by Gavin Winstanley, who has been making eyewear on Park Road since 1998 and fits the varifocals himself. Last updated .