Varifocal Lenses

Varifocal Glasses, Professionally Fitted Online

Clear distance, intermediate and reading vision in one pair of glasses. Choose from Standard, Premium and Elite varifocal designs, with your measurements personally reviewed before glazing.

Your chosen frame is sent to you first so the lenses can be positioned around the way it actually fits your face.

Varifocal lenses from £145, including premium anti-reflection coating and expert review by a UK Registered Dispensing Optician.
Choose your frames See how it works

Why order varifocal glasses online with Burghley & Co

Your frame is sent first so measurements are taken from your real fit
EyeMeasure results and frame-wearing photo reviewed before glazing
Personally reviewed by UK Registered Dispensing Opticians
Premium HOYA varifocal lenses with anti-reflective coating
Guided support from order to finished varifocal glasses

Understanding varifocals

What are varifocal lenses?

Varifocal lenses allow you to see clearly at distance, at arm’s length and close up through one pair of glasses. Unlike bifocals, there is no visible line across the lens. The prescription changes gradually from the top of the lens to the bottom.

The upper part is used for distance vision, the centre supports intermediate tasks such as computer work, and the lower part is used for reading. This means you can move naturally between driving, conversation, screens and close work without changing glasses.

One lens. Three viewing distances.

Distance Driving, television and looking across a room
Intermediate Computer screens, dashboards and arm’s-length tasks
Reading Books, phones and close work

How they work

A smooth progression through the lens

As your eyes move down the lens, the power changes gradually from distance to intermediate and then reading vision. The usable central area is known as the corridor.

More advanced varifocal designs generally provide wider, more comfortable fields of vision and smoother transitions. Accurate measurements and frame positioning are equally important, which is why Burghley sends your chosen frame to you before the lenses are made.

Lens designs

Compare our varifocal lens designs

We offer three varifocal lens designs, each providing a different level of clarity, comfort and adaptation. Higher tier lenses are designed to offer wider usable vision, smoother transitions and a more natural everyday experience.

All options are carefully fitted to your chosen frame, prescription and measurements. Higher tier designs offer wider fields of vision and a more natural visual experience, especially for everyday wear and screen use.

Swipe to compare

Standard varifocal comparison
1 of 3

Standard

From £145

  • Clear distance and reading vision
  • Narrower usable field of vision
  • Ideal for occasional wear
Premium varifocal comparison
2 of 3

Premium

From £175

  • Wider, more natural vision
  • Improved intermediate clarity for screens
  • Smoother transitions between distances
Elite varifocal comparison
3 of 3

Elite

From £195

  • Our widest and most comfortable fields of vision
  • Widest usable field of vision
  • Best suited to all-day wear and demanding visual needs
Every pair is individually checked by our expert team to ensure your varifocal lenses are positioned accurately for your prescription, measurements and chosen frame.

Your chosen varifocal lens design is fitted once we receive your measurements and frame back. This allows us to glaze the lenses around the way the frame actually sits on your face.

Why the frame-first process matters

Varifocals work best when they are positioned accurately to both your frame and your measurements. Sending the frame out first gives us a clearer view of your real fit before the lenses are made.

First time wearing varifocals?

It can take a few days to adapt to varifocals as your eyes learn to move naturally between distance, intermediate and reading zones. Most people adjust quickly, and choosing a higher tier lens design can make adaptation feel smoother.

The Burghley process

How to order varifocal glasses online with Burghley

Varifocals depend on the position of the frame on your face. We therefore send your chosen frame to you first, review your measurements and frame-wearing photograph, and only then make your lenses.

01

Choose your frame and varifocal lens option online

Select your designer frame and choose the varifocal lens option that suits how you use your glasses day to day.

If you already have your prescription, we recommend sending it at this stage so we can check suitability and confirm the best lens option before glazing.

02

Try your frame and send your measurements

We send your chosen frame to you first so you can try it on properly and take accurate measurements using the EyeMeasure app.

Send us your results along with a clear front-on photo wearing the frame, then return it to us so we can position your varifocal lenses precisely around your actual fit.

Using the EyeMeasure app

Hold your phone directly in front of your face, around a foot away. The app will guide you and capture your measurements automatically.

Please send your results along with a photo of you wearing the frame so we can position your lenses accurately.

Please send us:

  • A screenshot of your EyeMeasure results
  • A front-on photo of you wearing your chosen frame
  • Your prescription, if you have not already sent it
03

Return your frame to us

Once you are happy with the fit and have sent your measurements, return the frame to us using the instructions provided.

We review your prescription, measurements and photograph together before confirming the final lens positioning and beginning the glazing process.

04

We fit your lenses and return your glasses

Once your frame is returned, we fit your HOYA varifocal lenses, carry out final checks and deliver your finished glasses, ready to wear.

What to expect

Frame sent out Usually 2–4 working days
Measurements and return Once you have tried the frame on
Lens fitting and dispatch Usually 7–10 working days

Once your frame is back with us, varifocal lenses usually take 7–10 working days to glaze, check and prepare for dispatch. We send tracking as soon as your finished glasses leave us.

Why this process gives a better varifocal result

Varifocals need to be positioned more precisely than standard single vision lenses. By asking you to try the frame on first, we can work from your actual fit, review your measurements and create a more accurate, comfortable result.

This is especially important for designer varifocal glasses, where frame shape, lens depth and how the frame sits on your face can all affect the final viewing zones.

Expert Varifocal Advice

Helpful guides before choosing your varifocal lenses

Learn more about adapting to varifocals, choosing the right frames and understanding which lens options may suit you best.

Advice Centre

Varifocal Lenses Explained

A straightforward guide to how varifocals work, who they suit and what to consider before ordering.

 Frame advice

Best Frames for Varifocal Lenses

Learn which frame styles and lens depths tend to work best for comfortable varifocal vision.

 First-time wearers

Adjusting to Varifocals

What to expect when wearing varifocals for the first time and how adaptation usually develops.

 Lens thickness

Do I Need Thin Lenses?

Understand how prescription, frame size and lens index affect thickness, weight and appearance.

Frequently asked questions

What if I don’t get on with varifocals?

If you don’t get on with your varifocals, simply return them to us.

We can either remake the lenses into single vision distance lenses and refund the difference, or provide a full refund.

Do I need to send my prescription now?

You can order first and send your prescription later, but if you already have it, we recommend sending it at the time of ordering so we can confirm your frame is suitable.

Why do I need to try the frame first?

Varifocal lenses need to be positioned accurately for your eyes and frame. Trying the frame on first helps us create the most precise and comfortable result.

How long does it take to get used to varifocals?

Most people adapt within a few days. Higher tier designs can often feel easier and more natural to get used to.

Can I order varifocal glasses online safely?

Yes. Our process is built around accuracy: we send your frame first, ask for EyeMeasure results and a frame-wearing photo, then review everything before fitting your lenses. You are guided through each step by our expert team.

Are premium varifocal lenses worth it?

Premium and Individual varifocal lenses usually provide wider, more natural vision with smoother transitions between distance, intermediate and reading zones. They can be especially helpful if you wear your glasses all day or use screens regularly.

Do you offer occupational or computer varifocals?

If your main need is close work, computer use or desk-based vision, an occupational lens may be more suitable than a standard everyday varifocal. Send us your prescription and how you use your glasses, and we can advise before your lenses are made.

Are HOYA varifocal lenses used?

Yes, our varifocal glasses are professionally glazed using premium HOYA lenses, with lens choice guided by your prescription, frame selection and visual needs.

Ready to begin?

Choose your frame and varifocal lens option online, and we’ll guide you through the measurements, fitting and final checks.
Choose Frames Ask Scott before ordering