Varifocal Lenses

Varifocal Glasses, Properly Fitted Online

Clear distance, intermediate and reading vision in one pair of glasses. Choose from Standard, Premium and Elite HOYA varifocal designs, with anti-reflection as standard and every order professionally reviewed before glazing.

Varifocal design and lens thickness are separate choices. We help match both to your prescription, frame and how you use your glasses.

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Varifocal lenses
From £145

HOYA varifocal designs · anti-reflection as standard · personally reviewed before glazing.

HOYA varifocal lenses from £145 · anti-reflection as standard · reviewed by a UK Registered Dispensing Optician.
HOYA varifocal lenses From £145 per pair Frame-first measurements Optician reviewed

Understanding varifocals

One pair for distance, screens and reading

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

Not all varifocals are the same

All three designs give you distance, intermediate and reading vision. What changes as you move through the range is how wide and easy those viewing areas are to use, how much peripheral blur you notice and how much the lens can be personalised to you.

Start with the design that best matches how you use your glasses. Lens thickness is chosen separately afterwards, based on your prescription and frame.
1
Choose the varifocal design

Standard, Premium or Elite determines how wide and comfortable the usable viewing areas are.

2
Then choose the lens thickness

1.50, 1.60, 1.67 or 1.74 refers to lens index and thickness — not the varifocal design.

Anti-reflection is standard. Blue Control is available as an optional upgrade.

Swipe to compare

Standard varifocal comparison
Everyday
1 of 3

Standard

From £145

Per pair · HOYA lenses · anti-reflection as standard

  • Clear distance, intermediate and reading vision
  • Narrower usable viewing areas than Premium or Elite
  • Suited to lighter visual demands or occasional wear
Premium varifocal comparison
Most Popular
2 of 3

Premium

From £175

Per pair · HOYA lenses · anti-reflection as standard

  • Wider usable viewing areas for everyday wear
  • Strong intermediate vision for screens and arm’s-length tasks
  • Excellent balance of visual comfort and value
Elite varifocal comparison
Most Personalised
3 of 3

Elite

From £195

Per pair · HOYA lenses · anti-reflection as standard

  • Our widest and most comfortable fields of vision
  • Widest usable field of vision
  • Best suited to all-day wear and more demanding visual needs

Illustrations show the relative difference between lens designs. Actual usable viewing areas vary by prescription, frame choice and fitting measurements.

Personally reviewed
Your varifocal measurements are reviewed by Scott, our UK Registered Dispensing Optician, before your lenses are made. If anything does not look right, we contact you first rather than sending the order straight to the lab.
Every varifocal order is reviewed by Scott, a UK Registered Dispensing Optician, before the lenses are made.

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

A more precise way to order varifocals online

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 review it alongside your chosen frame and advise on the most suitable 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 provide the measurements we need around the way the frame actually fits.

If you have a compatible iPhone, you can use EyeMeasure. If you use Android, we can guide you through a simple photo-based measurement process instead. Send us the requested measurements and a clear front-on photo wearing the frame, then return it to us so we can position your varifocal lenses around your actual fit.

Taking your measurements

Compatible iPhone: you can use the EyeMeasure app and send us a screenshot of your results.

Android: you do not need to download an app. Send us a clear, correctly taken front-on photograph wearing the frame and we will guide you through the measurement process.

Whichever method you use, we review the measurements alongside your frame-wearing photograph before your lenses are made.

Please send us:

  • Your EyeMeasure results if using a compatible iPhone, or the measurements we request if using Android
  • 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 your new varifocals do not feel right, contact us first so we can help establish the cause. We may review the fit, dispensing measurements, lens specification, prescription information and how you are adapting to the lenses.

If your complete pair is eligible and you are within the applicable period, you may request a return under our Burghley & Co Confidence Policy. If we have made an error, we will put it right separately and it will not use your Confidence Policy allowance.

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 designed around professional dispensing and accurate frame positioning. We send your chosen frame first, ask for the appropriate measurements and a frame-wearing photograph, and review the information before your lenses are made.

If you have a compatible iPhone you can use EyeMeasure; Android customers can use our guided photo-based measurement process instead.

Are premium varifocal lenses worth it?

Premium and Elite varifocal designs generally provide wider usable viewing areas and smoother transitions between distance, intermediate and reading vision than a Standard design. They can be particularly worthwhile if you wear your glasses all day, drive regularly or spend a lot of time using screens.

The best option still depends on your prescription, frame and visual needs, so if you are unsure, send us your prescription and we can advise before your lenses are made.

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.
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