I now use the Specsaver Superdrive varifocals that have truly transformed my night driving for two(ish) reasons:-

1. They have a super-wide distance and middledistance zone, designed to give you a wide view of what's ahead of you and to one side (eg peripheral vision of kerbs etc), as well as your dashboard, satnav and wing mirrors.

Since first getting varifocals in 1999 I have found them unpleasant to drive in. The more expensive ones with the thinnest lenses have been the worst. Within a month of getting the first pair I bought a pair of basic single vision specs to drive in and I continued doing that until early in 2023 after my 2nd Cataract operation.

I then saw the NHS optician and during our discussion I made a comment about always finding varifocals not particularly pleasant for driving. But I pointed out that with my 2.5 reading correction over time any warnings on the dash and the sat nav had become difficult to read in my preferred single vision "driving" specs.

She asked if I had ever considered bi-focals for driving which I hadn't. They were the specs my parents used from a time when varifocals probably did not exist. She explained that I would get a full width distance view with no distortion and the reading area would allow me to see the dash. She modified my prescription to include an intermediate correction (1.5 instead of 2.5) and suggested having the specs made with a relatively small "reading" area with this 1.5 addition.

So off to Specsavers to hopefully get a pair of frames from their £15 range with lenses as discussed. Surprised that there were no objections from them. £15 for frames plus £50 for the bi-focal lenses with no additional coatings, total £65. The "reading" area was made small just like the optician suggested.

2 years later and they are great for driving. Fair to say I dislike for any other use but for driving they are just like single vision ones with the added ability to see the dash.

And £65 all in a a good deal less than Specsavers want for Superdrive lenses, £215 according to their website with no doubt some extras to come.

And whilst £65 is OK by me for a pair of specs that don't get a huge amount of use could you live with a pair of expensive Superdrive lenses/frames as your only pair since it shows they are not great for near distance.

They aren't cheap but fortunately Specsaver generally have a 2 for 1 deal.

Be aware that Specsavers 2 for 1 has changed.

Wife went a couple of weeks ago for a test and after 4 years needed new specs. She normally has 2 pairs, one pair with the photochromic treatment and the spare "free" pair exactly the same without photochromic.

They priced it up for her, 2 pairs of £90 frame etc,etc, total £650. So what about the "free" 2nd pair? sorry but that offer is only with single vision lenses now.

She had one pair for £288 after the 20% discount.