How often should I have an eye test?

Most adults should have an eye test every two years. If you have diabetes, glaucoma, are over 70, or have been advised otherwise by your optometrist, you may need to be seen more often.

Am I entitled to a free NHS eye test?

Yes. We provide free NHS sight tests for eligible patients. This includes children under 16, full-time students under 19, people aged 60 and over, and those receiving certain benefits or diagnosed with specific eye or medical conditions.

What are varifocal lenses?

Varifocals allow you to see clearly at all distances — near, intermediate, and far — without switching glasses. They are ideal for people with presbyopia, which is the gradual difficulty focusing on near objects that most people notice from their mid-40s onwards.

Are expensive varifocals worth it?

In our experience, yes — for most people. Premium varifocals offer wider, clearer viewing zones and far less peripheral distortion than budget lenses, making them significantly more comfortable to wear all day. Accurate fitting measurements matter just as much as the lens itself, which is why we use the HOYA Smart Mirror system for every pair.

How long does it take to get used to varifocals?

Most people adjust within a few days, though for some it can take up to two weeks. We offer a minimum three-month adaptation period on all varifocals — if you're struggling to get on with them, we'll keep working with you until they do.

Can you put new lenses in my existing frames?

Yes. We offer a reglazing service so you can keep your favourite frames and simply replace the lenses with your new prescription.

Do you offer interest-free finance on glasses?

Yes — we offer interest-free payment options to help spread the cost of your new glasses. Ask in practice or call us on 01536 511605 for details.

Do you accept NHS optical vouchers?

Yes. We accept all valid NHS optical vouchers and Hospital vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses.

Where is Stirling Opticians?

You'll find us at 16–18 Gold Street, Kettering, NN16 8JB. Public parking is available close by, with short-stay and long-stay car parks within a few minutes' walk.

How do I book an eye test in Kettering?

You can book online at stirlingopticians.com/appointments, by phone on 01536 511605, or in person at our practice on Gold Street, Kettering. We're open Monday to Saturday, 10am–5pm.

Varifocal Lenses

Varifocals, fitted properly.

At Stirling Opticians, Kettering, we provide a range of high-quality varifocal (progressive) lenses designed for clear, comfortable vision at all distances. Whether you’re reading, working on a computer, or driving, varifocals allow you to do it all with just one pair of glasses.

Most people who come to us for varifocals have tried them somewhere else first.

[Book a varifocal consultation]

Varifocals, like shoes, need to be fitted correctly — or they'll always cause you niggles. The reading zone feels narrow. The edges swim. You find yourself tilting your head to find the sweet spot. After a few weeks you give up and go back to two pairs.

In our experience, nine times out of ten that's not a varifocal problem. It's a fitting problem.

The measurements that matter — exactly where your pupils sit in the frame, the angle the frame rests on your face, how far the lenses are from your eyes — are often rushed or skipped entirely on the high street. The difference of a couple of millimetres in any of those parameters can make an otherwise good lens uncomfortable to wear all day.

If that sounds familiar, come and see us. We'd rather spend an hour getting it right than have you write off varifocals entirely.

Precision measurements are crucial for varifocal performance

The success of your varifocals doesn’t just depend on the lens design — it also relies on how precisely they are fitted.

At Stirling Opticians, we use the HOYA AI visuREAL digital measuring system:

Captures how your glasses naturally sit on your face
Measures eye position, pupillary distance, frame tilt, and wrap angle with millimeter precision
Ensures the vision zones in your lenses align perfectly with your eyes

This means:

Sharper, more comfortable vision
Faster adaptation to new lenses
A lens design truly tailored to you

Basic vs. Premium Varifocals

Not all varifocals are the same. The difference comes down to lens design and technology.

Basic Varifocals

Standard “one-size” design
Narrower reading and intermediate areas
More noticeable peripheral blur
Slower adaptation

Premium Varifocals

Custom-designed for your prescription, frame, and lifestyle
Wider, clearer zones for reading and computer use
Smoother transitions with minimal distortion
Quicker, more natural adaptation
Options for anti-glare, thinner lenses, or digital lifestyle upgrades

In short: premium varifocals give you the most natural and comfortable visual experience.

Premium Varifocal Technology

Our premium Varifocals are priced in the £450 to £750 range (depending on design, options, and extras)

Customised lens design: Tailored to your prescription, frame choice, and even lifestyle (e.g., office work, driving, digital screen use).

Wider clear zones: Larger, more natural fields of vision for near, intermediate, and distance.
Minimal distortion: Reduced peripheral “swim” effect and smoother transitions.
Faster adaptation: Most wearers adjust quickly, sometimes within hours or a few days.
Optional enhancements: Digital designs, thinner lenses, anti-glare coatings, blue-light filters, or specialist occupational lenses.
Best suited for: Daily, all-day wearers who want maximum comfort, especially for work or driving.

Key Difference in Experience

Basic lenses: Work well but may feel like you have to “look for” the clear spot.
Premium lenses: Feel more natural, with vision that adapts to you—rather than you adapting to the lens.

An example a design feature found in premium varifocals for improved visual performance

How long does it take to adapt to varifocals? Most people settle in within a few days. Some take a couple of weeks, particularly if it's their first pair or they're coming from a significantly different prescription. If you're past two weeks and still uncomfortable, come back in — it's usually fixable.

We offer a minimum three-month adaptation period on every pair of varifocals we fit. If at any point during that time you're struggling — narrow reading zone, blurry at distance, persistent headaches, anything — come back in. We'll look at the fitting, check the measurements, and if necessary remake the lenses. Whatever it takes.

I've been told I can't wear varifocals. Is that true? Possible, but less common than you'd think. Some prescriptions are genuinely difficult to fit in a varifocal design — but more often the problem was the fitting or the lens rather than the patient. Worth a conversation before writing them off.

Can you reglaze my existing frames with varifocal lenses? Yes. If you want to keep your current frames, we offer a reglazing service.

Do you offer interest-free finance? Yes. Ask in practice or call 01536 511605.

As a truly independent opticians (the only one in Kettering) we can offer the best Varifocal design to suit you from a range of suppliers such as Hoya, Essilor, Rodenstock, Zeiss, Nikon, Seiko and others.

Book Your Varifocal Consultation

If you’re ready for clearer, more comfortable vision at all distances, book an appointment for a lens consultation with our friendly varifocal experts at Stirling Opticians, Kettering.