Lenses FAQs
Q. What fitting measurements do you require?
To ensure we have the accurate measurements, these are the options you can provide:
- You can upload a picture wearing your glasses (see the next FAQ for more on this process).
- Enter your own pupil distance measurement if you know this.
- If you’re sending a new frame, you can include another pair of glasses that has your prescription in it. We’ll use those lenses to get the PD and return both frames to you.
- If your current glasses already have lenses, we can easily measure the PD from those lenses.
For varifocal or bifocal lenses, we require both your pupil distance and the unique fitting heights. We will send you an email after you have placed the order that will allow you to upload this information.
To ensure we have the accurate measurements, these are the options you can provide:
- If You can upload a picture wearing your glasses and we can obtain the pupil distance and fitting heights from this (see the next FAQ for more on this process).
- If your current glasses have varifocal or bifocal lenses, we can take the necessary measurements directly from them.
- For new frames, you can send us an old pair with your varifocal or bifocal prescription, and we’ll use those to ensure the new lenses fit perfectly. Both frames will be returned to you.
Q. What is the best way to supply you with a photograph so you can obtain my pupil measurement?
After you have placed your order, but before you send your glasses to us:
- Take a clear photo of yourself wearing the glasses you want us to glaze.
- Make sure your eyes are open, and you’re looking straight at the camera—no looking up, down, or to the sides
- The photo should show your face in a natural position, so don’t get too close to the camera (around arms length).
- Upload the picture via the form we have sent you, and you can then package up and send your glasses to us.
When a photograph isn’t needed:
- If you’re simply replacing lenses in a frame that already has your prescription, we can measure from the existing lenses.
- If your lenses are Single Vision and you already know your accurate Pupil Distance, you don’t need to send a photo.
- For Varifocal or bifocal lenses, even if you know your pupil distance, we’ll still need a photo to measure the height of your pupil relative to the frame.
If you’re unsure, what to do, or if you have any questions at all, feel free to call us on 019230 940408 or email us at hello@lensology.co.uk and we’ll guide you through the process.
Q. How long does it take if my glasses are single vision lenses like Everyday lenses or Readers?
A. For most stock single vision lenses, it usually takes 5 – 7 working days to complete the process from when the order has been verified upon receipt of your glasses. We pride ourselves on being faster than many of our competitors.
If you need your glasses sooner, we offer an ULTIMA range that can have your lenses ready within just 24 to 48 hours upon receipt of your glasses (stock range lenses only). The ULTIMA range includes top-quality lenses such as clear lenses, sunglasses lenses, and Transitions® lenses.
In addition to the speed and quality, the ULTIMA lenses come with a 12-month warranty, which means if you scratch or damage your lenses, we’ll replace them free of charge.
Q. How long does it take if my glasses are bifocals, varifocals, or custom made?
A. For non-stock lenses, such as varifocals, bifocals, or custom-made lenses, the process usually takes up to 10 working days. However, some specialised lenses, like mirror finish lenses, may take up to three weeks due to their custom nature.
If you choose our premium Omni-Vision HD varifocal lenses, your order will be fast-tracked free of charge and typically dispatched within 4 – 5 working days.
We also offer a fast-track option for £15 where we will aim to dispatch your order within 5 working days from when the order has been verified upon receipt of your glasses. Please note, though, that we cannot guarantee this as the lenses would be custom made and can occasionally take longer than expected.
If you have a specific date by which you need your glasses, just let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
Q. Do you supply lenses for Sunglasses?
A. Yes, we supply a wide variety of sunglass lenses, including solid tints, graduated tints, polarised lenses, as well as an option to have a mirror finish too. These can be customised for both non-prescription and prescription lenses (single vision, bifocals, and varifocals). If you’re unsure about what you need, we can assist you or match the lenses already in your frames.
Here are the types of lenses we offer:
SOLID TINTED:
These lenses have a single colour throughout. Our standard colours are grey, green/grey, and brown. We can also tint lenses in a wide range of other colours, including pink, blue, yellow, and more. Please see our dedicated sunglasses page for your choice of colours.
GRADUATED TINTED:
These lenses are darker at the top and gradually fade to a lighter tint or clear at the bottom. Like solid tints, graduated tints are custom-made and available in the same range of colours.
POLARISED TINTED:
Polarised lenses block glare from reflective surfaces like water or snow, making them ideal for sports, driving, or anyone sensitive to outdoor glare. We offer polarised lenses in grey, brown, and green/ grey.
MIRROR FINISH:
For an additional £35, you can add a mirror finish to any tinted lens. Popular mirror colours include green, blue, silver, and gold, with other options available on request.
As an alternative option to sunglasses we are also able to provide Transitions® lenses too! Including Transitions® GEN S™, XTRActive® And XTRActive® Polarised. To find out more information on these lenses please click here to go through to our dedicated page.
Q. I wanted Transitions® or sun reactive lenses, but I’ve been told they aren’t effective when driving?
A. For driving, we recommend Transitions® XTRActive® lenses, which are designed to darken behind a car windscreen, unlike regular Transitions® Signature GEN S™ lenses. These lenses work well for driving, go slightly darker in bright sunlight, and have a quicker reaction time.
This upgrade is available for an additional £20 and comes in three colours: grey, brown, and graphite green. You can also choose from six mirror options to reduce glare and enhance style. These mirror options are a £65 add-on to GEN S™ lenses and include:
- Silver Mirror
- Blue Mirror
- Green Mirror
- Gold Mirror
- Pink Mirror
- Red Mirror
For enhanced glare reduction, you can choose Transitions® XTRActive® Polarised™ lenses. These lenses combine light-responsive technology with polarisation, providing maximum glare reduction on reflective surfaces.
They are available for an additional £80.00.
Please note that the polarisation feature activates only in direct sunlight and does not work behind a car windscreen.
Q. Do the lenses you supply help reduce glare when driving at night?
A. Yes, we offer our SmartDrive range of lenses, specially designed to make driving more comfortable and safer, particularly at night or in poor weather conditions. These lenses reduce glare from oncoming headlights and streetlights, improving clarity and reducing eye strain.
We also offer DriveSafe lenses by Carl Zeiss, a branded option designed specifically for enhanced safety and comfort during low-light driving.
The SmartDrive coating can be applied alongside other coatings on Varifocals or ordered as a single vision product, providing flexibility based on your prescription and requirements.
Q. Do you supply lenses that protect my eyes when using devices with a screen, like laptops, PC’s, tablets and phones?
A. Yes, we do, and this option is becoming increasingly popular. We offer an upgrade coating called Blue-Light Protect, which can be applied to most of our lens options.
Blue light is produced naturally by the sun but is also emitted by digital devices such as computer monitors, smartphones, and tablets. While blue light has some beneficial effects, overexposure—especially at night—can cause eye strain, vision issues, and even disrupt sleep patterns.
Our Blue-Light Protect lenses have a multi-layer coating that reduces glare and reflects blue light away from the lens, helping to alleviate long-term eye strain caused by excessive screen use. This additional protection can be added to most Anti-Glare lenses for just an extra £15.00
Q. What are Digital & Lifestyle (Occupational) lenses?
A. Digital & Lifestyle lenses, also known as occupational or office lenses, are designed for people who need clear vision at both close and intermediate distances. They are ideal for office workers, hobbyists, and professionals who frequently switch between reading and mid-range tasks.
Unlike standard single-vision lenses, which are optimised for only one distance, occupational lenses provide enhanced visual comfort by reducing eye strain and offering a wider field of vision for work and daily activities.
Q. How are Digital & Lifestyle lenses different from varifocals?
A. Varifocals provide three vision zones (near, intermediate, and distance) with a smooth transition between them. However, the intermediate zone can be narrow, making prolonged computer or desk work challenging.
Digital & Lifestyle lenses , on the other hand, prioritise close and intermediate vision, offering a wider field of view in these zones but do not cater to long-distance vision. These lenses are ideal for desk work, computer use, and hobbies that require frequent focus shifts within arm’s length.
Q. What type of Digital & Lifestyle lenses do Lensology offer?
A.
Multi-Task HD (Occupational Lens).
- Suitable for prescriptions with reading or intermediate adds.
- Designed for people who need to focus at both close and intermediate distances.
- Ideal for chefs, accountants, gardeners, DIY enthusiasts, and others who struggle with standard single-vision or Varifocal lenses.
Computer HD
- Suitable for prescriptions with reading or intermediate adds.
- Designed for office workers and people working with screens.
- Helps reduce strain when switching focus between keyboard, screen, and surrounding environment.
Smart-Boost HD (Single Vision Only)
- A modern lens for the digital age, designed for people in their 20s to 40s experiencing close vision discomfort.
- Provides a slight boost in power to reduce strain from smartphone, tablet, or computer use.
- Comes with ULTIMA Anti-Glare & Blue-Light Protect coatings as standard.
Q. Do you supply non-prescription lenses?
A. Yes, we offer a wide range of non-prescription lenses. Our non-prescription sunglasses can be customised with solid, graduated, or polarised tint options, and you can even add a mirror finish for extra style.
We also provide clear, non-prescription lenses for customers who wear glasses as a fashion accessory. In addition, non-prescription Blue-Light Protect lenses have become increasingly popular for reducing fatigue and eye strain from prolonged screen use. Many of our team members here at Lensology use them daily and can personally recommend them for anyone spending long hours in front of digital screens.
Q. What is the difference between distance, intermediate, and near lenses?
A. Distance lenses (also called ‘everyday lenses’) are designed to help people who have difficulty focusing on faraway objects. If you wear glasses for driving or watching TV, then you are likely using distance-correcting lenses.
Intermediate lenses are ideal for activities that require focus at arm’s length, such as working at a computer. They are frequently used by people who spend extended periods in front of screens or for other mid-range tasks.
Near lenses are typically used in reading glasses to help those who struggle to focus on close-up objects, such as books or newspapers.
Q. Are all single vision lenses the same quality?
A. No, not all single vision lenses are the same quality. At Lensology, we supply both basic generic lenses, which are affordable and reliable with any required coatings, and premium single vision lenses, which come with some of the best coatings and materials available.
Premium lenses are often made from thinner, lightweight, and more durable materials. For example, our ULTIMA range comes with a 12-month guarantee against scratching and damage. These high-quality lenses, which used to be costly and out of reach for many, are now much more affordable thanks to our competitive pricing.
Q. What are high index lenses? Do I need them?
A. The stronger your prescription, the thicker and heavier your lenses will naturally be. You can offset this by opting for high-index lenses, which are thinner and lighter, providing a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing look.
The thickness of your lenses will also depend on the dimensions of the frames you’re sending us. In our online quotes, we recommend the best lens thickness for your prescription to ensure a great fit.
High-index lenses are not only slimmer, but they are also more durable and lighter in weight, making them an excellent option for those with higher prescriptions.
Here’s a quick guide to lens index options:
- Standard 1.5 index: Basic lens thickness.
- Thin 1.60 High-Index Lenses: About 20% slimmer and lighter than standard lenses. These are the minimum required for rimless glazing, as standard lenses are too brittle for rimless frames.
- Thinner 1.67 High-Index Lenses: About 33% slimmer and lighter than standard lenses.
- Thinnest 1.74 High-Index Lenses: About 45% slimmer and lighter than standard lenses.
With our ULTIMA Upgrade Offer, if you choose lenses from the ULTIMA Anti-Glare range, we’ll automatically upgrade your lenses to the next best high-index option. ULTIMA lenses come with a 12-month no-quibble warranty against damage, and are made, glazed, and dispatched within just 24 – 48 hours (stock range lenses only).
If you’re not concerned about the weight or thickness of your lenses, we are happy to supply the basic lenses to suit your budget, though we’ll still advise you on the best options to ensure you make an informed choice. Once we receive your glasses, if you have selected an option we feel is unsuitable, we will get in touch to let you know if we feel an upgrade is needed.
Q. What is your ULTIMA Upgrade Offer?
A. At various times throughout the year, we run our ULTIMA Upgrade Offer. When you opt for any of our ULTIMA Anti-Glare lenses, you’ll automatically receive an upgrade to slimmer, lighter, and tougher lenses at no extra cost.
For example:
- If you order Standard 1.5 ULTIMA lenses, you’ll be upgraded to Thin 1.6 ULTIMA lenses.
- If you order Thinner 1.67 ULTIMA lenses, you’ll be upgraded to Thinnest 1.74 ULTIMA lenses.
In addition, all ULTIMA lenses come with a no-quibble 12-month warranty, protecting your lenses from any mishaps or damage. Plus, if you choose ULTIMA lenses, they’ll be made, glazed, and dispatched within just 24 – 48 hours (for stock-range single-vision lenses only).
This offer is often referred to as the Free Thin & Light Lens Upgrade, so be sure to check the special offers section of our website to see when this or other Lensology deals are available!
Q. What does single vision and varifocal/progressive mean? What’s the difference?
A. Single-vision lenses provide just one type of focus, which can be for distance, reading, or specific intermediate use, such as computer work. These lenses correct vision for a single distance.
Varifocal lenses, sometimes referred to as progressive lenses, offer multiple types of focus within the same lens. For example:
- Bifocal lenses provide two focus areas — one for distance and one for reading.
- Varifocal (progressive) lenses provide three focus areas, seamlessly covering distance, intermediate, and reading zones, making them ideal for people who need clear vision across all ranges.
Q. I am concerned about trying varifocals for the first time. What if I cannot adapt to wearing them?
A. It’s completely normal to experience an adjustment period when trying varifocals for the first time. This period can range from as little as five minutes to, in some cases, up to two weeks. If you’re finding it difficult to adjust, one of our friendly experts will gladly guide you through the process and offer tips to help you adapt to wearing this type of lens.
In the unlikely event that you cannot adjust to varifocals, we offer flexible options. We can either exchange your varifocals for an alternative lens type and refund any price difference or, if preferred, provide a full refund.
Q. Is there an advantage to buying higher quality lenses, aren’t they all the same?
A. Yes, there is a huge advantage to buying higher quality lenses.
For single-vision lenses, you’ll benefit from improved clarity of vision and a slimmer, lighter lens compared to standard options. Higher quality lenses also come with superior coatings that reduce reflections, are easier to keep clean, and offer better scratch resistance.
At Lensology, we’re proud to offer high-quality lenses at affordable prices, and we believe that investing in quality lenses pays off in the long run.
For varifocals, the benefits are even more significant. Higher quality varifocals, like our Omni-Vision HD, provide:
- Half the price of the high-street equivalent for this level of design.
- Cutting-edge freeform design.
- Much less “swim and sway” compared to lower-end varifocals.
- Reduced distortion, especially in the peripheral areas of the lens.
- Easier side-to-side head movement.
- Larger distance and reading zones, with a much wider intermediate zone.
- Natural blending across all focal points for greater comfort.
- Fast adaptation, even for previous single vision or bifocal wearers.
- A 100% no-quibble satisfaction guarantee — if you’re not happy, we will either swap the lenses or refund you.
Q. Why are some varifocals/progressives a lot cheaper than others, and how come some places offer "free" varifocals while others charge a fortune?
A. The simple answer is you get what you pay for. Free varifocals or lower-priced options are often of poor quality, offering a smaller field of vision, more distortion, and less comfort. These lenses may cause issues like “swim and sway,” making them harder to adapt to and less comfortable for long-term wear.
At Lensology, we offer even the most technologically advanced varifocals for significantly less than what you’d pay at competitors. This means you can get the best quality lenses at a much more affordable price, ensuring clear vision, comfort, and a smoother experience overall.
Q. How much better are high-end varifocals/progressives compared to low-end ‘free’ ones?
A. Varifocal lenses are more complex than single-vision lenses, as they need to provide three levels of eye correction — distance, intermediate, and near — all blended into a single lens. This complexity makes it difficult to avoid some level of distortion.
Low-end varifocals tend to have significant peripheral distortion, leaving only a small portion of the lens working effectively for clear vision.
The good news is that even our entry-level Digital Freeform Varifocal (DFF) lenses compare favourably with high street mid-range designs. Our Omni-Vision HD lenses are comparable to the best varifocals produced by leading manufacturers such as Essilor, Nikon, and Hoya, offering minimal distortion and a smoother visual experience.
We always recommend spending at the top end of your budget for varifocal lenses, as you’ll notice a real difference in performance between lower-end options and premium lenses. If you wear varifocals most of the time, it’s worth investing in the best possible lenses within your budget for maximum comfort and vision clarity.
Q. What are bifocals, and can you supply any type?
A. Bifocals are lenses with two distinct areas of vision correction in one lens. The majority of the lens is for distance vision, while the lower portion has a visible segment for reading. The most popular bifocal style is the D28, named for its D-shaped reading segment, which is 28mm wide.
We can supply other bifocal shapes and sizes, including:
- Executives
- R24, R28, R38
- D35
- C28
If you’ve worn a specific type of bifocal in the past, we can match the lenses already in your frame. You don’t need to know the exact type, but if you want a different style, just let us know!
Q. Do you supply and fit lenses for rimless glasses?
A. Yes, we do. Due to the labour-intensive nature of glazing rimless frames, there is an additional £10 rimless glazing charge.
Please note that rimless frames require a minimum of thin index 1.6 lenses for durability. Standard index 1.5 CR39 lenses are not strong enough to last reliably in a rimless frame. You can choose any lens above the basic level for your rimless glasses.
Q. So you can pretty much get any lenses and glaze them into any frame?
Q. I can’t find what I’m looking for on your price guide. Does that mean you don’t offer this?
Q. I think I am more confused now than I was before...
A. We’re sorry to hear that! It’s not our intention to confuse anyone. There are a lot of options available, but that’s because we want to cater to every individual’s specific needs and requirements.
Feel free to give us a call on 01923 940 408 and chat with one of our friendly and knowledgeable optical experts. We’re here to guide you through the entire process if needed. We’ll provide advice and answer any questions you have, always in plain English — we promise!
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