Do you need laser-sharp vision to do your best work? Occupational lenses are a special type of varifocal lens. They’re designed to help you see clearly for tasks that rely on having a good balance of near and intermediate vision, like office or lab work.
Specialist lenses can help your eyes to focus when you use a screen. (Photo by Enrique Alarcon on Unsplash.)
What’s the difference between varifocals and occupational lenses?
Both varifocals and occupational lenses include different prescription strengths within the lens. This lets you see clearly at various distances without changing your glasses. Ordinary varifocals are for everyday use, while occupational lenses are for specific tasks.
In standard varifocals, the top section helps you see far away, the middle covers intermediate distance, and the bottom is for close-up work. The sides have “soft-focus” areas that help your eyes adjust. These soft-focus zones mean that the intermediate distance view is narrow, so you have to move your head more to see at these distances.
Occupational lenses expand the near and intermediate zones because these are the distances you use most often at work.
Imagine you’re a spy…
When you’re out on a mission, you wear varifocals. They help you to see a range of distances, from decoding a secret message, to a high-speed chase, to making eye contact with an undercover agent across the bar. There’s no need for you to carry more than one pair of glasses around (unless it’s for a disguise).
But recently, you’ve been put on desk duty. Long hours at the computer are starting to take a toll on your eyes. Suddenly, those versatile varifocals aren’t meeting your needs.
You decide to investigate occupational lenses specialising in the types of activities (“occupations”) you now spend most of your time on.
Common types of occupational glasses
- Office glasses (AKA computer glasses): ideal for reading, computer work and talking to colleagues/fellow spies. See prices for our office lenses.
- Enhanced reading glasses: perfect for coffee chats, as you can see your friends when you look up from your book!
- Task-specific lenses: customised lenses for tasks such as dentistry, music, industrial or lab work.
Other types of specialist lenses
As well as occupational lenses, you can buy other types of specialist lenses for particular tasks. For example, we offer a range of driving lenses. These give you a better field of intermediate and distance vision.
Can you wear occupational lenses all the time?
Unlike varifocals, occupational glasses aren’t designed to wear all day. They’re more comfortable for specific tasks, like using a computer, but less comfortable for general use. They also might not be suitable for tasks they aren’t designed for – office glasses aren’t safe for driving.
How long does it take to get used to occupational lenses?
As with varifocals, there’s an adjustment period: a few hours to a few weeks. But since you’ll use occupational lenses for one main task, you may adapt faster.
What’s the difference between bifocal and occupational lenses?
Bifocal lenses have two distinct prescription strengths in the lens, separated by a visible dividing line. Occupational lenses are a type of varifocal, meaning they have a smooth transition between multiple prescription strengths within the same lens.
Read more about bifocals vs varifocals here.
Are occupational lenses more expensive than varifocals?
Occupational lenses start at a similar price to varifocals. However, varifocals can replace the need for several pairs of glasses, so can be more cost-effective.
See our prices for occupational and lifestyle lenses here.
Occupational lenses vs varifocal lenses: Which should you choose?
| Feature | Varifocal Lenses | Occupational Lenses |
| Purpose | All-round, everyday use | Task-specific (e.g. office) |
| Comfort | Wear comfortably all day | Optimised for long periods on one task |
| Best for | Switching between distances | Focusing on one task for hours |
| Drawbacks | Narrow intermediate zone | Not suitable for all-day wear |
Choosing the right occupational lens is all about priorities
Like a spy on a mission, you need the right gear for the job. Occupational lenses reduce eye strain when you’re focusing on one task. But if you complete lots of different tasks throughout your day, you might be better off with varifocals. It all depends on how you spend your day and which activities need your sharpest focus.
Need some occupational lenses for your next mission?
We can replace the lenses in your frames with high-quality occupational lenses.
