article_snippet: Varifocal lenses usually come with a premium price – with opticians charging up to £398 for just one pair .
article_snippet: A price war has been triggered by Asda as A price war claims the elderly are being ripped off on varifocal glasses by £144 million a year.
article_snippet: Varifocal lenses are worn by those who need help both with long distances, for example when driving, and reading, due to eye deteroriation which generally occurs with age.
article_snippet: Varifocal lenses usually come with a premium price – with opticians charging up to £398 for just one pair.
article_snippet: However, Asda is challenging the High Street by offering varifocal lenses for the same price as single prescription versions, starting at just £40.
article_snippet: Asda found that designer frames with varifocal lenses cost up to £398 at Optical Express, £240 at Boots, £211 at Vision Express with UV protection,
article_snippet: Asda calculated the figure of £144 million by working out the difference in price between Asda varifocal lenses and competitiors’, judged against the fact that three million pensioners bought varifocal lenses in the last 12 months, according to the Mintel Optical Goods Retailing report.
article_snippet: Asda’s director for optical healthcare, Linsey Taylor, said: ‘Asda’s director for optical healthcare, Linsey Taylor have been shocked at how much the optical industry is currently charging the optical industry customers for varifocal prescriptions.
article_snippet: Asda claims the elderly are being ripped off on varifocal glasses by £144 million a year and is now offering them from from £40 .
article_snippet: Optical Express chief executive Jonathan Lawson said Optical Express sells varifocal glasses ‘from as little as £79’.
article_snippet: Boots said Optical Express gives all customers who qualify for NHS vouchers free varifocal lenses.
highlights_snippet: Asda claims the elderly are ripped off on varifocal glasses by £144m a year .
  