Bespoke Spectacle Lenses
 The First Contact Team celebrate the launch of Visioffice X at our Open Day on Saturday 11th May 2019 
  • What is the Visioffice X?

    The Visioffice X is a brand new machine which we use for spectacle lens measurements. The precision of the measurements is to one-tenth of a millimeter and one-tenth of a degree. For varifocal lenses, it takes up to 40 measurements, many of which are not possible to take by hand. This enables us to produce a spectacle lens which is far more accurate and suited to you than ever before. The machine is very interactive and has guided instructions throughout the process.

  • I tried varifocals in the past and did not get on with them. Will these solve the problems I had?

    There are a variety of reasons why you may have struggled to adapt to varifocal lenses in the past. Some of the common problems with varifocals are a limited field of view, distortion, "swim" effect (things feel like they are moving around), and issues with posture. Many of the problems can be a result of the basic ways in which measurements are taken - using a marker pen or rulers, and the only measurement that is taken is the position of your pupil in the glasses. With our Varilux Xclusive 4D lenses, up to 40 measurements are used. As the lenses are personalised to your fitting, physiological and behavioural measurements, lots of the classic problems with varifocals are resolved.


    All of our varifocal lenses are covered by a 90 day warranty, so you can try them with the knowledge that if you are not satisfied with them in any way, we will reimburse you.

  • Do I need bespoke lenses?

    Our lens experts at the practice will explain based on your prescription and frame choice whether it is necessary for you to have bespoke lenses. The vast majority of varifocal wearers will benefit hugely from having lenses personalised for them. Single vision wearers will also find an improved performance in their lenses, especially if the prescription is moderately high.

  • Are the lenses expensive?

    The cost of the lenses will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of lens and prescription. Our team will be able to advise you based on the lens selection what the cost will be. We have found that our patients are often expecting the lenses to be considerably more than they actually are, based on the complexity of them. 

We are very proud to be the first opticians in the entire world to be able to offer our patients the incredible experience of Visioffice X. This is a groundbreaking development in optical measuring solutions, which combines fitting, physiological and behavioural measurements to enable us to produce a spectacle lens which is completely individualised to the wearer.


  • The precision of the measurements is one-tenth of a millimeter and one-tenth of a degree.
  • H3D is a patented and exclusive protocol which analyses your natural posture in far vision. The H3D technology is automatically embedded in the Visioffice® X’s measurements protocol to ensure a better comfort for the wearer.
  • Eyecode technology measures the exact position of your eye rotation centre. This unique point in the eye, where all fixation lines intersect, is considered in the lens production to calculate more precisely each fixation and provide a higher lens precision for an instant vision without effort for the wearer.

In addition, for varifocal wearers:

  • Near Vision Behaviour measurement recreates a familiar close-up task to understand how you naturally use your eyes when reading. This means we can position the reading area in your lenses exactly where you need it to be.
  • Measures the individual parameters of your chosen frame. The wrap angle tells us how curved your frame is, and the pantoscopic angle shows how tilted the frame is when fitted to your face. These measurements are compensated when your lenses are made, giving you the best vision possible.
  • Visioffice® X will calculate which is your dominant eye, and this can be incorporated into your lenses to give you more natural vision.

We are very proud to be the first opticians in the entire world to be able to offer our patients the incredible experience of Visioffice X. This is a groundbreaking development in optical measuring solutions, which combines fitting, physiological and behavioural measurements to enable us to produce a spectacle lens which is completely individualised to the wearer.


  • The precision of the measurements is one-tenth of a millimeter and one-tenth of a degree.
  • H3D is a patented and exclusive protocol which analyses your natural posture in far vision. The H3D technology is automatically embedded in the Visioffice® X’s measurements protocol to ensure a better comfort for the wearer.
  • Eyecode technology measures the exact position of your eye rotation centre. This unique point in the eye, where all fixation lines intersect, is considered in the lens production to calculate more precisely each fixation and provide a higher lens precision for an instant vision without effort for the wearer.

In addition, for varifocal wearers:

  • Near Vision Behaviour measurement recreates a familiar close-up task to understand how you naturally use your eyes when reading. This means we can position the reading area in your lenses exactly where you need it to be.
  • Measures the individual parameters of your chosen frame. The wrap angle tells us how curved your frame is, and the pantoscopic angle shows how tilted the frame is when fitted to your face. These measurements are compensated when your lenses are made, giving you the best vision possible.
  • Visioffice® X will calculate which is your dominant eye, and this can be incorporated into your lenses to give you more natural vision.

Ken B - Via email

I just wanted to write and say what a positive difference I am finding in these new Varilux Xclusive design lenses! I realised things had changed when instead of having a black spot and a ruler placed in front of my eyes on a plain lens to take measurements, I was taken through a comprehensive range of vision and reading tasks and tests. I have previously had an issue with a high street chain who got the spot in the wrong place! 

Your excellent explanation for each test and the ease of undertaking them meant that I had great confidence that this process was all designed to get the right lens for my individual eyes. In particular the checking of my actual face as a digital image on a digital screen and using this technology to make accurate and minor adjustments were impressive. However, what seems to have had the best effect has been the test to determine my eye and head movements so as to reduce the movement of both. I can definitely state that I have noticed a difference in this. I work for many hours at a computer screen and after a couple of days adjustment I noticed distinctive improvements. My vision overall is much sharper, clearer, and there appears to be less distortion on blocks of print. I also feel that as a result of these improvements I am certainly not as tired as I used to be when working for long periods of time. 

I will certainly be recommending First Contact as somewhere where you take great care and time to get new progressive/varifocal lenses individualised to an individual person’s needs. For me you are right on the mark with the technology being used, and demonstrate positive outcomes for customers in need of progressive lenses such as myself. Highly delighted!
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