CONTACT LENSES · CONCORD EYECARE
Multifocal contact lenses — with realistic expectations
Freedom from reading glasses is possible. As a multifocal contact lens wearer myself, I'll tell you exactly what to expect — the good and the trade-offs.
Book a Consultation (02) 8765 9600Reviewed by Dr Mark Joung, B.Optom (Hons) UNSW · Last updated May 2026
Multifocal Contact Lenses
What are multifocal contact lenses — and who are they for?
Unlike bifocal lenses with a visible line, multifocal contacts use concentric ring or aspheric designs that gradually transition between prescriptions. The latest generation from CooperVision and Alcon are daily disposables — you wear a fresh pair each day, which is especially good if you have dry eyes or only want to wear them part-time.
Many of our patients over 40 come in assuming contact lenses aren't possible for them anymore. They've heard multifocals are "only for glasses." That's not true — and the technology has improved dramatically in the last few years.
Progressive wearers
You already wear multifocal glasses but want freedom for sport, social events, or days when glasses feel limiting.
Reading glasses avoiders
You're tired of pulling out readers for menus, phones, and price tags. Multifocal CLs handle most of that for you.
Active lifestyles
Tennis, golf, cycling, swimming — anywhere glasses fog, bounce, or get in the way. Contacts just disappear.
Realistic Expectations
What multifocal contacts actually do — and don't do
These are the details worth knowing before you start — not after you've paid for a fitting and feel disappointed.
The fitting process is really about finding your personal sweet spot — balancing enough reading power to be useful, without sacrificing distance clarity or creating problems at night. For most patients, that sweet spot exists, and they love their lenses. But it's a compromise, not magic.
What they do well
Phone screens, menus, price tags, computer work — the everyday near tasks that make you reach for readers.
Sport, social events, and active days where glasses are impractical.
General convenience — no switching between distance and reading glasses.
The trade-offs
Fine print for extended periods (long novels, detailed spreadsheets) — readers may still be better.
Night driving glare — if the add power is pushed too high, halos around lights can be noticeable.
Distance clarity may drop slightly compared to single-vision distance lenses.
The Fitting Process
How we fit multifocal contacts
Multifocal contacts are harder to fit than standard lenses — that's why many optometrists don't actively offer them. The fitting involves more than just your prescription. We assess your dominant eye, tear film quality, pupil size, and lifestyle needs to select the right lens design and power combination.
Assessment
Eye health check, prescription update, tear film and corneal assessment, dominant eye test.
Trial lenses
We select a lens design and add power based on your needs. You'll try them in-office and we fine-tune.
Teaching
If you're new to contacts, we teach insertion and removal until you're confident. No rush.
Follow-up
Wear the trial lenses for a week, then come back. We adjust if needed. Changes are included.
Fitting fee: $150
Covers your consultation, all trial lenses, insertion and removal teaching, follow-up visit, and any adjustments until we get it right. No hidden extras.
Medicare rebate: If your prescription is ±5.00 or higher, or you have 3.00 dioptres or more of astigmatism, Medicare item 10921 applies and reduces your out-of-pocket cost. We'll let you know at your appointment if you're eligible.
Comparison
Multifocal contacts vs progressive glasses
Most of our multifocal contact lens patients also own progressive glasses. They're not either-or — they complement each other for different situations.
| Multifocal contacts | Progressive glasses | |
|---|---|---|
| Near vision | Good for everyday tasks — phones, menus, screens. May not match dedicated readers for fine print. | Sharp near vision in the reading zone. Wider sweet spot for prolonged reading. |
| Distance vision | Good. Slight softness possible compared to single-vision lenses. | Excellent in the upper zone. Peripheral distortion common in lower-quality designs. |
| Sport & active use | Excellent. No fogging, bouncing, or peripheral frame obstruction. | Limited. Fogging, movement, risk of damage. |
| Night driving | Glare possible, especially with higher add powers. We manage this during fitting. | Generally better. Wider optical zone, no tear film variability. |
| Convenience | No glasses to carry, clean, or lose. Daily disposables mean zero maintenance. | Always ready. No insertion/removal routine. |
| Dry eyes | Can be challenging. Dailies help. We screen and advise on realistic wear schedules. | Not affected by dry eyes. |
| Cost | $150 fitting fee + ongoing lens supply (varies by brand and frequency). | From $600/pair at Concord Eyecare. One-off purchase, lasts 1–2 years. |
Other Options
Not the right fit? Here's what else we offer
Multifocal contacts aren't for everyone. If they're not right for your eyes or lifestyle, we'll guide you to the best alternative.
Ortho-K lenses
Custom lenses worn overnight that reshape your cornea while you sleep. Wake up with clear vision — no glasses or daytime contacts.
Learn about Ortho-K →Progressive lenses
Still the gold standard for sharp near vision. We fit all major brands with a focus on getting the design right first time.
Our progressive lenses →Dry eye & contacts
Dry eyes don't always rule out contacts — but they need to be managed properly. We diagnose the cause and build a realistic wear plan.
Dry eye treatment →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about multifocal contacts
Are multifocal contact lenses worth it?
For most patients — yes, with the right expectations. They won't perfectly replace reading glasses for every task, but the freedom from carrying glasses for sport, social, and everyday use is significant. The majority of our patients continue wearing them long-term.
Can I drive at night in multifocal contacts?
Most patients can. However, some experience halos or glare around headlights, especially if the reading addition is set higher. We test for this during fitting and adjust the lens power balance to minimise night vision issues.
Should I choose daily or monthly multifocal lenses?
Dailies are ideal for part-time wear (weekends, sport, events) and for patients with dry eyes. Monthlies are more cost-effective for everyday wear. We recommend based on how often you plan to wear them.
How long does it take to adjust?
Most patients notice an improvement within the first few days, though full adaptation can take 1–2 weeks. Your brain needs time to learn which zone of the lens to prioritise at different distances.
Can I wear multifocal contacts with astigmatism?
In many cases, yes. Mild astigmatism can often be managed within a standard multifocal design. For higher astigmatism, we may need toric multifocal options or alternative approaches like Ortho-K with reading glasses.
What if multifocal contacts don't work for me?
It happens — not everyone adapts. If we can't find a combination that works, we'll redirect you to the best alternative: monovision contacts, updated progressive glasses, or a combination approach.
REFERENCES
Clinical references
- Yam JC, Jiang Y, Tang SM, et al. Low-Concentration Atropine for Myopia Progression (LAMP) Study: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of 0.05%, 0.025%, and 0.01% atropine eye drops in myopia control. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(1):113-124.
- Chia A, Chua WH, Cheung YB, et al. Atropine for the treatment of childhood myopia: safety and efficacy of 0.5%, 0.1%, and 0.01% doses (ATOM2). Ophthalmology. 2012;119(2):347-354.
- Aspen Pharmacare Australia. EIKANCE Product Information. Available from the Therapeutic Goods Administration ARTG.
- Pharmacy Board of Australia. Guidelines on Compounding of Medicines. August 2024.
Serving Sydney families: Concord · Drummoyne · Abbotsford · Burwood · Five Dock · Strathfield · Homebush · Rhodes
Ready to try multifocal contacts?
Book a consultation and we'll give you a realistic assessment of whether they'll work for your eyes and lifestyle.
Book a Consultation (02) 8765 9600