If you do end up switching to varifocals, you'll probably never go back. I love mine (have had them since I was 14).
I don't know what goes into the pricing schemes you mention, though, since I've never been in a position to have been offered them. A complete set of glasses -- frames, lenses, and optometrist's visit -- generally costs me about $1000, which is why I only get new frames when I absolutely have to. Because of my prescription, there are certain types of frames (usually the cheaper ones) that I can't use because they aren't sturdy enough for my lenses, which means that w/o getting a new frame, a new prescription (including optometrist's visit, which is usually a minor fraction) generally only costs me about $750.
no subject
I don't know what goes into the pricing schemes you mention, though, since I've never been in a position to have been offered them. A complete set of glasses -- frames, lenses, and optometrist's visit -- generally costs me about $1000, which is why I only get new frames when I absolutely have to. Because of my prescription, there are certain types of frames (usually the cheaper ones) that I can't use because they aren't sturdy enough for my lenses, which means that w/o getting a new frame, a new prescription (including optometrist's visit, which is usually a minor fraction) generally only costs me about $750.