I used an independent optician for years who had a large rack with thousands of lenses which he tried one at a time but I eventually went to Specsavers and the difference and improvement in technology and testing was remarkable. Still £160 for varifocals at both places.
I wouldn't go to either of them. I have excellent personal service from my local independent optician, who has far more time from me than ever I found from a chain or franchises.
Recommended sticking to an Optometrist which is much as I imagined - even with the help given me by NHS Vouchers the cost is alarming,never mind , onward we go.
When we get back to UK it is Specsavers. Can have eye-test in one location (one set of kids) and receive specs and fitting in another (another set of kids separated by 200 miles). New glasses can be 2,000 euros here and even private insurance only pays about 30% - so, no contest!