Reputable Opticians / Varifocals

Having had myopia all my life, I've had to put up with fairly strong prescription spectacles. Some years ago, an optician had warned me that when I approach my 50s, I'd require bifocals/varifocals. 3 years ago, I entered that dreaded phase, and inevitably I had a terrible struggle adjusting to varifocals. The last optician (specsavers) suggested I'd try using 2 pairs - one for distance only and the other for reading, 'recycling' my old frames. That was a disaster, and I'd reverted to varifocals.
Last year, when it was time to update the prescription/glass, I had no wish to use Specavers again due to indifferent staff and arms breaking off, requiring repair, I tried a different optician. Varifocals are supplied, but I had problem with adjusting to the new prescription and then returned to the optician explaining my problem, where I had to move the glasses down my nose to read better. The optician explained that the old prescription (by Specsavers) for reading was a bit too strong and had given my eyes, in her words, 'artificial extra help'. So I've to be 'weaned off' the strong prescription, or I'd end up with too heavy/thick lenses when I approach old age.
So I have to either to put up with getting used to the new prescription or to find another optician - who should know his/her stuff. Would anyone who has similar problems as mine share their experiences?
Thanks,
allendog

Hi, my mother recently got new varifocals in Vision Express and can't believe the difference in them compared to her old ones from Specsavers. The optician went through the different types of lenses, suitable frames for the lenses etc. Best of all they were ready for collection in about an hour!

What area are you in? The optician in Sundrive Shopping Centre is great in my opinion but I've never had to deal with your problem - just straightforward myopia for me.