When I did my initial Class 1 medical at Gatwick in 2001, the doctor there told me that the CAA didn't recommend varifocals, particularly for helicopter flying. I have no idea if that's changed or not. Anyway, I tried them. I don't recall a problem with hovering, but trying to fly low over trees into a confined area was terrifying. I couldn't judge my height over the trees, as I had no idea which bit of the lens I was looking through. I had the varifocals on a free trial from Boots, and I went back and swopped them for bifocals. I had to experiment a bit to find the best place for the closeup bit, but once I got it sorted out, they work fine. However, I've talked to helicopter pilots who use varifocals, and it seems that they're fine once you get used to them. I just think I might kill myself while getting used to them!
