I think occupational or "office" lenses are still underutilised, even though they can be life-changing for the right patient. I've been speaking with a local chiropractor who has noticed a real rise in neck and posture issues since the pandemic, with so many of us spending more time on screens than ever before. A big part of that comes from people trying to make do with varifocals or distance glasses for close work. I often describe varifocals to patients like a pair of trainers: they will do everything fairly well, but they are not task specific. If you are climbing a mountain, you would not choose trainers, you would want hiking boots. It is the same with lenses. For desk-based patients, or anyone using multiple monitors, office lenses provide the right tool for the job, giving a wide intermediate and near field of view without the head tilt or constant swapping of glasses. It is a small change that can make a big difference to comfort, posture and overall quality of life.
One specialty lens I see as underutilized is the scleral contact lens. I often recommend it for patients with irregular corneas, such as those with keratoconus, corneal scarring, post-surgical changes, or severe dry eye. Scleral lenses vault over the cornea, providing a smooth optical surface and moisture reservoir, which improves vision and comfort. Many patients who struggle with standard soft or rigid lenses find that scleral lenses give them clearer vision, enhanced comfort, and better eye protection, making them an effective but often overlooked solution in eye care.