What is the total power of a lens if the distance portion is +2.00 D and the bifocal add is +1.00?

To determine the total power of a bifocal lens, you need to combine the power of both the distance portion and the add segment. The distance portion of the lens provides a focal power of +2.00 diopters, while the bifocal add (which is meant for near vision) provides an additional +1.00 diopter.

Calculating the total power involves simply adding the power of the distance portion to the add. So, +2.00 D (distance) + +1.00 D (add) results in +3.00 D. This total power represents the effective strength of the lens when a person is transitioning from distance vision to near vision.

This calculation process illustrates how bifocal lenses function, allowing multiplicity of corrections for different viewing distances by adding additional diopters to the primary prescription. This makes it easy for patients to see clearly at both distance and near ranges with one lens, thus providing a seamless visual experience.