I'm nearsighted with a slight bit of astigmatism. (-6 or so). I got progressive lenses the last time around at the optician. I hated the whole process; it was desperate and high-pressure sales. I hate the progressive lenses because using them requires tilting your head at awkward angles. I hate that the near-sighted prescriptions are regulated as much as they are.

I ended up self-serving at eyebuydirect.com. For the price of the highway robbery at the local optician I got 6 pairs of reasonable quality frames with regular lenses stepping along a range I guessed I need for computer work. And I couldn't be happier, even though I ignored the astigmatism bit. It's possible there is a bit of that engineer DIY itch that got scratched in the process as well :-)