aeromedical optometrist (if there is such a thing)

Thanks for offering. The instruments seem slightly out of focus but distance
out to horizon is ok. Reading glasses help but not well. Transition is a
slight problem when going from horizon sight picture to instruments. Also, a
1.0 or 1.25 reader solves the problem with focus on instruments but I need a
1.5 or higher to set the altimeter or to read the compass card (and probably
the flight computer when I get to use it. Last week I took a lesson that
started just before sundown because the tower held us short for nearly 15
minutes. I wore 1.0 readers. Forty-five minutes later during civil
twilight, reading the instruments was difficult. Forget about reading my
checklist.

You might try progressive lenses. I'm near-sighted, and after a few years of
having more and more trouble with near vision (though always meeting the FAA
standard) finally gave in and got progressive bifocals. It felt a little
strange for the first couple of weeks, but now I automatically tilt my head as
needed to see clearly.