Multifocal contact lens

A multifocal contact lens construction and a method for fabricating a contact lens. According to one embodiment a lens is formed with two focusing zones positioned about a center point. A first optic zone is formed in a center area of the lens, providing a first power correction for distance vision. A second optic zone is formed concentrically about and contiguous with the first optic zone. The second zone provides a second power correction for near vision. Preferably, the first power correction for distance vision is positioned in a most central inner portion of the first optic zone. The first optic zone also includes an outer portion contiguous with the inner portion and characterized by an increasing eccentricity. According to a method of making a contact lens, a desired distance correction power and a desired near vision correction power are determined and a base curve design is specified. A power profile is created along the lens surface which, in combination with the base curve design, provides the desired distance correction power and near vision correction power. Creation of the profile includes forming a first continuous optic zone about the center of the lens surface, with that zone providing the combination of the distance correction power and an intermediate correction power. A second optic zone is formed concentrically about and contiguous with the first optic zone, providing the near vision correction power. The portion of the power profile corresponding to the intermediate correction profile is characterized by a monotonically increasing gradient having a minimum value equal to the distance correction power and a maximum value equal to the near vision correction power.