there is very little difference in the reading power of your old and
new bifocals.  the small difference that exists is in the left eye.
how do you think your distance vision is in your new glasses?
do you feel like you have to hold your reading material further or
nearer to see it better with your new glasses?
is your bifocal height different in your new glasses?

+5.25 +1.25 x 3
+5.75 +1.75 x 177
Add +1.75

Roger,

You said these are bifocals. I'll assume you meant with a line and not
progressive addition lenses.

Power on the vertical meridian is Rt +7.00D and Lt +7.50D. The clearest vision
for reading will occur if the base curve is about +10D (a bulbous looking lens
due to the steeper front curve) if the material is CR39, steeper if the index of
refraction is increased. See if you can determine the type of lens (the
material, base curve, and if they are aspheric) in the old and new glasses. For
example, if the new glasses are spherical polycarbonate on a +8D base curve, the
vision through the reading zone will be quite blurry due to power error and
oblique astigmatism, and from the high dispersion of this low Abbe material.

Unfortunately, there are not a lot of lens options with this Rx. In general, you
should ask for aspheric lenses to reduce the base curve, and if CR39 (Bristolite
and maybe Rodenstock) is too heavy then use aspheric mid-index lenses from Sola
(if the true curve of the +7.75D Spectralite is steep enough for the Lt eye) and
Signet Armorlite.  The optical centers need to be optimally located on both the
vertical and horizontal meridians, the bridge fit must be very good, and try to
use a frame that is somewhat round or symmetrical with 3mm or less decentration,
minimizing weight and thickness.

Hope this helps,

Robert Martellaro
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Optician/Owner
Roberts Optical
Wauwatosa Wi.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Science is a way of trying not to fool yourself."
- Richard Feynman