I notice that you new frames are fairly short, which is a little bit of
challenge for any progressive lens. How tall are your old frames?

Many lens makers have special model progressive lens designs that are
specifically suited for short frames. You didn't say which model of Nikon
lens you have, but it looks to me like the Nikon i and maybe Nikon VV are
suitable for a short frame. However, even with a lens that is designed for a
short frame, you overall vision will probably not be as good as with a
larger frame (but you will look "fashionable").

The other thing to investigate is whether the lenses where fitted in the
frame with the correct fitting height. Even a small error could cause the
problems you are noticing. It is quite common for remakes to be required
because of an improper fitting of the lens in the frame (which is the reason
why progressives are so expensive).

One problem that I noticed (being a 6'1") is that if I have my frame
measured for fitting by someone shorter than me, then even when we are both
sitting down, they are not looking straight into eyes. When they are
standing and I am sitting they are looking down, and when we are both
standing they are looking up. I know this sounds silly, but the business of
optical shops is replete with incompetence.

Earlier this week I picked up a new set of progressives following an
eye checkup that showed a small change in my Rx. I didn't need new
glasses, but I'm a bit of an eyeglass junkie and so I decided to treat
myself to another pair with trendy frames.

I went to my favorite optician and we discussed lens options. He said
that he had been having good success recently with a lens from Nikon
Canada called the Nikon i so I went for those. Webpage:
http://www.nikonlenswear.ca/en/lentilles/progressive.php#

Unlike my past couple of pairs (one Varilux Comfort and one AO Easy)
when I first tried my new glasses on in the store they immediately
didn't feel right. The suggestion was made that I wear my previous
glasses the rest of the day and try the new ones first thing next
morning upon awakening, which I agree is sound advice. I did that and
still not much joy. Intermediate and reading is fine but distance
vision is yucky. Lots of off-center non-correction and even watching TV
is difficult unless you are perpendicular to the screen. Walking
around, just doing everyday things, there is definitely swim that isn't
there with the other lenses in my other glasses.

Unfortunately these frames (Face A Face "Archi" :
http://www.faceaface-paris.com/home.php?lang=4&called=cat&srub=dcv&concept=ARCHI
&gl_id=26
) are plastic and therefore have less adjustability than many others.
I suspect the lens centers are set slightly too high but I can't see
how they can be tweaked without a remake. Maybe I'm wrong.

I believe the Nikon line is Canadian only but perhaps not -- or maybe
the same lenses are sold in the US under a different brand. Anyone have
experience with Nikon progressives to share?