An ophthalmic multifocal switchable lens includes a deformable element manifesting elevated strain with a formable surface of a multifocal surface shape to provide far and near vision. A transparent chamber is filled with optical matching fluid adjacent to the side of the deformable element opposite to the formable surface. The optical matching fluid has a refractive index that matches a refractive index of the deformable element material. A holding chamber is also filled with the optical matching fluid and connected with the transparent chamber with a means for preventing the optical fluid from being transported from the holding chamber to the transparent chamber which would reduce a strain of the deformable element. A split of light between far and near vision of the multifocal switchable lent changes upon a removal of the means to allow a flow of the optical matching fluid into the transparent chamber.
