I have always bought the $200 to $250 Leupold rifle scopes.

Question: Are the higher price Leupold scopes of better quality than the lower price scopes?

Or is it simply more features ?

I am really wanting better light transmission as I am getting a little older.... Thanks!

My VX3 glass is noticebly better than my VX1.
I've heard Zeiss have better light transmission than the VX3(which is very good).

You will be well serviced with a vx3 as far as glass goes. It is more clear than older models for sure. I tested mine again this weekend in the field and I honestly could see in the dark. Way way past deer time.
I also have a one year old zeiss conquest and in real life the two were so close it couldn't be determined better. I couldn't see the crosshairs in the conquest in the dark when I could still make out my standard duplex hairs in the leop vx3. I only mention this because you said your eyes are aging.

Take Me Lord

Stop by a store selling optics and try out the scopes - I try to pick 3 different quality scopes and test them against my needs FOF, Light and bright magnification etc - It is best to take them outside as interior artificial light does not allow a true test