Prescription Masks/Lenses - advice please?

[David A]

[Midnight]

I know I have been a long time getting this sorted but my mind has been concentrated as I lost my inserts in the middle of Dublin Bay on saturday after 9yrs of faithful service and very careful handling!!

I managed to contact my optician from when I lived in Kent who does not deal with the company any more was able to give me their name. The company is called Norville.

I got their contact details from the website and was quickly put through to their sales department. I was informed that they have the usual retail agreement with their customers and are not allowed to deal directly with the public. However, the lady who I spoke to was very helpful and was able to put me in touch with a local optician who can order the frames from them.

It turned-out that the nearest one was in Malahide which is where the boat I was on, on saturday, is moored......... Small world eh?

She was also able to tell me that the optician she reccommended had a catalogue that contains the product including a picture, not bad?

This is what it looks like, after a bit of a clean!!
http://www.yorkshire-divers.co.uk/fo...d=113018637 8

Sorry for the delay.
Regards
Midnight

[ardhill]

Been reading with interest as I have been considering prescription lenses myself. I have been diving with a 'normal' lenses so far as my eyesight isn't too bad. I normally only wear glasses for driving and distance such as going to the cinema etc.

But, as I dive in the UK, I reckoned that anything that would be an improvement to the vis would be good

I had seen the usual offerings from some of the manufacturers, you know the 'off the shelf' corrected lenses rather than a proper prescription and had thought of going to my optician and asking him which diopeter numbers would best suit me. Then when looking at Cressi Sub's web site http://www.cressi-sub.net/masks.htm#ondina I discovered a place that Cressi recommend that makes prescription lenses for a similar price to the 'off the shelf' ones http://www.axisoptical.co.uk/products1.htm

So, all I have to do now is find a mask that suits me now. I dream that one day I will be able to see the stuff clipped to my BC and not just 'feel for it'. So I am looking at something like 'Big Eyes' , 'X-Vision' or the like. But I have a slim face so it's not so easy finding a good vision range mask that fits, especially since I don't have that many choices of LDS over here to try on different masks.

[scribley]

I've had a TUSA Platina mask with prescription lenses. This was a nice mask - suitable for those with small faces, but it pressed on the bridge of my nose.
I've just replaced it with a Mares X-Vision with prescription lenses from Scubastore.com. This mask fits well, even though I have a small/narrow face - might be worth a try (I haven't tried it in the water yet though). Cost £63 inc 2 prescription lenses + postage (and they fit the lenses for me). They are selling their big-eyes masks for about £18 at the moment, and £20 for each prescription lense.

[scribley]

PS. I checked with scubastore - they'll let you return the mask if it doesn't fit(even if they have fitted prescription lenses into it) as long as it hasn't been used/damaged.

[StuartC]

I read this thread a while back and didn't think I could add much, but a recent conversation with Sue from my LDS (Overland Underwater) might be relevant.

I use a Cressi Horizon with bonded lenses for my "well gozzy astigmatism!"...

This was new last year and replaced my previous corrected lens mask that I bought in 1990.

I'm really chuffed with the mask and lens and would be buggered if it gets bust/lost. I take my old one on trips as a backup, since my prescription hasn't changed massively and it does the job, but I'd just assumed that the repairs would probably be to buy the same mask and swap the glass/lenses across.

Sue commented that the Cressi range was really good because the different parts can all be replaced, e.g. if you tear the silicon skirt, it can be renewed, or bust the strap clips etc. With some other manufacturers masks you need to bin it even if it's just a clip for the strap that's gone.

So, when you're looking for a mask that you're going to invest in lenses for, check about it's future maintenance aspects and avoid disappointment.

PS: Cressi do a small mask called the Linz, which SWMBO has in readiness for moving from contacts to bonded lenses. Nice small mask for those with a smaller face.

[ardhill]

Thanks Jo & Stuart

My current mask is (allegedly) a copy of the platina, and it fits just fine. I am looking to change so that I can see further down my front to get at my accessories a little easier. So, maybe the X-Vision would be a good size for me too. What's it like for downward view?

I tried using contacts a few years ago ant couldn't be bothered with the hassle and that was for 'normal' use, so that's why I passed on that Idea for diving. I really didn't like shoving things into my eyes.

[Twinsetmad]

A small word of warning...there is still a company operating that has ripped off hordes of divers, that signed up at one of the past dive shows. The company has been named in this thread. Use only a reputable shop with a reccomendation. Diveoptix......

[2DiVE4]

Hi Suzanne

I haven't read the other posts so I may be repeating.

There is a small disk you can purchase called a magniview that you can stick to the inside of any standard mask. This is ideal for reading computers, gauges etc and can be purchased for around £17.

If you wish to go the prescription mask route then oceanic have the Ion mask priced at around £28 with prescription lenses from £16

These should be available from your local dive store. If you have any trouble then visit Learn to Scuba Dive UK PADI Diving Equipment UK Dive Trips Essex where you can order them.

Regards,

Steve