Last year in the Bahamas, I saw an "off the rack" prescription dive mask for sale at Stuart Cove. The dive version of the "cheater" glasses you buy in drug stores when you don't want to spring for big bucks at the optometrist.

I've been looking all over the internet for them, but am having no luck finding a source for some in the US. All I'm finding are the ones where you provide a prescription and they make them to order. They are rather expensive, and we're not sure if we'd use them enough on our beach vacations to warrent the considerable cost. So we'd like to try the "generic" brand before we spring for the platinum version.

Do any Fodorites have a source or any idea where to buy them?

Mahalo.

Try this from Athletic Optics.

http://tinyurl.com/7ham7

Scroll down the page to Dive Optyx.

R5

I bought a prescription mask like the one you describe from www.snorklecity.com for my husband for Christmas. We were pleased with the quality and their selection & prices were good.

My brother (the engineer) figured out a way to fit his glasses into the mask. I think it was a force fit and didn't involve glue/tape/whatever.

What's your prescription? I have an old prescription mask that I can no longer use because I had LASIK.

Same as Razzle, only a bit cheaper.
http://tinyurl.com/bk3fe

Thanks lots for the help guys! There's way more options than I thought possible. Those stick on lenses are amazing. I'm just trying to figure out if the cost of those plus a new mask for him is going to be more expensive than buying one specially made.

ncgrrl - thanks for the offer. It's actually the boyfriend who needs the mask. I'll ask him what his prescription is, and let you know.

Mahalo for all your Help! Fodors people are the best, aren't they!

Do you have a dive shop in your town? I live in Colorado, which is pretty land-locked, but we have at least 3 dive shops. Your boyfriend might do better going some place where he can try masks on for a good seal/fit. I have a prescription mask that I ordered through a local dive master and was able to try on several non-prescription samples. Once we found a good fit, he was able to order the prescription version.

ajcolorado - great suggestion. There are a few dive shops around here, and we actually planned to visit to do just that...try on masks. I just wanted to know if there were more options that I was unaware of. Looks like it's off to the shop to compare masks!

Definitely check prices. Our local shops here in NJ are outrageously expensive compared to what I found online.

Let us know how you make out.

I bought an optical mask for snorkling on-line for $59. It is made by Body Glove, and comes in 3 strengths which you chose depending on your prescription. You can get it at www.shop.com
Just type in body glove optical mask in the search box, and it will come up.

I have used the Tusa Liberator as a prescription mask for years. You buy the mask and then buy the lenses you want. I don't know what the measure for presciption lenses are but these come in "whole and 1/2" sizes. I'm a 2.75 in one eye so I got the 2.5 lens. Everything is 25% bigger and closer looking under water so the lack of perfection doesn't affect me. The other thing I found that has been wonderful are Tusa Liberator prescription swim goggles. Same concept- you buy the mask and the lenses. I got tinted ones so it's like wearing sunglasses in the pool. It has made swimming much more enjoyable since I can now see! Diversdirect.com has both products.