I recently sent an identical new Scubapro Clear VU 4 mask to optician Leonard Maggiore in Long Beach, NY and Prescription Dive Masks in San Diego, CA. Each was to be fitted with the exact same prescription (bifocals) and a +3.75 correction. I didn't plan on doing this, but delays with PDM forced me into finding a second vendor since PDM was taking so long. This experience does serve as a good comparison of services and quality for prescription lenses, but an expensive one.
Comparison as follows:
Mr. Marriore, Long Beach NY - He's an optician who "invented" scuba mask prescription lenses many years ago and is still in business. I talked with him by phone and read my prescription to him to be sure he could do it and return the mask in time to make a dive trip the first week of April. I received the mask back today and the lenses are great. Less than 2 weeks turnaround from the day I sent it - which he says is normal time. (super!!). Total cost was about 20% less than PDM (same bifocal prescription) and included return priority shipping. Workmanship on the lenses is about the same - very good - with the bifocal viewing a bit restricted to a narrow angle like the lenses done by PDM. I think the mask shape plays a big role in that now having done two identical masks by difference services.
Prescription Dive Masks, San Diego CA - I used them for another set of lenses three years ago. Good service and good lenses back then. This latest order was a bit of a nightmare! It took them almost two months to finally ship the mask, albeit overnight delivery. This all started back in early January with a similar call. Got three difference reasons for the delay via e-mails and phone calls. And I thought I was going to have to eat the costs as it was taking so long. I assume the "damaged skirt" reason was correct as the mask I finally received was not the one I sent - but still appeared to be a brand new Scubapro of the same model.
Bottom line - I'd use Mr. Maggiore again in a heartbeat. Lower cost, comparable lens quality and much quicker turnaround. You talk to him on the phone and he's the optician making the lenses. Using PDM - I am not so sure. My recent experience may be a fluke. Others have certainly gotten good service as did I in the past.
Comparison as follows:
Mr. Marriore, Long Beach NY - He's an optician who "invented" scuba mask prescription lenses many years ago and is still in business. I talked with him by phone and read my prescription to him to be sure he could do it and return the mask in time to make a dive trip the first week of April. I received the mask back today and the lenses are great. Less than 2 weeks turnaround from the day I sent it - which he says is normal time. (super!!). Total cost was about 20% less than PDM (same bifocal prescription) and included return priority shipping. Workmanship on the lenses is about the same - very good - with the bifocal viewing a bit restricted to a narrow angle like the lenses done by PDM. I think the mask shape plays a big role in that now having done two identical masks by difference services.
Prescription Dive Masks, San Diego CA - I used them for another set of lenses three years ago. Good service and good lenses back then. This latest order was a bit of a nightmare! It took them almost two months to finally ship the mask, albeit overnight delivery. This all started back in early January with a similar call. Got three difference reasons for the delay via e-mails and phone calls. And I thought I was going to have to eat the costs as it was taking so long. I assume the "damaged skirt" reason was correct as the mask I finally received was not the one I sent - but still appeared to be a brand new Scubapro of the same model.
Bottom line - I'd use Mr. Maggiore again in a heartbeat. Lower cost, comparable lens quality and much quicker turnaround. You talk to him on the phone and he's the optician making the lenses. Using PDM - I am not so sure. My recent experience may be a fluke. Others have certainly gotten good service as did I in the past.
