We have been told by our suppliers that we sell more corrective lens mask than the whole of the rest of the Australian dive industry combined. It's because of the detailed information on this web page, plus our excellent customer service and everyday low prices. Please read the following information carefully. Then join the thousands of divers and snorkellers who are seeing clearly underwater using a corrective lens mask from The Scuba Doctor.
If you wear prescription glasses, diving and snorkelling masks fitted with lenses with your exact prescription can be obtained. But it's very expensive and time consuming. Most divers and snorkellers don't require this expensive solution and their needs can be solved with less expensive and quick to obtain corrective lens mask solutions. The important thing here is to make sure that the variety of your needs are taken into consideration and the right solution is chosen.
If you are a snorkeller you probably just need to see objects in the distance, therefore a distance only correction lens can be used with selected masks. That's the case for many divers as well. The solution is what we call a negative corrective lens mask — a negative correction to the whole lens, for short/near-sighted people with myopia.
For some scuba divers and snorkelers it's the reverse and and they need positive correction lenses for near vision issues. The solution is what we call a positive corrective lens mask — a positive correction to the whole lens, for long/far-sighted people with hypermetropia.
Some scuba divers just need a bit of help reading their gauges, dive computers, or camera controls. The solution is what we call a 'bifocal', or gauge reading, corrective lens mask — clear or planar on top and a lower pane with positive correction for reading.
Sometimes snorkellers and scuba divers have eye shapes that require lens shapes not available with corrective lenses. They need a full prescription lens mask solution, and we can't provide it.
Also, some divers may need both distance correction to see the underwater life, and near correction to read gauges and dive computers. Therefore, depending on your prescription, true bifocal, or truncated, full prescription lenses may be required — distance correction on top and a lower pane with positive correction for reading. This is what we call a full bifocal prescription lens mask solution, and we can't provide it.
Your optometrist is the best person to advise you as to which of the above solutions are right for you. Please show them this web page so that they can understand what we can and can't do. Then they can give you the right and left eye correction values we need to provide your underwater vision solution.
The Scuba Doctor is able to provide the dive and snorkelling masks listed here already fitted with pre-made corrective lenses that correct close to your prescription, not exact. This is a good solution for most scuba divers and snorkellers with low astigmatism.
Corrective lens mask: the mask, plus two separate correction lenses.
Supplied with the corrective lenses fitted, plus the original normal lenses.
We can offer dive masks in a range of correction strengths to suit most people. We offer positive and negative corrections and bifocals. Bifocals are great for people who are long sighted and just struggle to view their gauges. The lenses we supply are not the stick on type, they are complete replacements for the current lenses. We can therefore only supply these on a select few masks.
Some of the masks with optional vision correcting lenses can be obtained with either a '-' (minus/negative) dioptre (e.g. -1.5 to -9.0), or a '+' (plus/positive) dioptre (e.g. +1.0 to +4.5), typically in 0.5 increments.
Some divers require negative distance vision correction, that is, the diver has 'near-sightedness' and the Rx Sphere value is a '-' dioptre.
Other divers require a positive correction, that is, the diver has 'far-sightedness' and the Rx Sphere value is a '+' dioptre.
To order, you can consult your eyeglass, or contact, prescription for the proper amount of spherical power correction. A spectacle prescription is usually written in the following form:
sphere | cylinder | axis | |||
OD / R | -3.00 | / | -0.50 | x | 180 |
OS / L | -3.50 | / | -1.00 | x | 180 |
In order to calculate the power you need to take into account the two aspects of your prescription.
We need the dioptre (diopter) value. When reading your prescription, 'OS' means your left eye, and 'OD' means your right eye. If you have a quarter dioptre prescription, then you should typically increase to the next higher/stronger dioptre. For example, if the Rx is -1.75, then increase to -2.0 dioptre. If the Rx is +1.75, then increase to +2.0 dioptre. If one eye needs no correction, then order a 'Normal' or 'Plano' lens for that side.
The decision about the values you need is best done by your optometrist as they know best what's going on with your eyes, and sometimes those other values in your script come into play.
Once you know the dioptre values you need, you can then select a mask for which the range or dioptre values available matches your requirements.Finding the numerals on your gauge too small, especially in the dark? Finding your arm is not long enough, but have pretty good distance vision? If you answered yes to these questions, then you probably have presbyopia, a condition where the eye exhibits a progressively diminished ability to focus on near objects with age. On the surface the fix is reading glasses (those things you always forget just when you need them most). Bright light also helps, as it constricts the pupils, and decreases spherical aberration. Some people use prescription bifocals, trifocals or multi-focal lenses.
Underwater the solution is a 'Gauge Reader' mask fitted with what the dive industry refers to as Bifocal corrective lenses. These underwater bifocal corrective lenses for masks aren't quite what people are used to with bifocal prescription glasses.
With Gauge Reader dive mask bifocal corrective lenses, the lower pane (roughly a third) has the plus dioptre reading correction, and the rest of the lens is 'Normal' or 'Plano'. That's why they're referred to as Gauge Reading lenses. You need to know the dioptre value for your reading glasses.
Bifocal lens mask with gauge reading correction lenses.
Normal (plano) vision for top two thirds and "reading" (plus) correction for bottom third.
Supplied with the bifocal lenses fitted, plus the original normal (plano) lenses.
Bifocal / Gauge Reading corrective lenses are typically available in a dioptre range of +1.0 to +4.5, in 0.5 increments. If you have a quarter dioptre prescription, then increase to the next higher/stronger dioptre. Your eyes will inevitably change and within a few years you will need the stronger dioptre. Now you can select a mask which has Bifocal / Gauge Reader corrective lenses available with the dioptre value(s) you need.
Note: The bifocal correcting mask lenses we sell have the reading correction attached via a permanent bond by the lens manufacturer. The correction is not an after-market 'stick on' or 'glue in' lens that is not permanent. Our own experience, plus that of our customers, very plainly tells us that none of the after-market 'stick-on' solutions work well, and thus we don't bother selling them.
Please note that all of the masks listed here can have corrective lenses fitted, but only a few of the masks can have bifocal, gauge reading corrective lenses fitted.
We offer the following levels of prescription/correction, in half dioptre increments:
* available on selected masks only.
Please Note: The scripts issued by optometrists use quarter dioptre increments. We can only provide half dioptre increments. This is another reason why you should consult your optometrist, as they will be able to come up with the values you need.
None of the 'off the shelf' corrective lens masks correct astigmatism, so if the majority of your prescription is astigmatism, or you have astigmatism over 2.00 dioptres, you will need a custom made product for best visual results.
If your astigmatism is less than 2.00 dioptres, or is not the majority of correction, then the corrective lens mask solutions we can provide should be fine. This is another reason why you should consult your optometrist.
We strongly recommend that you consult your optometrist about which underwater vision correction solution is best for you. We recommend you show them this information. Your optometrist will be able to work out which corrective solutions are available to you and make recommendations as to what to get, plus provide the two dioptre values we need.
We are not optometrists and can't read your script to determine if a corrective lens mask will work for you. Correction lenses typically will work for the vast majority of people, but some eye shapes can't be accommodated this way.
Your prescription may need to be changed, because the distance between the lens of your diving mask and your eyes typically is different from the distance between your eyeglasses lenses and your eyes. (This also is one of the reasons your contact lens prescription is different from your eyeglass prescription if you have moderate or high myopia.) An eye care professional specialising in sports eye wear can adjust your prescription for underwater use.
Your optometrist will also be able to provide you with the best spherical correction dioptre values for your left and right eyes given the half dioptre increments of corrective lenses. Then you can order your corrective lens mask from The Scuba Doctor with confidence in achieving a great outcome.
Whatever your preference, there are plentiful corrective options available to ensure that everyone can see clearly to experience the beauty and wonder of the underwater world.
Melbourne: David Glennie is an optometrist and experienced scuba diver. His team can check your eyes and translate your script into the values we need for your corrective lenses. They can even show you how it will work.
David Glennie, Karingal Optical
Shop 39, Karingal Hub, 330 Cranbourne Road, Frankston VIC 3199
Tel. 03 9789 4811 www.facebook.com/KaringalOptical/
If you buy a complete mask with two corrective lenses from The Scuba Doctor, we will fit the lenses to the mask for you before sending the mask out. You will also receive the original normal (plano) lenses, placed inside the packets the corrective lenses came in.
Order today and your mask with corrective lenses will be assembled and usually Ship the next Business Day.
We typically place orders for your mask with corrective lenses with our suppliers the same day we receive the order from you. In some cases they will be assembled and shipped direct to you from the suppliers the same business day, or if not, the next business day. Our suppliers are Sydney based, so you need to allow for the usual postal delivery times for the package to reach you from Sydney.
Colour Options: Many of the masks are available with heaps of colour choices. However, sometimes our suppliers get low on some colour options. Please enter any other mask colour options you'd be happy with in the comments during the checkout process. Then we have options to switch to so that your order isn't delayed.
Custom made prescription lenses made to your exact prescription are sometimes preferred by more advanced divers, for those shooting underwater photo/video, or those who need a bifocal lens with two different types of correction in each lens. We suggest you try Ozbob Scuba for custom made prescription scuba masks.
Because you asked... the negative and positive vision correcting mask lenses we sell have the magnification ground into the lenses themselves. The bifocal gauge reading correction is attached via a permanent bond by the lens manufacturer. The correction is not an after-market 'stick on' or 'glue in' lens that is not permanent. Our own experience, plus that of our customers, very plainly tells us that none of the after-market 'stick-on' solutions work well, and thus we don't sell them.
Contact Lens Wearers: Not all contact lenses are suitable for diving. Gas permeable lenses (GP lenses) can 'dig' into the eyes below certain depths, because of the pressure. Soft contact lenses can collect waterborne organisms and become contaminated, causing eye infections. If you wear contact lenses under your mask for diving, you need to make sure you blink a lot. Excessive starring can cause bubbles to form underneath your lenses and which may cause minor discomfort and temporary blurring of vision. Also be sure to have a spare set of contacts (or glasses) available in case you lose a contact underwater.
As best as we can tell, you will be unable to claim for a refund from your health fund for the supply of a corrective lens mask. Most health funds require a medical provider item code for a claim to be successful and no dive manufacturer or dive shop we know of has this. However, you may wish to check with your health fund to see if they are more generous.
For more information please see our Scuba Buying Guides: Buying a Great Dive Mask and Avoiding Mask Squeeze, plus our Dive Gear Features pages: Mask Features and Fixing Underwater Vision Problems.
Note: Diving/snorkelling masks are very different to Swimming Goggles. See Goggles vs Masks.
NEW MARES RENTAL GEAR: We've just refreshed and extended our fleet of rental gear with new Mares BCDs, Regulator sets, and Wetsuits.
29 December 2021.
Want to go scuba diving in Melbourne, especially on the Mornington Peninsula at dive sites near locations like Rye, Rosebud, Blairgowrie, Flinders, Sorrento and Portsea, but need to hire some dive gear? The Scuba Doctor has a large range of scuba diving rental equipment available, from complete setups, to BCDs, regulators with dive computers, cylinders/tanks, wetsuits and weights. All of our scuba hire equipment is high quality dive gear and it's available for rental for the same day, overnight and two days.
We understand that not everyone can afford to buy or justify the expense of owning a full set of diving equipment. That doesn't mean you can't dive, though. With our select range of high quality rental equipment available for hire to certified divers, you can take the plunge without denting your wallet.
If you don't own your own dive gear,
we'll put you in something you'd want to own.
Feel free to email us at diveshop@scubadoctor.com.au, or give us a call on 03 5985 1700, to book your scuba rental gear in advance. This way you ensure we have what you need, when you need it.
The person using the hire gear MUST pick it up from the dive shop, show us their certification card, verify the gear is okay, and sign for the equipment.
Due to the high volume of divers hiring scuba gear during weekends, public holidays and the summer dive season, it is highly recommended that you reserve the dive equipment you need a few days beforehand. Please Contact Us for availability.
When reserving rental dive gear you will be asked to provide your credit card details. If you fail to show up, or cancel within 24 hours, your credit card will be charged a $25 administration fee.
Prices are correct as of 29 December 2021. All prices are subject to change without notice.
Package Dive Gear Hire | |||
---|---|---|---|
One day |
Two days |
Overnight | |
Scuba Set BCD, Regs, Cylinder, Weights and Wetsuit |
$ 90 | $ 160 | $ 135 |
Hardware Package BCD, Regs, Cylinder and Weights |
$ 75 | $ 130 | $ 115 |
Cylinder and Weights Pocket weight belt with weights |
$ 40 | $ 70 | $ 60 |
Separate Dive Equipment Hire | |||
---|---|---|---|
One day |
Two days |
Overnight | |
Cylinder includes first air fill |
$ 30 | $ 55 | $ 45 |
BCD Jacket style with integrated weight pockets |
$ 30 | $ 50 | $ 45 |
Regulator Set with Computer 1st, 2nd & Occy stages with Console dive computer & SPG |
$ 40 | $ 70 | $ 60 |
Wetsuit 7 mm or 5 mm |
$ 30 | $ 55 | $ 45 |
Weight Belt Weight belt with weights |
$ 20 | $ 35 | $ 30 |
Technical Dive Equipment Hire | |||
---|---|---|---|
One day |
Two days |
Overnight | |
Harness & Wing (OMS) | $ 35 | $ 45 | $ 60 |
Twin Cylinders with Manifold includes first air fill |
$ 65 | $ 110 | $ 90 |
Nitrox Single Cylinder not including Nitrox fill(s) |
$ 40 | $ 70 | $ 60 |
Stage/Bailout Regulator Set | $ 30 | $ 55 | $ 45 |
Stage/Bailout Cylinder includes first air fill |
$ 45 | $ 80 | $ 65 |
Stage Cylinder & Weights includes first air fill |
$ 45 | $ 80 | $ 65 |
Please Note:
One day means picked up the day of rental it is booked for, and returned before 4:50 p.m. on the same day hired.
Two days means picked up the day of rental it is booked for, and returned before 4:50 p.m. the day after hiring. That is, you have it overnight.
Overnight p.m. means picked up after 2:00 p.m. the day of rental it is booked for, and returned before 4:50 p.m. the day after hiring.
Overnight a.m. means picked up before 2:00 p.m. the day of rental it is booked for, and returned before 10:00 a.m. the day after hiring.
If you need the equipment overnight, for example to do a night dive, it's a two day or overnight rental.
Late returns are subject to additional charges. These are $25 per half hour or part thereof, if staff have to stay back to wait for you. If not returned until the next day, or multiple days later, you will be charged at the daily rate for each additional day.
Student Discounts: Special discounted scuba gear rental rates are available to students enrolled in diving courses at The Scuba Doctor.
Divers please note:
Damaged Equipment: We accept that from time to time small accidents occur and we will judge damage on merit at our discretion. However, the rental equipment is of good quality, and the rental price is kept to a very reasonable level due to our successful policy of only charging the individual who DAMAGES the item rather than a blanket charge to everyone else. Very fair!
Scuba equipment is available for rental only to certified divers. Proof of certification is required, so bring your certification card(s). If you can't show us your certification card(s) when collecting the hire gear, you won't be leaving the dive shop with the gear.
We can't always look up your certification card details online. Most of the training agencies now have options for you to buy an electronic version of your certification card(s) on your smart phone. Or you could save money and take photos of both sides of your certification card(s) and have them available on your smartphone.
Before using the renter shall determine the Suitability and Fitness of the products for their intended use. The renter assumes all risks and liability whatsoever in connection with their own test and use. Neither The Scuba Doctor nor Manufacturer shall be liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use, misuse or inability to use the rented items.
We clean regulator sets and face wearables three times before each use. First wash with gear wash, second with SteriGENE®, then rince, gear wash again and dry.
SteriGENE® is a mixture of halogenated tertiary amine and organic salts <15%, polymeric biguanide hydrochloride surface active agents corrosion inhibitor, chelating agents, stabilising agents and demineralised water. SteriGENE® is free of aldehydes, chlorine and phenols. SteriGENE works up to 70% quicker than conventional high level disinfectants with the inclusion of micro-emulsion particles (nano particles) that enable the active ingredient molecules in the product to be carried rapidly through cell walls of micro-organisms. Nano particles can enter areas like microscopic fissures and crevices in hard surfaces which up to now have not been penetrable by conventional carrier systems. Disinfectant actives are able to spread across a complete surface area, to perform a far more thorough anti pathogenic cleansing task than was previously possible.
The Scuba Doctor rents the same top of the line gear that we have available for sale in our dive shop. Currently our hire gear lineup includes:
For comfort and a wide range of fit we have a selection of Mares and Cressi 5mm and 7mm wetsuits in our rental inventory.
We have Faber steel 232 bar cylinders (10.5, 12.2 & 15 litre) plus Catalina and Luxfer aluminium 207 bar cylinders (S80, 11.1 litre) available for rental.
Cylinders are full when you first rent them with filtered air. You will need to pay for any additional refills during the rental period. You do not have to pay to refill a cylinder when you bring it back at the end of the rental period.
At The Scuba Doctor we use what we recommend. That's why the hire weight belts we use are the Apollo Comfo Pocket Weight Belts. They come in four sizes already loaded with weights as follows:
Warning: With the weight belts we hire out, we fill all but one of the weight pockets with lead ingots weighing about 2 kg, and put two 1 kg ingots in one weight pocket so that you can fine tune your weighting. Were you to use all of the supplied weight, you'd probably be very over-weighted, given a typical Melbourne diving configuration. It's up to you to adjust the weights in the weight belt pockets to suit your individual requirements. For our guide on how to do this, please read Perfect Scuba Diving Weighting.
Diving is an equipment orientated sport. Although we have available rental dive gear, there are some items of equipment that we advise you should consider purchasing. We consider the following personal items and they are not available for hire.
Wetsuits: Although we can hire you a wetsuit, again we advise that you consider purchasing your own. The reality is that although we take a lot of care in the maintenance of our hire wet suits, we can not guarantee that the previous user did not leave any undesirables in there, or that it will fit you properly. A bad fitting wetsuit will allow cold water to enter and chill you on your dive.
Confused? Need some advice? Don't worry. We are here to assist you in choosing the right dive equipment, for your needs and budget.
A few extra minutes in the dive store can save a day's worth of diving. If you have any questions about a piece of equipment or how it functions, please ask one of our dive shop staff for help. We will gladly explain the functions of any of our hire dive equipment that you have a question about. We want your dives to be fun, safe, and free from equipment issues.
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tel. +61 3 5985 1700 :: email. diveshop@scubadoctor.com.au :: Web site by it'sTechnical 2022