Donegan OptiVisor with Lens LX-3, 1 3/4 x 14

I have been doing a fair bit of small detail work on the scroll saw, and I have been facing three issues. I get close to the blade so I can see the detail (too close for my bi-focal prescription) and can blow off excessive sawdust. When this happens, I end up straining my eyes and half closing one to help focus/relieve the strain. Alternatively, I stay further back to my prescription focal length, but I find that I frequently lean forward again before I realize it and then the eye strain starts again.Finally, I recently tried using a free standing lighted magnifying lens, but it only had one lens. If I did not have my head held just so one or both eyes would be distorted from the edge of the lens. Also, using the lens, I had a much harder time telling depth perception and timing for various cuts. Needless to say, I did not use if for long.Then my eye doctor gave me one of these to try have purchased a product sample. I immediately knew that this product was the answer for which I was looking. There are two independent, identical lenses and it mounts on the head. I am able to use both eyes for binocular vision (a big plus), it doesn't matter how I twist my head, it is only the distance that determines the focus independent of the angle of viewing. The image is nicely enlarged and I don't have to strain my eyes to see the details like I have been.The visor that raises and lowers isn't anything special, but it does the job. I haven't had any problem with the mounting, but I have not been very hard on my set. I can understand how others are having problems as the mounting pieces are by no means high quality parts, but they do the job and have worked for me thus far.The strap barely fits my head, but I know I have a big head (and no, that's not just because I think a lot of myself) and have always been uncomfortable in all but the largest of hats and helmets. If I had a complaint, it would be that the strap does not hold vary tight, without the nob allowing the headband to loosen. I have not docked a star because I have had no other troubles with it and it does keep it just tight enough that the visor isn't sliding around. I can also raise and lower the visor itself without the head band slipping. Even so, I still think it feels loose.Overall, I am really happy with my purchase. I can now work longer at fine detail work without the usual eye strain. I would recommend this item for anyone who spends any length of time at fine detailed work. If it is just a quick something, this item might be helpful, but in that case you may be better off with a simple magnifying glass (its cheaper).

Should have bought this years ago. Use it for soldering and other electronics tasks but I've found myself using it for all sorts of other things. Worth every penny. Well made and the head band is great; tightens effectively securely. The acrylic lens is excellent; more than adequate clarity for my purposes. I thought it was glass until I checked the specs.

Works well in all respects. Adjustable to fit on the head as well as for tension. Very comfortable. Optics seem quite good. They work well with my glasses. I've deducted one star due to the fact that the lenses are held in by push-in pins rather than a small nut and bolt as with the other OptiVisor I bought. One of the pins kept popping out. I was able to remedy this fairly easily since I also bought a loupe which came with a nut and bolt. I also used the nut and bolt I took out of my other OptiVisor to install a loupe in it. If you get one of these with the screw-in connector, then you have a five-star product.

I have 3 of these with different magnifications, in different parts of the house, for different types of projects. They are expensive, but the quality is excellent. I think they are worth the price. They are adjustable enough to fit my head perfectly. I'm getting old, and my eyesight is not what it used to be. When I can't quite read the fine print, these are fast and easy to use. Easy to put on and take off. And they don't hurt my head when I use them for long periods of time. Sometimes I need brighter light, but rather than try to get a brighter bulb just to do one thing, I put these on, and then I can see what I desire just fine. The quality of the part that fits my head is not as great as my older ones-- seems to be less flexible and rugged. Unfortunately, I think the same can be said for many products nowadays. I've seen comments for many other things -- "not as good as the one I bought 20 years ago." But if these companies are going to stay in business, I think they are forced to make cheaper quality items or John Q. Public won't purchase the ones of the quality of yesteryear because they would be just too expensive. A sad fact of life, I think.

I bought these for work to help with microdissections and they work very well. The focal plane is narrow but workable. So far, I have used them three times a week for about a year and they are holding up well. I am very happy with this purchase.

This visor is already ludicrously expensive for what it is but after only one or two uses, the nut and bolt (high-tech for your money too) that hold the glass on one side has fallen out and gotten lost. Really? Nobody in the factory or QA was bothering to pay attention. Locktite anyone? Tighten your screws before shipping?As far as working like expected, that wasn't good either. In order to have a few inches of working distance, you have to buy the lowest magnification, which isn't enough for electronics. When they are in front of your eyes, you can only look through them. You can't look around the lenses to use your normal vision, like you can a pair of reading glasses or other magnifiers. You must lift the visor every time you want to have anything other than the slightly magnified 2.0x view of your subject.

I am using this for woodcarving. It gives me an excellent view of my work if I'm holding it in my hands at a certain distance. It is really indispensable for somebody with imperfect eyesight who needs to see in detail. It doesn't work outside of the focal range, though, so make sure your application will have your work at the correct distance.I will add that although the description says the focal length is 14", for me it is more like 8-10 inches. This may have something to do with my eyesight, but be aware it may not be exactly as described.

I now have bought 4 of these over the years- home, work, for a friend. I stick with this brand because it is well built, some others don't appear to be.