Optical coating masks offer some excellent vision benefits for most experienced divers. However, Dive Gear Express does not recommend optical coating masks for use by instructors or divers who may be diving with an inexperienced buddy. Like mirrored sunglasses, the coatings have a reflective quality that can make it difficult for others to see the eyes of the diver. This can produce an intimidating psychological effect causing the wearer to be perceived as more anonymous and less generous. Instructors know that a reassuring demeanor with students improves their learning capacity, and wearing an optical coating mask can be counter productive to teaching entry level scuba students. Entry level scuba students themselves should not wear an optical coating mask because obscuring the eyes makes it more difficult for the instructor to evaluate the diver condition.