An underwater vision device includes first and second lens elements which are maintained in alignment with the eyes of a wearer by a frame. Each lens element includes first and second lens groups. Each lens group includes a first solid transparent lens, a second solid transparent lens and a compressible seal which secures the first and second lenses together and forms a sealed air chamber between the two lenses. A spacer couples the first and second lens groups together and forms a chamber between the two lens groups. This chamber fills with water when the underwater vision device is submerged. The optical parameters of the underwater vision device can be varied so that neutral magnification is provided when the device is not submerged in water, but strong magnification is provided when the device is submerged. If so constructed the underwater vision device permits a wearer to see normally below the surface of a body of water, eliminating the need for a face mask.