A face protecting visor is provided for use when wearing optical devices h a helmet. A clear viewing portion of the visor is retained in the helmet by a bezel portion which extends structurally to bear against the outer surface of the helmet, thereby translating impact forces thereagainst to the helmet rather than the face. Included on the visor is one mating part of a catch mechanism located on the bezel portion for detachably affixing the optical devices thereto. Elastic members with snaps are also connected to the bezel portion for removably securing it to the helmet. A catch-stop mechanism on the interior of the bezel portion translates the gravitational loads of the visor to the helmet.