The Bates Method for Better Eyesight Without Glasses Paperback – April 15, 1981

I purchased this book about 12 years ago (when it only cost around $8.00) and I must admit, I felt a bit foolish. Foolish, because the book's title appeared to be downright 'quackery'. Let's face it, in this day and age, how could a doctor, who died in the 1930's have anything to add to the science of ophthalmology in the 21st century? Well, at the time, I was desperate. While most people are presented with their mid-life crisis when their hair goes gray, my 'crisis' was losing my near vision. At that time I purchased the book, I was designing and building an industrial robot from scratch. Translation: All close electronic and mechanical work.Bought the book, read it, did the 'eye relaxation sessions' and NOTHING!Fast forward a few weeks, (still doing the relaxation sessions) I was at my shop measuring a part with a dial vernier. My arms never seemed 'long enough' to see things close-up, so I usually squinted. It was a summer afternoon and I had my large overhead door open. Outside stands my amish neighbor's barn, about 200 feet away. Atop the barn is a very handsome weather vane which was lit by a mid-afternoon sun.My arms were elevated and outstretched , in my left hand was my part to be measured, in my right hand the dial vernier and in the background of both was the weather vane. I attempted to focus on the part to be measured but the distraction of the weather vane in the background made my eyes try to focus on it. Viola ! Inadvertently focusing on the weather vane made my eyes focus on the part! The part and dial vernier came into clear focus.It took a few days to simulate this counter intuitive event, but eventually I was able to duplicate it without conscious action.I'm not an MD, but in my younger days, I did build telescopes and photography was another hobby involving optics. Photography, especially, comes to mind because when focusing an image with a camera, you vary the distance of the lens to the plate rather than altering the geometry of the lens. Perhaps this is what Bates tried to get across at that time about the muscles that elongate and contract the eyeball and thereby vary the distance of the lens to the retina?Conclusion:The technique of 'eye relaxation' worked very well for me and as the old expression goes, “ ...the proof of the pudding is in the eating”. I read small print without fatigue and therefore, 5 Stars.However, it did not work for my wife or brother (as their rating would probably be 1 Star). They are welcome to write their own review.Perhaps someone with the ambition of Jobs, the intellect of Einstein and the imagination of DaVinci will someday figure out, exactly, how we focus our eyes and pick up where Bates left off. Seems like a worthwhile goal for a brilliant young mind!

At the age of 54, suffering from myopia, astigmatism and strabismus most of my life, I'm finally seeing almost normally within 6 weeks. I'm still working at it. My left eye sees perfectly, the right eye is not far behind. Eyes are in the process of straightening. A noticeable difference in 6 days. Doctors have consistently told me there is no hope in getting relief from strabismus as an adult. The techniques explained in this book are proving the doctors wrong. There are sections of the book that are difficult to understand and require experimentation to understand what he is saying. Not everything works for every individual, so I like that he gives alternative techniques so you can choose which one works for you. I live in a place where it is difficult to consult with a vision therapist, so I have only used this book as a guide to better sight. I used to see double with my right eye (left eye closed). Left eye very blurry. I never would have considered driving without glasses. In 2 weeks I started driving without glasses and I feel confident and comfortable. I haven't worn glasses in a month now. I definitely recommend this book, if you are tired of the headaches, eye strain and irritability. I had nothing to lose and I'm enjoying the gain.

You can print off an eye chart from the web site if you google Bates eye chart

I've heard about this book and method a few years ago, but, hesitated in buying the book or trying the method -- thinking it might be too laborious or uncomfortable. But, I was wrong.The Bates Method for Better Eyesight Without Glasses, is well written and makes it very easy to understand holistic eye health, so that you understand the reasoning and scientific effectiveness of the method. I've only been doing the exercises for a couple of weeks, but have noticed a great improvement in my eyesight. I was lucky that the book that I ordered from Amazon, contained the large (I heard it was missing from some books), folded eye chart, which is VERY useful for the exercises.The book has been one of thee best investments I've made for my holistic health and healing.

I did not receive an eye chart

The beginning of the book is very dense with an introduction to eye anatomy and vision physiology (most of which Bates acknowledges you do not need to know to improve your vision), but after a third of the way in, the very practical, and sometimes even astonishing, insights and findings Bates relays will make you reconsider everything you've been told about vision. This man did incredible work and I believe this book and the practices he encourages will find their way back into the mainstream in the coming years.. as it's very much a part of the mindfulness movement happening in the world. Having finished the book, I plan to incorporate his advice to improve my own vision, relax my mind, and overcome my mental strain, from this day forward. I hope you get a lot out of it too.

I ordered this book twice. Never came with the eye chart that is supposed to be included. You are unable to use the techniques in the book without this card. It says right on the Cover and in the description that this is included. It is a waste of money to buy the book without the eye chart.

Heh this method is great and in fact does work if YOU WILL CONSISTENTLY DO what he says to improve your eyesight. I had some eye organization asking for money so I just wrote them a note about this book and then they don't need the money. Heh it really works. My eyesight is not as bad as some of my friends, but if I do what he tells you to do, the eyes do improve. I drove a fair distance about 2 weeks ago after doing some of these exercises and could see clearly all the signs etc better than I have in 20 years! There is help out there for probably every ailment if we are prepared to do some searching!!! Some people have built upon this method and improved it even more, so this is a great start to getting rid of those nasty glasses!!!