The Joy of Seeing with Natural Clarity!
Improve your vision and overcome the need for glasses or contact lenses while avoiding laser surgery.

Take vision lessons via e-mail !

Would you like help in improving your eyesight naturally but 
you can't find a vision teacher in your area?  
Good news: you can now take the natural vision improvement course 
in the comfort of your own home!

With the Visions of Joy e-mail course you'll learn the Bates Method 
step by step, and gain an in-depth understanding of how to use your eyes 
in a relaxed, natural way, all day long.  
You'll receive six lessons (one per week) via e-mail.  

After studying each lesson you'll have the opportunity to ask questions!  
This ensures that everything you learn is crystal clear to you and that you 
are applying the methods correctly.  

Before you start, you will receive a questionnaire that is designed to 
give insight into your vision challenges.  The course will be tailored to 
your specific needs based on your answers in the questionnaire.

Great Value: The entire course costs less than a regular pair of glasses!
$330 per person

Your first lesson will be e-mailed to you after your completed questionnaire 
and payment have been received. 

To get the questionnaire and to sign up: e-mail Visions of Joy.

Read excerpts from correspondence sent by e-mail course students:

After the course: You might describe Esther as one of Bates' apprentices.  Her email course is a way of reaching out to people like my son and I who live far from her but need help.  This course clarifies and renews the principles of Bates, 80 years after his death, so that we may benefit from the work that he wholeheartedly believed in.  I like all her examples and the way she wrote.  It was just superb.   
I think there is an overall better understanding of the Bates Method and it helped us figure out where there were holes in our methods.  [The email course] stresses many subtle points of the Bates Method and makes you understand why we need to incorporate them into our everyday lives.  We were doing lots of blinking and palming but not enough swinging and swaying and massaging and visualizations to help our vision. Each week we would then focus on new skills and it really made a difference.  I was struck by Esther's overall understanding of the method and her skill in helping us to understand it better.  Esther is a breath of fresh air.  Philippe definitely saw better.  He didn't reach his goal but I think we've been trying too hard.  That defeats the purpose.  
Amy W, mother of Philippe (age 13), Stroud, England


After lesson 2:  Seeing everything much more clearly with your guidance!  
After lesson 3:  My vision continues to improve and I just threaded a needle without magnification! TADA!!
After lesson 3:  I checked my progress today and there is measurable improvement! Yay! Nice to see the numbers change even though I have not worn my glasses and sense I'm seeing more clearly.
The medium chart was
both eyes 12" / 5  (was 7 a month ago)
left eye 12" / 5     (was 10 a month ago)
right eye 12" / 3   (was 7 a month ago)
After the course:  I checked my progress today and there is  more measurable improvement!
Still room for improvement in reading fine print up close. It is pretty magical to read your text that decreases line by line. Overall I look at it and think this looks impossible but my eyes follow the words legibly to the end and voila I have been able to discern it all!  More practice reading the fine print for me!
I am eternally grateful to you and Agoya too because he steadfastly encouraged me to take the course and not judge it before completing it. Such a wealth of information and so beautifully interwoven to support the student. YAY!!!  I am now an avid ambassador for your vision course and hopefully many more will beat a path to your door.
Pamella O'Dea, San Francisco, California


After the course:  Hello Esther,   I have completely enjoyed taking your 6-week e-mail course, "Visions of Joy".. The personalized generous body of course materials arrived weekly on schedule. I looked forward to every installment laced with "joy and humor" ready for my comprehension and application. The Bates method embellished by your presentation has and I know will continue to serve me relative to my continuing responsibility to the knowledge and learned skills.  My vision has improved, initially by eliminating the the 1.25 drug store specs. Then installing the Ott lighting is a vibrant boost to visual clarity. Then from the full gamut of "tools" my vision has improved slightly continuing in the 20/15 acuity by the eye chart.  In gratitude,   
Agoya Killeen, Santa Cruz, California


After the course:  Hallo Esther,  I would like to share Jessica' s progress with you.  We are really impressed!!
Jessica doesn't use her contact lenses any more.  She brings her reduced prescription glasses to school and puts them on only when she needs them.  Her vision is really improving.  She told me that she can read some words written on the blackboard without glasses (and she sits at the back of the class!!!).  Last monday they were divided in groups and she sat closer to the blackboard, so she didn't need her glasses at all!!!  She was really enjoying it.
She trains and plays football without lenses and she is doing fine.
I checked her vision on the eye chart last sunday (6th of september) and she could read line 40 from 15 feet!!!  Three weeks ago she could only read line 80 from 15 feet distance.
She did 15/40 with both eyes
            15/50 with her right eye (and some letters of line 40)
     and 15/80 with her left eye. 
 And three weeks ago she could only see
             15/80 with both eyes
             15/80 with her right eye
      and 15/100 with her left eyeI
Thanks a lot.
After lesson 4:  Jessica is very happy with this course and she sees improvements every day. She can read more and more things from the blackboard (without glasses) when she is at school. One month ago she couldn't read anything from the blackboard!! It's really amazing.  Last sunday (20/09) we checked her vision with the eye chart. Her vision is getting better and better. I'm so happy.
It's amazing to see how she plays football or goes outside to play with her friends without glasses or lenses.  I was really worried because her vision was getting worse every year after she was prescribed glasses, but now I see how her vision is improving and I'm looking forward to seeing the day when her vision is back to normal again!!! 
Thanks a lot. You are doing a really good job. I wish we had started the course 3 years ago when her vision problems began...!!     Kind regards,  Lucia  
After lesson 6:  ... And thanks a lot for the vision course. It feels so good to see your child improving her vision day by day. Yesterday she sat in the car and she could see the time in a small clock at the front of the car. Amazing!   Go ahead, never stop teaching Bates method. You are doing a great job, Esther!
Lucia G, mother of Jessica (age 12), Hilversum, Netherlands


After the course:  I passed my drivers license without the restriction of corrective lenses!  I'm so pleased about this!  I never anticipated the great feeling of freedom - free from my glasses - it is wonderful! 
Deb B, Eagan, Minnesota


After the course:  Hallo Esther,  I want to sincerely thank you for your course and your support.  I have definitely seen improvements.  Soon after beginning the course I started using glasses of -3.25/-3.50, only when I really needed it. The 20-line on the chart quickly became readable with these glasses, so last week I progressed to a pair of glasses with -2.50 for both eyes.  So besides seeing a difference, it is also measurable!  After I take the glasses off, the flashes of clear vision come back faster, so the eyes can apparently relax easier.    
Jurjen Grijpstra, Nieuwegein, Netherlands  
(Jurjen began the course with R -4.25 with -0.50 astigmatism, L -4.50 with -0.75 astigmatism. ~ EJvdW)


After lesson 3:  Dear Esther,  I did part of lesson 3 this afternoon and when I did palming with the drifting swing story it really helped.  When I sat about 5ft. away I could only see about the 20/50 line but after my dad read the story I could see the 20/30 line. Thank you,  
Shirley M. (age 10), Lexington, Massachussetts

After lesson 3:  Hallo Esther, I've been using the reduced prescription glasses for a few days now, and only after work.  On the computer, both at work and at home, I now use SwingWindows.  Besides seeing the screen better, the burning feeling that I used to have a lot in my eyes is now almost gone!  My light sensitivity has much decreased, I can now look at the sun without any problems.  Really nice, especially since the sun is so low in the sky.  Another thing I have noticed is that the flashes of clarity also provide much better vision close up.  I have never looked at a sandwich with so much interest before!
Jurjen Grijpstra, Nieuwegein,


After the course:  I wanted to let you know that I did take my drivers license eye test last month and I did pass.  It seemed like it was the worry about it that was part of the straining of my eyes.  It was a big relief after I took it.  Success!  Of course, the whole course was very helpful.  Thank you!!!!
Barbara Fedors, Stillwater, Minnesota


After the course:  This course is an answer to the frustration of wearing glasses or contacts.  A potential savior from the problems associated with refractive surgery.  I like the practicality most.  I had the book Relearning to See before being introduced to the class, but thought the information was overwhelming.  The book now makes more sense to me, and is helping me to get deep into the things that I needed help with with the course.
Tracey Dixon, Lithonia, Georgia 
(Before the course Tracey was wearing -2 glasses all day long.  She chose not to use her glasses at all during the 6-week course and her vision improved steadily from 5/80 to 5/30 to 5/10 in that time. ~  EJvdW)


After the course:  The lessons you have taught me are with me every day.  I have been integrating them into new habits.  I have more frequent glimpses of improved acuity and definitely improved sun sensitivity.  I continue to address areas of great importance, such as breathing, relaxation and posture.  I really like the depth and breadth of material covered and the clear presentation of this material.  There is power in all the information you sent.  I keep referring back and learning more.  
Mark Seidelmann, Duluth, Minnesota


After the course:  Blythe has been reluctant at times but in spite of this, she has improved.  She was seeing 5/80 with both eyes at the beginning of the course and now she is 5/50, almost 5/40.  She hasn't worn her glasses at all since the course began.   I (Janet) have seen a lot of improvement.  I have been functioning well without my glasses except for driving since the beginning of July.  There is a possibility I could now pass the driving test without my glasses because I can barely make out the 40 line without my glasses.  Both of my eyes have improved.  The left eye started at 20/80 and now is barely 20/40.  I started wearing glasses for driving that are -3.5 in the right eye near the beginning of the course.  At that time I could just barely make out the 20/40 line.  At the end of the course, I could see the 20/40 line clearly and the 20/30 line just barely.  Also, at the beginning of the course I could clearly read average sized print from only 7 1/2 inches from my eyes.  At the end I could read clearly from 10 1/2 inches.   

Janet D, mother of Blythe (age 10), Leslie, Arkansas


After lesson 2:  When we came home from vacation I noticed how much better my eyes were.  The TV is much clearer, and in the morning as I lie in bed everything is clearer, things like that.  It is a little challenging, but luckily I am able to do my work without glasses.  It seems that each day it gets better.  Many colleagues said that I look so rested, and I think that is mainly because I relax the muscles around my eyes.  My husband also says that my face looks much more relaxed.   
Now that I have read lesson two I understand better what is meant by staring and that I do stare.  So that's a point of attention, especially now that I'm behind the computer again all day.  
Swinging was not easy at first, I used the thumb technique to let my eyes glide, but now I can do it without the thumb.  I love palming, that is truly a great relaxation.  
My acuity is now 10/30 both eyes, 10/40 right, 10/50 left, which is an improvement from last week (10/40 both, 10/40 right, 10/60 left).  I was quite pleased. 
Yvonne Garst-Koffa, Bracknell, England


After the course:  This email course is fabulous!  When I started doing investigation into natural vision, I felt disappointed that I couldn't find a teacher in my area.  Thomas Quackenbush's book was good to read, but really overwhelming - I didn't know where to start.  So I was so thrilled to find your online course - that was my lucky day indeed!  
Calvin and I both loved the way the course was personalized for him.  The fairy tales were a nice touch!  I liked the Vision Targets at the end of every lesson.  I also liked the "Bates Method in a Nutshell" page and the "Visions of Joy" practice card.  You do a good job of summarizing the most important facts.  I can't think of anything I didn't like.
Calvin and I both benefited!  Calvin's visual acuity has gone back to 20/30 in both eyes, with a record reading of 20/40 in both left and right eyes separately.  My eyes fluctuate between 20/30 and 20/20.
Thanks to this course, Calvin does not have to resort to and depend on crutches for his eyes!  Ever!  You can't beat that!
I can't say enough good things about my experience!  Esther, you are truly a subject matter expert on the Bates Method.  Your lessons are well planned and broken into logical sections, which made it so easy to follow.  Your care and devotion came across loud and clear in all emails, lessons and phone calls.  You were always available for me, giving me detailed answers to every question.  I have learnt valuable lifetime lessons about vision.  You are a star!
Deb B, mother of Calvin (age 10), Eagan, Minnesota 

After the course:  I liked the simplicity of the instruction.  Dr. Bates is often very elaborate in his explanations and reading him you can get a different sense of what he is saying each time you read his work.  He is the father of the field so one wouldn't expect less, but I appreciated how his principles were distilled down into easy-to-grasp lessons.

After lesson 3:  Dear Esther, I practise a lot of sunning, strobing and shifting.  These have helped improve my acuity from 20/100 to 20/40 (seeing the chart using both eyes).  I can see 20/200 and 20/100 clearly but there is a slight blur at 20/80.  Lines 20/50 and 20/40 are blurry but I can still see enough to figure out the letters.  I am proud to say that I am not sensitive to light any more.  Sun light does not hurt my eyes.  Thank you so very much :-)
Shane G, Kalgoorlie, W. Australia
(Shane reported seeing only as far as the 20/100 line with both eyes at the start of the course, and he was very sensitive to sunlight.  He is making wonderful progress.  ~ EJvdW)


After lesson 4:  I can now read well at 27 cm. I sometimes have flashes of good sight when looking at the eyechart.   Wednesday morning I could see 10/30 uncorrected in really good light, and on Thursday I could see 10/20 clearly for a long time with -2.00 contacts.  I now enjoy my sunning a lot and miss it when there's no sun. I even enjoy being outside more. 
After the course:  Dear Esther.  I must say that I am really glad I decided to take this course.  My eyesight has improved quite a bit since I started the course.  I still have a long way to go but I know I will succeed.  You've given me all the necessary tools.  Thanks a lot for guiding me along and answering my questions.  It has really helped me to be able to ask you all those questions that came up during the course.  I appreciate your time and dedication.  I'll let you know any major improvements.
Regina Lindemann, Katwijk, The Netherlands  
(Regina's prescription had been -6.00 in both eyes with astigmatism. She started the course using compensating lenses of -5.00 for the right eye and -5.25 for the left.  Within 6 weeks she was using -4.00, while on sunny days she uses -3.50 and she's progressing into using -2.00. ~ EJvdW)


After lesson 3: My eyesight is improving substantially, the blur has disappeared for a great deal.  I haven't used my glasses at all for the past 3 weeks, and it is a great relief to be independent from them.
Jurgen de Jong, Middelburg, The Netherlands  (Jurgen wrote this 3 weeks after starting the email course with -6 diopters of nearsightedness combined with astigmatism. ~ EJvdW)


After lesson 2:  Thanks Esther.  The first 2 lessons changed my mind, vision and life!  I am reading easier and easier thanks to blinking and strobing. : )  Your course is golden.  Bless you!
Dave Klein, Sebastopol, California


After lesson 2:  My reading is so much better, I now don't need reading glasses at all.  I can see the tiny print font on the face of my watch (especially under sun) which is good.  My distant vision is slowly getting better, especially under sun, but it gets blurred at night and in stores.  I know I need to be patient and continue to have correct vision habits all along.  I'm looking forward to lesson 3, thanks!
Jamie C, Ellicott City, Maryland


After lesson 2:  Your hints for using the chart in a relaxed way at the end of Lesson 1 were a big help, & I've left it open to this page because I need constant reminders, as my habit is still to tense up.  I'm working my way through Lesson 2, which is excellent; I LOVE the facial massage!  It's also a good reminder to me that I should be doing more palming. I'm noticing that the letters on the eye chart aren't much clearer, but they're definitely darker.
After lesson 4:  There is a LOT of good information here.  Even though I thought I was doing all the posture & movement stuff right, this lesson was very beneficial to me: thanks!
After lesson 5:  My depth awareness has increased: I am noticing much more what is in front of or behind what, which is nearer & which farther, etc. I practice this with tree branches whenever I'm outside. I know this is good, as I used to see everything flat. My floaters really seem to be clearing up. I've read a lot of Bates materials, but this course has consolidated it all; you've put it together in one place. Thank you so much!
After lesson 6:  This lesson was a great summary of the course & also a big help with driving, especially at night. I have learned so much! Be assured I will continue to study the lessons & will keep you informed of my progress.  
The email course helped me a lot, is great to have as a resource to refer to after you've completed it, & of course the best part is the ongoing support of Esther as the teacher when I had questions.
Nancy Neff, Fishkill, New York  (read more on the testimonials page)

After lesson 5:  Ik vind jouw cursus fantastisch en je begeleiding en antwoorden ook.  Dit is nou precies wat ik zocht.  Je blijft een echte Bates volger, maar je integreert ook nieuwe wetenschap zonder te verwateren.
Frans Postma, Alphen a/d Rijn, The Netherlands
Translation: I think your course is fantastic and so are your personal guidance and answers.  This is exactly what I was looking for.  You are a true follower of Bates, and you also integrate new science without watering down [the Bates Method].


After lesson 6:  Ik zie heel veel resultaat met bepaalde dingen uit je e-mailcursus: ik kan weer lekker lezen in een veel hoger tempo en geniet daarvan.  En toen ik in een zaal achterin zat kon ik op een beamer geprojecteerde tekst lezen en meezingen.  Een hele vooruitgang, gewoon door wat andere gewoonten aan te nemen.
Hannah P-L, Alphen a/d Rijn, The Netherlands
Translation:  I see great results with certain parts of your email course: I can read easily again at a much higher speed and enjoy that.  And when I sat in the back of a room I could read texts from a projector and sing along.  A big improvement, simply by using a few different habits.

   
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