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

Testimonials

The Bates Method really works!

Over the last century and a bit, countless people have benefited from the Bates Method of Natural Eyesight Improvement.  The Bates Method really works!   And Yes, I am talking from personal experience; you can read my own success story!  

In Dr. Bates' Better Eyesight magazines you'll find an abundance of examples and case histories of people who improved their vision naturally (not using glasses, contact lenses, drugs or surgery).
Aldous Huxley was nearly blind when he discovered the Bates method.  He regained his eyesight, and wrote a book about his experience, called The Art of Seeing.  
Meir Schneider has an inspiring story to tell too, he also came back from blindness.  
Many if not all of the books listed on this website were written after the author improved his/her eyesight through practicing good vision habits.  There are success stories at Tom Quackenbush's website, where before and after pictures of drivers licenses are shown.

There truly is plenty of inspiration to be found if that's what you're looking for.  However, nothing will convince you more than your own positive experience.  So, please give natural vision improvement a chance, because all you stand to lose is your blurry eyesight!

"Esther van der Werf is one of the most effective, caring,
and knowledgeable vision teachers I have met
in my 25 years of being an optometrist.
If you want to improve your vision, Take her class!!!"
Dr Marc Grossman, OD, LAc.
author of 'Greater Vision', 'Natural Eye Care' and 
'Beyond 3D: Magic Eye - Improve Your Vision'

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The following are comments that I have received about my work 
and about results obtained with the Bates Method.
(Testimonials regarding breathing development work are on the Breathing page)

	Above left: Marie's Canadian license with the restriction ("Condition A") that I underlined. Above right: the back of her Canadian license, stating the restriction is a requirement for glasses or contact lenses. Left:  Marie's unrestricted Californian license.

"I am seeing better!  It seemed like you gave me very little information, yet at the same time it was an enormous amount of information.  It has brought a big shift in my perspective.  I previously did not understand the Bates Method, but now I think it is fabulous!  Wow, I'm really excited about this."
Dave Palmer, Ojai, California, December 2008


"Hey Esther,  Just want to reaffirm how inspired I am from hanging out with you and improving my ability to teach Natural Vision Training.  The great structure of the lesson plans, your humor and your relaxed style have taught me a lot.  I love your authenticity, your excellent vision, and the inspiration that affords."
Sheela Alex, Encinitas, California, November 2008


After finishing the e-mail 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.    
My neck and shoulders are much more relaxed.  They were as stiff as a board when I first started massaging them.  If I wear glasses they tense up again immediately.  
My light sensitivity has decreased considerably since the course.
The course was very good!  I already knew the Bates principles from Quackenbush' big book, but the email course gave the ability to apply them practically.  Also the support via email was really nice to solve practical problems and questions.  It is quite simple really: seeing is (literally) believing." 
Jurjen Grijpstra, Nieuwegein, Netherlands, November 2008  
(Jurjen began the course with R -4.25 with -0.50 astigmatism, L -4.50 with -0.75 astigmatism. ~ EJvdW)


After lesson 3 of the email course:  "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, Massachusetts, November 2008

After finishing the e-mail 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, November 2008


After finishing the e-mail 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, September 2008   
(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 finishing the email 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, September 2008


"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.   

Blythe used to get headaches but doesn't anymore.  She has stopped wearing her glasses at all and feels more comfortable.  I (Janet) feel that I am able to relax more.   
I think the course is excellent and I will recommend it whenever I can.  All the information is very good and the teacher is eager to help and very helpful.  The course was very valuable to me because of the individual feedback and encouragement.  You can't get that from simply reading books about natural vision improvement.  Thank you very much!"  

Janet D, mother of Blythe (age 10), Leslie, Arkansas, August 2008   
(Janet and Blythe took the e-mail course together. ~ EJvdW)


"I have seen a big improvement this week in my vision!  I am really excited...thanks for all your help!"
Marty Meyer, Independence, California, July 2008


"I have not used my reading glasses since we met.  Something is working!!  Thank you so much for sharing your gift."
One month later, Josephine writes:
"Since I adopted these basic principles, I no longer need reading glasses!  I don't understand how this happened and while I believed it possible, the results continue to amaze me."
Josephine Gross, Ph.D., Chatsworth, California, June & July 2008   
(Josephine asked me to help her overcome her need for reading glasses.  I gave her a page of standard size text to look at, which appeared blurry to her.  After practicing a relaxation technique for 5 minutes she looked at the same page again, at the same distance, and remarked: "Where is the page with blurry print??"  The text now looked perfectly clear to her. ~ EJvdW)


"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 seem 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, June 2008
(Yvonne is taking the e-mail course, she wrote this after completing lesson 2. ~ EJvdW)


"It is unbelievable, but my vision is now improving daily.  I have been going without my contact lenses for nearly three weeks now, with incredible results.  The odd thing is that I didn't do anything for it, other than looking around in a relaxed way.  Continue to spread this method in the world, many people can be helped by this!  Kind regards,"
Marc de Leeuw, Halsteren, Netherlands, April 2008


"I think my vision is really improving.  Every day, new details jump out at me from the view from my window - satellite dishes on rooftops, balconies on buildings a mile away, even garbage on the street (which is a delight to see).  I'm so excited!!"
Jean Noel B, Los Angeles, California, March 2008  
(Jean Noel also passed her driving test without glasses last month, so she no longer has a restricted license. ~ EJvdW)


"Dear Esther,
I wanted to give you an update on Calvin's progress:
*    He no longer wears the peak cap when he plays on the computer.  Instead, we put a tall lamp behind him and don't turn on the overhead lights, so the lighting is good with no glare. That was a necessary change - thank you for pointing it out to me.
*    He has found that palming is his best accelerator tool. I wish we could do more sunning as I have a hunch that will be beneficial for him too, but we are still experiencing unusually cloudy weather.
*    Here is a summary chart of his visual acuity over the last few weeks:

Date     Time         Both Eyes      Left Eye     Right Eye   Light Conditions
12/2       1:15 pm        20/50            20/80          20/100            Cloudy
12/15    12:30 pm       20/40            20/80          20/100             Sunny
12/22    10:20 am       20/40            20/80          20/100             Cloudy
12/26    10:25 am       20/40            20/80          20/80               Cloudy
1/12      11:25 am       20/30            20/50          20/50               Cloudy

Isn't the last entry fantastic?! We are so pleased to see a two line improvement (for both eyes) in six weeks! His left eye is seeing so much better and his right eye has made the most remarkable improvement! To think he would have been wearing glasses this whole time -- I shudder at the thought. Thanks to you Esther, we see the light at the end of the tunnel!  Pardon the pun! =)"
Six weeks later Calvin continues to make progress:
"Thanks again for your invaluable help Esther!  Calvin and I both benefited and I am so pleased that I found your website and signed up for the course.  His visual acuity has gone back to 20/30 in both eyes, with a record reading of 20/40 in both left and right eyes!  A great improvement on his starting  acuity, don't you think?  =)"
Deb B, mother of Calvin (age 10), Eagan, Minnesota, January & March 2008 
(In October 2007 an optometrist recommended that Calvin start wearing glasses for distance vision.  Calvin's parents believe in natural healing, so they went looking for an alternative.  In December they started following the email course to help Calvin with his vision.  Instead of becoming used to glasses, Calvin is now steadily progressing to seeing clearly again! ~ EJvdW)


"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, November 2007
(Shane reported seeing only as far as the 20/100 line with both eyes at the start of the email course, and he was very sensitive to sunlight.  Now, after only 3 of the 6 lessons, he is making wonderful progress.  ~ EJvdW)


"I think your [email] 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."
Frans Postma, Alphen a/d Rijn, The Netherlands


"Dear Esther, It is.............!!!EASY!!!!   I wish that this lesson was first.  I had the band contest today.  On the way up to the contest I had many flashes [of clear vision].  During today, I had more flashes than I ever had.  I AM making progress.  I also felt a divine touch, considering that God is answering my prayers on this.  I can obtain at least a small flash very easily now. I love the ant you had in the lesson. The advice on being curious of distance detail and imagination has went a long way today.  I believe that a permanent improvement is just around the corner.  When it comes, I WILL NOT put my current glasses on ever again.  I'm not putting them on anyway.  They hurt my eyes and give me a drastic headache.  Thank you for your wonderful help."
Greg J,  Plantersville, Mississippi, October 2007  
(Greg is rapidly overcoming nearsightedness of -4.00 by following the email course and by not wearing glasses at all. ~ EJvdW)


"My vision is perfect!"  George Parker, Andover, Connecticut, October 2007
In October 2007 I was happily surprised to meet one of my former students again while on a hike in Sedona, Arizona.  It had been about five years since George took one class with me in New York to improve his vision.  See and hear what he says about his eyesight now at age 52! 
(Click on the image to watch a 30 seconds wmv file.  Recorded in Sedona by Esther)



After lesson 4 of the email course: "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 finishing the email 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, September 2007
(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. ~ EJvdW)


"Esther Joy Joy, My vision is improving!  I'm down to -6 in both eyes, without astigmatism.  I can see at night too!  I can feel my eyes are shifting into wholeness.  Thank you so much for being an important catalyst :)"
Esther Davis, San Diego, California, July  2007 (In April 2007 Esther started her path to clarity, beginning at -7.00 with -1.75 astigmatism in her right eye, and -6.50 with -1.25 astigmatism in her left eye ~ EJvdW.) 


"Hi Esther, it was very nice to meet you, I would like to thank you greatly for your lesson, it was very interesting and I could see results right away."
Roberto Urias, San Clemente, California, July 2007


"Dear Esther,  I am honored to have been a part of your Natural Vision Improvement Weekend.  In response to your question of my progress, I want to share my success with you.  I have been diligent in doing the palming healing and the other suggestions.  I do the palming when I wake up during the night also.
By Tuesday, the 26th, only two days after the workshop ended, I had dropped from needing a magnification of 2.75 down to 1.25.  At times the 1.25 is a bit strong.  With using the tools you taught, I am able to relax my eyeballs and make beautiful progress.  Your very calm way of presenting helped me relax to a degree that I haven't experienced before.  This allowed me to relax my eyeballs rather than being keyed up.  One especially helpful part was reminding all of us to change our wording from "can't see" to "blurry"
Ray Flores, Culver City, California, June 2007


"My optometrist was very cooperative in reducing my prescription.  It's without correction for astigmatism and reduced diopters, -5.5 L, -6 R from -6.5 -1.25 L, -7 -1.75 R.  Extraordinary thing happened...I was walking on the beach in my reduced prescription, and as it was a bright day out, my vision became very clear!"
Esther Davis, San Diego, California, April 2007


"I'm impressed.  The students loved your practical approach.  You are one of only a few vision educators who really understand the Bates Method."
Samuel A. Berne, OD, Santa Fe, New Mexico, March 2007


"My eyesight is improving substantially, the blur has disappeared for a great deal.  I'm doing a lot of strobing.  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, March 2007.  (Jurgen wrote this 3 weeks after starting the email course with -6 diopters of nearsightedness combined with astigmatism. ~ EJvdW)


"My eyesight is a thousand times better.  I am even driving at night again, I haven't been able to do that in over a year!  I don't know how I can ever repay you for what you've done for me."
Al Boyd, Joshua Tree, California, March 2007

"Yesterday I penned a letter and it was written on the lines and it was even legible.  I haven't been able to do that in a year.  That was a big deal for me.  Thank you for all that you are doing for me."
Al Boyd, Joshua Tree, California, March 2007  
(Al checked his vision acuity without glasses when he first came for a lesson and measured it at 10/60 left eye, 10/400 right eye.  After only 2 lessons he has improved to 10/20 left eye and 10/80 right eye. This is excellent progress.  ~ EJvdW)

"I'm seeing things I haven't seen in 2 years!  Becoming aware of my tendency to squint was key.  Now I keep my eyes open.  I regularly do the sunning and am no longer so sensitive to bright light.  It's going really well.  I look forward to more lessons."
Al Boyd, Joshua Tree, California, March 2007  (In 2004 Al experienced sudden blindness in his left eye, which slowly recovered, then the same thing happened in his right eye.  With good nutrition he made a partial recovery.  He has started lessons on natural vision improvement and is delighted that his vision is returning even more. ~ EJvdW)


"I'm seeing clearer and clearer!  At first the +1.00 glasses gave me blurry vision; now I see clearly with them.  This is very encouraging."
Simran Bhasin, Los Angeles, California, March 2007 (Simran had been using +2.00 glasses for reading and computer work. ~ EJvdW)


"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, February 2007  (Dave took the email course ~ EJvdW)


"This is the first day I can remember of NO eyestrain or eyeball soreness, despite many hours of reading & computer work. I'm doing something right!  Thanks for all your help & inspiration.  I'm finding as my sight clears & I let go of more tension, I am more & more friendly, relaxed, & outgoing, like a happy child."
Nancy Neff, Fishkill, New York, February  2007

"Hi -- 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. About last night driving after dark to CT & back, I have never done the trip in such a relaxed manner: I almost felt like my glasses were too strong! Thank you!"
Nancy Neff, Fishkill, New York, January  2007 (Possibly Nancy's biggest challenge is driving at night, when she uses her strongest pair of glasses to feel safe. She sent this after the last lesson of the email course ~ EJvdW)


"Woohoo! *blink*  It *blink* was *blink* a *blink* pleasure *blink* to *blink* meet *blink* you *blink* too!!! *blink* *blink* *blink*  hehehehe      I'm sure our paths will cross again :-)  You are awesome!  Thank you so much!"
Serafina Pechan, Long Beach, California, January 2007


"Please let me know when you will be back again because I would love my husband to take your workshop.  (If he is willing of course).  My eyes have been so much better ever since, and if I get a blur at times, I just relax and breathe and it starts to shift."
Heather Fenton, Los Angeles, California, January 2007 (Heather took a day class on vision improvement in June 2006 ~ EJvdW)


"My eyesight is great.  I'm getting enough sleep these days and it helps."  
Mark Lowe, Torrance, California, January 2007  (Mark's vision had just begun to get blurry both near and far when he took a day class on vision improvement in June of 2006 ~ EJvdW)


"Hi -- Happy 2007! I'm working my way through Lesson 5 & thought you'd like to hear what I've noticed so far.
These lessons keep getting better & better! This might have been the most useful yet for me, & is probably also the one I need to practice the most. The affirmations in particular are challenging. I am pleased with my vision improvement progress!
- Letters on the eye chart aren't consistently clearer (yet!), but are almost always blacker, & I am getting many more sustained (several seconds) clear flashes.
- My neck is much looser. I think this is largely from your stretch of bending over & letting my head hang, then moving it back & forth, which I am doing a couple of times a day. My chiropractor said he can't believe the changes in my C2 vertebrae, which has really softened. So I guess my neck is indeed looser!
- My emotional state seems more stable. When something upsetting happens lately, I have been able to "shake it off" quickly & retain my positive attitude, instead of letting it drag me down & affect my mood & energy for hours as it would have done before.
- I seem to be sleeping more soundly, & not needing to stay in bed so long to feel rested.
- When I wash my face or put cream on it & brush my fingers over my eyes, the eyeballs feel much softer than they used to, which I am hoping is a relaxation response & means they're not straining to reach forward in the myopic elongated way so much.
- 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 and vision improvement books, but this course has consolidated it all; you've put it together in one place. Thank you so much!
Take care & thanks for everything.
Love & enthusiasm & gratitude,"
Nancy Neff, Fishkill, New York, January  2007 (Nancy followed the 6-week course by email ~ EJvdW)

"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."
Nancy Neff, Fishkill, New York, December 2006


"I spent most of the journey home practicing the reading techniques and was astounded that when I was reading notices in the airport that they were so much better.  I have not gone back to the sunnies (which were prescription) nor the latest glasses which I was convinced were not good for me and made things worse.  So, I am wearing all glasses much less and can read pretty well lots of fine print in the open.  I find now I really prefer NOT to wear them all the time."  
Tricia Liggett, Bayford, Herts, England, October 2006


"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 Clark, Ellicott City, Maryland, October 2006 (Jamie broke his glasses in September and decided he didn't want to ever wear glasses again.  He had lessons by e-mail to regain his vision naturally. ~ EJvdW)


"It's been now 1 month since I took off my contacts, I've felt much better and my eyes are much more relaxed. I don't even have the temptation to put them back on. The clear flashes come all the time now, as opposed to once in a blue moon."
Jacqueline J, Rome, Italy, August 2006 (Jacqueline started at -5.00, and decided to throw out her contacts from day one, choosing to see with her own eyes instead. She's doing very well ~ EJvdW)


"You have provided me with much joy since I first met you, including enabling me to see without glasses, something no one else has ever done for me!"
Bill Fagan, Norridgewock, Maine, July 2006  (I taught Bill the basics of the Bates method in the summer of 2005.  Bill is 86 years young, and had cataract operations on his eyes but was still using glasses.  This shows that age really doesn't matter! ~ EJvdW)


"Thank you Esther.  It was a great pleasure meeting you. I am blinking a lot and relaxing my eyes and I see improvement already! It was a great day! Blessings to you!!"
Heather Fenton, Los Angeles, California, June 2006


"The eyesight class yesterday was a great success.  Esther's technique of teaching allows for us to see ourselves and our vision in a new light -- she helps make us aware that we can and will be able to improve our eyesight, as she gives us practical tools that teach and demonstrate how we see naturally, with relaxation, and not with strained vision.  It was a great experience for me personally.  I'm looking forward to seeing how I will do in the next few weeks. 'Clarity is my natural state.' -- my new affirmation."
Tysa Goodrich, Malibu, California, June 2006


"It's been really busy and I've still done some of my eye exercises, but not as diligently as I should. BUT, the cool news is that I could still tell my eyes were improved from what they were.  Today I went to my eye doctor and found out for sure.  Between 2002 and 2004, my eyes got worse pretty fast.  I don't know if it was because my late husband was so sick and just the stress of all that or if it was from wearing contacts for so many years and they hurt my vision or just what, but I stopped wearing them after my husband got real sick and then decided I didn't want to go back to them.  Between 2004 and 2005, my eyes didn't change and I was all excited.  The eye doc, however, is one of these moody, pessimistic kind of guys and his response was "Well, sometimes that happens but then they get worse again."  That ticked me off and that is when I read the book Better Vision Without Glasses and also contacted you and started doing some of the exercises.
As a result, a year ago, one eye was -5.25 and the other was -5.0.  Today, one eye was -4.5 and the other -4.25!  I had planned to tell my eye doctor what I had done, but he was so pessimistic that I ended up deciding to just let him be baffled...  I forgot to even ask him about my astigmatism, but I've noticed that with the astigmatism chart, it shows good improvement, too.  Anyway...  I really need to get busy and do more again and get them even more improved by next year!  I am so loving this!  I hope you are doing well.  I'll try to keep you updated on how it all goes."
Cindi MCindi MCindi MCindi Mose-Castle, South Carolina, April 2006


"I did it! with your help.  I went for my NH Driver's license and for the first time since I got my license I am not restricted!  Yippee, Yahoo... you are the best."
Sharon Taylor, Concord, New Hampshire, March 2006


"Hi Esther, such a good day with you yesterday, thanks for the help with my eyes, I'm really trying to take better care of them and your techniques were awesome!  I do see better today!  My best, hope to see you soon"
Regina Strongheart, Topsham, Maine, January 2006


"My vision is improving daily. I am so glad Cathy and I took your instruction.  Most days I can see quite clearly in the morning and by end of day it is quite blurry, but I haven't put my glasses on for going on three weeks.  I have told several people about NVI and one friend's eye doctor told her to talk to me and do whatever I am doing for her eye."
Carol Amrein, Skowhegan, Maine, November 2005 (NVI = Natural Vision Improvement. ~ EJvdW)


"I am blinking lots more and finding that I can use the computer now without glasses -- except when I'm really tired.  And that's probably a good indication of when I shouldn't be at the computer anyway. :)
I'm finding the blinking is showing me that I often gaze/stare without focusing.  Blinking helps my eyes to focus and perhaps my mind as well?  Seems like my mind is so often "out there" and blinking brings it back to the immediate.  A fascinating experiment of remaining in the present. :)
I can't thank you enough for your work on Sunday.  Karol and I have been in contact and are both finding value in the exercises.  I went to your website and will return.  Much to explore there!
Mariah Williams, Liberty, Maine, November 2005
(Mariah and Karol attended a one-day vision workshop ~ EJvdW)


"I'm already seeing results!  Last week, I couldn't read this e-mail with just my right eye.  Today I can.  There's still some distortion, so I read slower with my right eye.  A big improvement since last week before our phone conversation.  I've also been using eye drops of Plantain tea.  The big "blue" spot in the center of my right eye's field of vision is reduced from fist size to half dollar (US) size.  The distortion is confined to the area within this spot.  Smaller spot, less distortion.
I've been using my reading glasses less often.  I read before going to sleep every night, and the last few nights were without reading glasses.  I'm typing this e-mail without glasses."
Darrel Joy, Rochester, Minnesota, October 2005 (In December '05 Darrel reports that the blue spot in his right eye is gone ~ EJvdW)


The next five entries are taken from the many positive comments that were received from participants in the
Natural Vision Improvement Day, held at Avena Institute in Rockport, Maine, on October 1, 2005:
"I enjoyed this class.  The presentation was marvelous!  Esther makes good eyesight for me seem possible.  Everything was done SO well."
Polly Steadman, Damariscotta, Maine

"Clear, practical information on improving eyesight.  I enjoyed Esther's enthusiasm, she was very well prepared, with personal stories interspersed."
Participant

"I absolutely enjoyed this class; specifically the involvement of the body, the relaxation techniques, the information.  
A great class I will use in my life.  Esther gave an excellent, down to earth presentation."
Rose-Marie Ballard-Boak, Bristol, Maine

"I enjoyed Esther's personality, commitment to the topic, her sense of humor, the content itself, and the handouts."
Participant

"I very much enjoyed this class!  Specifically I enjoyed: the information, the way it was presented and shared, and of course, Esther!  Excellent teacher!"
Participant


"Hello Esther! ... I am very grateful for having been allowed the experience of your session with me.  It seems that each day I realize more.  Unbelievable yet real, I have not used the reading glasses but to just verify what I think I see and only 3x since the session.  I find the most significant changes after palming.  Hardly am I aware of a grainy/sandy feeling in my eyes or tightness during the day.  My vision overall is clearer, sharper & brighter! My head/neck & shoulders are more relaxed in posture and in movement.  Mille gracie!! :-)  Love & light,"
Phyllis Cheresh, Phoenix, Arizona, April 2005  (Phyllis sent this note a week after her one hour phone consult ~ EJvdW)


"In my first session with Esther, after not having been able to read even the large print of a menu without glasses for 5 years, I had the experience of reading smaller than normal print without glasses.  I also had been unable to use my eyes together so I did not see 3-dimensionally.  It is now a month later and I only use glasses if I need to read really small print and I see 3-D!  Esther is a very caring, very generous human being who truly wants her clients to grow and heal.  If that is what you want, then check her out."
Rob Cohen, Stone Ridge, New York, October 2004


Thanks for a wonderful class - you are a natural teacher (no pun intended).
Bob McDonald, New York, May 2004


"Esther, Hi -- ... a quick hug & "thank you!" ... I drove up & back this time with the new -3.25's & had no problem -- this is HUGE.  I am convinced a lot of my improvement is coming from not wearing my glasses hardly at all: even when I drive, I take them off at stop lights, & to back into parking spaces.  I'll let you know how the color light therapy goes.  See you in a few weeks.  Take care, & thanks again.  You are really helping me!"
Nancy Neff, Fishkill, New York, March 2004  (Nancy started vision therapy four years ago when her Rx was -12, and has been taking lessons with me since May 2003, when she was using -8 for driving at night, and -6 in daytime. Now at -3.25 she has made excellent and steady progress! ~ EJvdW)  


"This is to let you know that you did very well in your class yesterday.  It helped me to understand more clearly how to use my eyes better with more relaxation and more "fluid" movements.  Thank you very much :)  I wish I could go to more of your classes to get more empowered to get rid of my glasses.  Actually this month is extremely busy with so many projects on my plate.  However I am grateful that I am now learning the vision improvement at precisely the right time as it helps me to learn how to relax better not only for my eyes but also to cope with so many projects without feeling stressed out.  In other words, it is helping me to survive this month well :)  Again many thanks for your superb teachings!"
May Wille, Scottsdale, Arizona, February 2004

"Yes, indeed I have not only enjoyed our session together last nite, but also that I learned SO much from you. FURTHERMORE you have already 'pushed' me onto my new clarity journey.  I have already discarded my strong glasses and now I am using a weaker pair.  Much to my surprise I can already read better the tiny words on my pager!  WOW!  This morning I did deep breathing which helped tremendously.  I am so happy and very grateful to you!  MANY HEARTFELT thanks for everything :)  Namaste"
May Wille, Scottsdale, Arizona, January 2004


"Green Sun would like to extend the warmest THANK YOU!  We truly appreciated your presence at the festival. It was a gift to us all!  Many participants expressed their appreciation also".
Organizers, Living Now Festival, East Otto, New York, August 2003


"I passed the DMV test today without glasses!  Thank you so much for your help and guidance!"
Bethany Reis, New Paltz, New York, June 2003  (In less than 4 months Bethany went from -2.50 diopters nearsighted to throwing away her glasses ~ EJvdW)


"Yep, I am noticing some progress...my left eye seems less lazy and tracks better when reading."
Ken Lyle, Boulder, Colorado, May 2003


"Anyway, thank you for your class.  It was very good.  A surprising benefit: I am driving without glasses and feeling like I am a safer and better driver.  Blinking and sketching instead of staring at the road makes the difference."
Barbara D, Asheville, North Carolina, March 2003


"Wow, I've just spent about an hour (or more) visiting your website and related links.  I am so impressed with it! Thank you for all the work that you have obviously done in gathering, organizing, and presenting its contents!  I am certain that many will benefit from it."
Kathleen Iselen, New Hampshire, February 2003


"Wow! What a site you've put together!  You've done a great job.  I really enjoyed reading about your nomadic journey and the vision experiment with your friend -- very cool.  Super job with the links and reference pages, too -- very comprehensive.  Keep up the great work."
Alan Winn, Simply Vision, Utah, January 2003


"At first I was skeptical of your work, I did not expect to see any beneficial connection between our professions. However, after watching you work with various patients during 2 days, and having a brief session myself, I've done a 180 degree turn around and saw that your eyesight improvement classes had a major positive impact on everyone!!  One of the main aims with cancer patients at Atlantis HC is to get them to reduce stress.  Many of the patients are tired of all the 'must do this and that' advice from everyone and are not always open to new suggestions.  Your approach of relaxation, with the sole purpose of eyesight improvement as a 'guise' caught the patients with their guard down, you sort of 'sneaked in through the back door' and Voila, they relax, and they view their world with different eyes!  Major shifts in perception occurred, physically as well as mentally."
Bridget Freeman, MD, Atlantis Healing Center, Jacksonville, Florida, January 2003


"Also thanks for the information on the eyes.  I picked up a bottle of vitamin B complex.  I have been taking them and I am now over the problem."
Beth Carmona, Phoenix, Arizona, November 2002  (Beth's problem was blood-shot teary eyes - EJvdW)


"Jelle is still doing great.  I recently had him tested and he is still slightly farsighted, but even the optician did not consider it needed treatment.  And the double vision is as good as over.  Very occasionally he will still have it for a moment, but he is able to correct himself immediately.  His handwriting is readable for the first time in years!  I am immensely grateful to you for putting me on the right track."
Saskia Naber, Warffum, the Netherlands, October 2002
(In May 2002 when I met Saskia and her family, her 8 year old son Jelle was scheduled to undergo an eye operation to 'rectify' a cross eye problem.  Thanks to the Bates method, Jelle was able to greatly improve his eyesight within a few months and he no longer needs an operation.  Saskia has since then become a very enthusiastic Natural Vision Educator. ~ EJvdW)


"Thank you so much for teaching my husband, it is such a relief not to have to listen to 'Where are my glasses?!?!!' several times per day.  He has not worn his glasses at all since your class."
Sue Kent, Schinveld, Netherlands, October 2002 


"I want to thank you again for the teaching you shared with us last Sunday.  I was very encouraged after the meeting to not use my glasses again and I haven't!  It's going well - I love the palming technique.  I've read several books on vision improvement, but the most valuable information I got was from you.  You were able to break it down into much simpler steps."
Sharon Smith, Phoenix, Arizona, May 2002

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