Features

This article is best viewed in a PDF Format.

View PDF

Improving sight without resorting to accessories or surgery may seem an unlikely concept to the majority of optical professionals but that was the theme of the first British Natural Eyesight Conference. This was held from October 24-26 in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, with the Felden Lodge Hotel providing suitably picturesque views of natural scenery for delegates and speakers alike.

The event was based largely around the work of William H Bates in the early 20th Century and how his theories and methods can be applied today to help with conditions including myopia, hypermetropia, presbyopia and astigmatism.

The event organisers describe the Bates Method as a non-invasive and natural way of enhancing visual acuity and re-learning how to see properly. Furthermore, it is based on the idea that many factors can affect a person's eyesight and that a holistic approach offers the best understanding.

Speaking clearly

The conference featured eight speakers who presented on Bates and a variety of associated topics including the need for light, rest and relaxation the relationship between eyesight and movement, mind and vision and eyesight and nutrition.

Peter Mansfield, author of The Bates Method and a practising Bates Method teacher, opened the conference and began his presentation by asking, 'If this natural vision thing has been going on for 90 years or so and if it's any good, why hasn't everybody heard about it already and why isn't everybody doing it?' Insisting that the answer was not that it is without scientific foundation, Mansfield then gave a broad overview of the way that natural vision works and how it fits into the wider world.

Palming, the covering of the eyes with the hands with an emphasis on breathing and relaxation, was the topic for the presentation by Elizabeth Abraham, founder of the Vision Education Centre in Toronto, Canada. She explained that palming is an 'effective way to profoundly rest the entire visual system by reducing the stimulation of light' and went on to say that practising palming can reduce eyestrain, improve vision, calm the mind, promote deeper sleep, increase awareness and enhance memory and imagination.

Alice Bradshaw, education manager at Solgar Vitamins, explained the link between diet and the eyes, focusing on specific foods and nutrients that play fundamental roles in vision. She said that certain foods and food preparation styles have been shown to be damaging to the health of the eyes and also examined the nutritional links to common eye disorders including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and dry eye.

Nina Hutchings presented on 'Vision and movement', asking 'what is the perception of movement in the visual field?' She explained that one of the basic principles of the Bates Method is relaxation, which in turn invites movement, and went on to say that the perception of peripheral movement requires 'relaxation, presence and integration of the central and peripheral vision'. Hutchings' talk was followed by a workshop to practically demonstrate what peripheral movement feels like.

In his presentation, Richard Hobday explained how the sun was used as a medicine and discussed some of the latest findings on the health benefits of sunlight. Kevin Wooding explored the history of the Bates Method and the Alexander Technique and Anthony Attenborough considered the link between the mind and vision.

Bringing proceedings to a close, conference co-ordinator Aileen Whiteford evaluated the content of the various speakers and looked to the future of the natural eyesight movement, discussing the challenges of bringing Bates to a wider audience.

Sight for all?

The natural sight movement has benefited from the emergence of the internet and there are around 40 books available on the subject. So who actually uses the techniques?

'In general, natural eyesight techniques are picked up by two groups of people,' explained Peter Mansfield. 'The first is people who are into personal development, typically coming into it from trying the Alexander Technique or some other aspect of holistic health. Secondly, there are the "end-of-roaders" who have tried every other avenue to improve their vision problems.'

The conference organisers stressed their willingness to work with optical professionals who are interested in their work.

'We do not consider ourselves to be in competition with opticians as optometrists are in the business of selling glasses,' said Whiteford. 'We are about improving the function of the eyes working with the underlying cause rather than correcting the symptoms.

'Eyesight is a natural function and fluctuates - people have good days and bad days. All we are asking optometrists to do is to widen their perspective and be a little more flexible in their approach to eye care.'

With over 50 delegates attending the conference, organisers hailed the event as a success and plan to return in 2009.

Providing exclusive eye care news, information and educational needs every week, including a FREE CET programme. Subscribe to Optician Print Edition.