The Bates Method
Who was Dr Bates?
Dr W H Bates was a respected American Ophthalmologist who
practised mainly in New York. He noticed that the vision
of many of his patients was extremely variable and realised
that this meant it could be improved. He later gave up his
orthodox practice in order to devote his life to discovering,
then showing others, how long sight, short sight and astigmatism
could be prevented and improved in children and adults without
the use of glasses.
What does the method entail?
Learning to keep the eyes and mind relaxed while becoming
ever more interested in the world around. Special techniques
are used to give extra stimulus where this is needed, but
the emphasis is on improving the use of the eyes in everyday
life.
Is there any guarantee that it will work?
No! It is an educational method and everything depends on
the pupil’s ability and willingness to learn. However,
most of those who take it up seriously do experience substantial
benefit.
Do I have to practise every day?
No. Some practice is of course helpful but it is much more
important to be prepared to change the approach to seeing
in all your activities. Your teacher will help you design
a programme that is manageable and meets your needs.
Do I have to stop wearing glasses completely?
Not all at once. You can begin by just leaving them off
when it is convenient.
Isn’t it normal for sight to deteriorate
as you grow older?
No. The loss of focusing ability in later life is mainly
due to acquired habits of strain and can be both prevented
and reversed.
Can the method help with eye disease?
Eye diseases are symptoms of general disease and should
always be treated constitutionally. The Bates Method helps
to obtain the best and most comfortable vision from damaged
eyes. Allowing the eyes to work in the most normal and relaxed
way can also encourage healing.
Can it be used with young children?
Yes. Children from about five years can work very happily
with a teacher. Younger children can be helped by their
parents with a teacher’s guidance.
What about lazy eyes and squints
Subtle and effective techniques based on relaxation and
brain integration designed to improve the ability of the
eyes to work together often provide a most effective solution
to these conditions.
Is the method only for people with poor sight?
Not at all. Apart from the value of prevention, ‘normal
sight can be improved still further and many people with
good sight have experienced such benefits as improved concentration,
faster reading, better all-round co-ordination etc.
Will using a computer harm the eyes?
Not necessarily. Looking at a computer screen can become
tiring and uncomfortable….if you strain. By learning
to keep the eyes relaxed while working many problems can
b e avoided. Many professional computer users now regard
the Bates Method as essential training.
How many lessons will I need?
It usually takes 6 – 10 lessons to learn the basics
and many people find they make good progress in this time.
Difficult and long-established conditions may need longer
term commitment.
What will it cost?
Currently fees range from £20 to £30 per lesson.
A lesson usually lasts an hour.
How can I start?
If you want to read more before you start lessons, the following
books are available from all good bookshops:-
“Better Sight Without Glasses”
by Dr W H Bates
“The Art of Seeing”
by Aldous Huxley
“The Bates Method”
by Peter Mansfield
Information Courtesy of
:
Karen Banks
