Bates Method
The Association Of Vision Educators 2024 Conference
December 16, 2024

The Association Of Vision Educators 2024 Conference

“A world where everyone enjoys naturally optimal vision.“

– AVE Vision Statement

Since 2016 I have been an active member of the Association of Vision Educators (AVE). We are an American professional organization of Bates Method Natural Vision Improvement teachers and coaches. Every two years we hold our continuing education conference. This year it took place from September 25th through the 29th at Stony Point Center, in beautiful Stony Point, New York, on the West bank of the Hudson River.

“The mission of the Association of Vision Educators is to increase public awareness of natural and integrated vision care and encourage education, communication and research in the field.”

It was wonderful to meet with, learn from and practice with fellow teachers and coaches. This was an extra special event because of two firsts.

First first

This was the first time we have met in person since 2018 because the last two conferences were held online.

Second first

And, this was the first time colleagues came from all over the world. 35 of us came from the United States – Arizona, Connecticut, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Washington – and from Canada, Columbia, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland. 

Gloria Ginn Presenting “Your Master Plan For Regaining Perfect Sight”

Joyful group

What a fun-loving group! It didn’t surprise me to see such happy folks, since natural vision improvement is about getting back to using our eyes in a normal way… which is joyfully!

To get an idea of what I mean, just watch young children as they are running around and having fun playing. They are actively moving, engaging and curious, present and in the moment. They are laughing and having a good time. They are happy. And their eyes are happy. And happy eyes see better. There is no effort to be, they are just being… and no effort to see, they are just seeing… joyfully!

That’s normal vision. That’s the aim of the Bates Method and Natural Vision Improvement, getting back to that normal and joyful way of seeing.

“Gentle Morning Yoga” with Carl Vigilante

Growing field

Natural Vision Improvement has become a large and fast growing field, that as you probably know was started by New York ophthalmologist William H. Bates over 100 years ago.

I’m sure Dr. Bates would have appreciated that our 2024 AVE Conference was held just 40 miles North of New York City, where it all began in the early 1900’s, and that his original ideas about eyesight and natural methods for improving it continue to live on in teachers and coaches around the world.

Each year, new vision educators are joining the field of natural vision improvement. I met both new teachers and those who have been teaching for over 40 years. Together, we carry on Dr. Bates’ knowledge and understanding of how, just as vision can get worse, it can also get better. We also carry on his dream, of helping people improve their eyesight naturally.

  • Physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual stress and strain can decrease vision.
  • Our eyes are flexible, they can change.
  • Releasing tension, stress and strain allows the eyes to revert to their natural state.
  • We see with our brains, not with our eyes.
  • Brain neural plasticity is the guiding concept behind the Bates Method.
  • Glasses are best worn for comfort and safety - like driving!
  • Recapturing how to track, shift, open peripheral vision and enhance depth perception 3D vision is deeply balancing and relaxing to the eyes.
  • Eye procedures can lead to excess stress. Learning to deeply relax the eyes can reduce pre-and post-op stress.
  • Outdoors movement, play and yoga reduces stress, strain and builds healthier bodies.
  • Taking responsibility for overall health, wellness and vision is self-empowering.
  • Full spectrum sunlight in moderation contributes to healthy eyes and vision.
  • Our mission is to increase public awareness of natural and integrated vision care and encourage education, communication and research in the field.

 

- From the AVE website

Natural Vision Improvement IS NOT medical.

It is not a medical modality and is not intended to replace the medical care provided by an eye doctor or other healthcare practitioner. It is not diagnosis, treatment, prescribing, therapy or counseling. A Natural Vision Teacher or Coach who teaches Natural Vision Improvement is not an optician, optometrist, ophthalmologist, physician, psychologist, therapist or medical provider of any kind.

Please consult with your eye doctor or other medical provider regarding questions concerning your health and the health of your eyes.

Natural Vision Improvement IS an educational and experiential approach to improving your eyesight.

It is taught by Natural Vision Teachers and Coaches, as well as other educators, who assist you in finding ways of letting go of the mental, emotional and physical strain that may be contributing to your lowered vision.

The purpose of Natural Vision Coaching is to learn about Natural Vision Improvement and to receive support and encouragement in finding ways you can personally relax your eyes to allow for improved function which may naturally occur.

Learning about Natural Vision Improvement may help you reestablish your Natural Vision. Natural Vision can be learned, or more precisely, re-learned. Since Natural Vision is the way you innately see, with no effort at all, Natural Vision Improvement is experiencing that naturally relaxed way of seeing, of using your eyes with total ease.

Choose your favorite vision technique to practice

The first thing we did as a group was go around the room, introduce ourselves and say what our favorite vision improvement technique is.

My favorite technique: “Alternating sunning and palming”

Alternating sunning and palming, sometimes called a “sunning-palming sandwich,” both stimulates and relaxes, tones and soothes the eyes and the mind. It’s a moving meditation. I love the contrast of bright light and complete darkness. And my eyes love it two. I use to have sunlight sensitivity. Now my eyes absolutely love the light, and are rarely bothered by it… and they appreciate the darkness, and see better in it. Of all practices, I think this practice has helped in improving my vision the most.

Choosing your favorite techniques to practice is an important aspect of the Bates method and Natural Vision Improvement. Doing what is most enjoyable and relaxing is more likely to work better than continuing a technique that is boring, uncomfortable and causes strain.

If a technique is not working for you, drop it for the moment and do something else that is. Come back to the troublesome technique at a later time.

Presentations

Fellow Association of Vision Educators members gave talks, led discussions and held workshops in areas of their expertise. To give you an idea of what it was all about, here are just a few of those who presented at the conference for our continuing educational benefit.

AINHOA DE FEDERICO

Favorite technique: “Looking into each other’s eyes during meditation”

Diploma program

Ainhoa is the director of the International Center for Vision Coaching at the International University of Human Development and Leadership. She announced the first University Degree Program that trains natural vision improvement professionals. The program offers a Vision Coaching Diploma with the recognition of the Public Secretary of Education in Mexico.

Ainhoa continues to carry on research into the Bates method and is at the forefront of scientifically proving the validity of natural vision improvement and expanding the field into mainstream.

At the AVE conference, Ainhoa de Federico announced the world’s first University Degree Program that trains natural vision improvement professionals. The program offers a Vision Coaching Diploma with the recognition of the Public Secretary of Education in Mexico.

Meditation workshop

Ainhoa led us in meditation practices to increase our awareness of subtle energies beyond what we usually perceive in normal vision. She led us in two meditation practices.

In the first meditation,

I effortlessly softened my gaze and was able to see auras, the appearance of light and colors surrounding and radiating from the physical body of another person. And, as the person changed their thoughts and intentions, their aura changed.

In the second meditation,

I faced another person and we looked directly into each other’s eyes for an extended period of time. At first, I thought this experience might be awkward and uncomfortable, but the opposite happened. It felt easy and natural for both of us. During this experience, we both I saw deeper aspects of ourselves and of each other. We both experienced something that can only be described as unconditional love. We also both saw each other’s glowing aura.

During Ainhoa’s meditation workshop my vision expanded. I gained a greater awareness of seeing through my eyes rather than with them. It opened my mind and eyes to possibilities of seeing from a more subtle, deeper and meaningful place.

Ainhoa de Federico is from Spain and currently lives in Mexico. She is the creator of The Clear Sight Method. On her YouTube channel she has over a thousand videos on the Bates method and natural vision improvement.

REE COLEMAN

Surgery preparation

Favorite technique: “The long swing”

“Face Yoga” With Ree Coleman

Peggy Huttleston method

At the AVE conference, Ree introduced us to Peggy Huttleston’s “”Prepare for Sugery, Heal Faster” method. Ree told us of her long and difficult experience living for years through multiple eye surgeries and having unrelenting chronic severe pain. She explained how Peggy Huttlestons’s work supported her in vision journey. Fully trained and certified, she now teaches Huttleston workshops, and is an expert in the area of preparing for and healing from surgery.

Ree led us in two workshops

First, she combined Bates Method techniques with Brain Gym movements and yoga, leading us in an integrative, whole body and fun experience for healing and wellness.

Then, she led us in Face Yoga. This simple, daily yoga practice for the face releases tension in the face, neck and shoulders. It increases blood circulation, tones, smooths, and refines facial muscles, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. It was a great morning wake-up practice.

Ree Coleman is a Bates Method, Kundalini Yoga and Peggy Huttleston Method Teacher.

She is in Newburyport, Massachusetts and is founder and owner of Eyes On Yoga.

JUDITH BOLZ

Favorite technique: “Sunning and palming sandwich, black and orange”

Judith Bolz Presenting “Hypnosis For Better Eyesight”

Two personalities

Judith led us in a discussion about the “inner parts” of our personalities., specifically the “two personalities” of our left and right eyes that can become disconnected and separated from each other – dark/light, love/hate, masculine/feminine, mother/father.

Hypnosis

She emphasized the importance of our conscious and unconscious mind cooperating and working well together and being “whole” so that our two eyes can work well together as well. Connecting the two personalities of our two eyes can be facilitated with the help of Hypnosis.

During one of our breaks, Judith and her husband Rolf also led us in Qi Gong.

Judith is a Hypnotherapist, Neurolinguistic Programing (NLP) Practitioner, Vision Trainer for Children, and Health Coach. She has been in practice for over 30 years.

Judith Bolz lives in Germany. Judith’s website is Viva Creavista.

“Your unconscious mind is with you all the time and is an unlimited source. Your unconscious mind listens to your inner voice, images and feelings. Pay attention to what you say. Speak to yourself in a friendly and positive way.”

– Judith Bolz

GLORIA GINN

Favorite technique: “Imagining clarity”

Gloria Ginn led us in a step-by-step, hands-on vision improvement workshop, with a focus on achieving Central Fixation.

I had two significant takeaways during Gloria’s presentation:

Shifting eyes

First: In order to have clear and normal vision, the eyes must move or shift at 70 to 100 times a second. This super fast shifting is known as saccades. It is natural, automatic. and a necessary part of normal vision. This shifting is hindered by habits of strain, such as staring, tensing the muscles of the eyes, slowing down saccadic motion and lowering vision.

According to Gloria, getting the eyes shifting again is the very first step in the vision improvement process. “If you don’t get the eyes shifting again, you’re wasting your time.” Much of her success as a vision teacher is starting with getting the eyes shifting again. Gloria uses a Vision Shifter as her very first tool for stimulating saccadic motion, because it does this effortlessly.

Using a Vision Shifter helps to get your eyes shifting again.

Peripheral awareness

Second: Central Fixation is seeing what you are looking directly at better than what you are not looking directly at. It is learned by putting your awareness on your peripheral field and noticing that your peripheral field is seen worse than your central field. Noticing that your peripheral field is seen worse will clear up your central field.

Gloria outlined 4 steps to achieving Central Fixation:

  1. Open the periphery. Achieving peripheral vision awareness is the first step to achieving Central Fixation.

  2. Differentiate the difference between central and peripheral vision. Notice the periphery worse than the central point that you are looking at. Seeing worse in the periphery makes vision clearer and better. Noticing the periphery helps in learning how to get into a state of mind of no effort.

  3. Use your central and peripheral vision together. You must use both together to see in three dimensions. It's easier to do with a picture, especially if nearsighted.

  4. Become conscious of details without losing the whole. The conscious mind directs the attention. When you notice that the periphery is less sharp, your central vision gets clearer.

Gloria is the founder and owner of The School of Better Eyesight. She has been enthusiastically and successfully teaching and writing about the Bates Method of Natural Vision Improvement for over 45 years.

Gloria’s Ginn is in Tennessee. Her website is The School of Better Eyesight.

“The problem with Central Fixation is not your central vision. It is not having awareness of your periphery. Direct your attention at a central point, AND allow the periphery to come in.”

– Gloria Ginn

MARC GROSSMAN

Favorite technique: “Magic Eye – Beyond 3D pictures”

To reveal the hidden 3D illusion by focusing before the image, hold the image at a comfortable reading distance, approximately 14 to 16 inches in front of your face. Very lightly cross your eyes until the two pink squares above the image turn into three pink squares.

If you see four squares, cross your eyes even less until you see three squares.

If you have a problem crossing your eyes, hold a pencil about halfway between you and the image, focus your eyes on the pencil tip while still being aware of the page.

Keep trying until you see three squares on the page.

When you clearly see three squares, hold the page still and the hidden 3D illusion will slowly appear. Once you perceive the hidden image, the 3D illusion and depth, you can look around the entire 3D image.

The longer you look, the clearer it becomes.

The farther away you hold the page, the deeper it becomes.

- From "Magic Eye Beyond 3D, Improve Your Vision" by Magic Eye Inc. & Marc Grossman

Complimentary medicine

Marc Grossman took questions and discussed the use of complimentary medicine in his optometry practice and how it improves the outcome of his vision clients.

This included, The Primary Objectives for Preserving Vision:

  • Improve Circulation
  • Stimulate Photoreceptors, Optic Nerve & Visual Cortex
  • Decrease Inflammation
  • Reduce Oxidative Stress
  • Identify & Manage Causative Factors
  • Long Term Neuro-Protection
  • Improve Circulation

Marc Grossman Dicussing How Complimentary Medicine Supports Normal Vision

And, How Acupuncture Helps Vision:

  • Opens the liver meridian which is associated with the eyes
  • Increases Blood Flow To The Eye (Oxygen & Nutrition)
  • Stimulates Nerve Cells
  • Charges Dormant Retina Cells
  • Regulates The Autononmic Nervous System
  • Promotes A Parasympathertic Response
  • Treats BOTH Eye Condition & Underlying Cause

” The brain is neuroplastic. And since the eyes are brain tissue, there’s neuroplasticity in the eyes.”

– Marc Grossman

Marc Gorssman is co-author with Michael Edson of the reference book “Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing” and co-author of the series of Magic Eye, Inc. 3D image books.

Marc is a behavioral optometrist and acupuncturist. In his optometry practice he incorporates complimentary medicine, including the Bates method, yoga, and traditional Chinese medicine, with acupuncture, herbs, supplements and nutritional counseling.

Marc Grossman is in New Paltz, New York. He has two websites is Dr. Marc Grossman, O.D. L.Ac. and Natural Eye Care.

IRENA CASTLE

Favorite technique: “Peripheral vision development with a ball”

Visual occlusion

Irena’s expertise is in helping to reawaken peripheral vision awareness. She gave a presentation called “Beyond an Eye Patch” about maximizing the benefits of occlusion… the covering of an eye during natural vision improvement practice.

Here are some points Irena brought up.

  • There’s is a difference between central vision and peripheral vision.
  • The role of central vision is to see colors and detail in lighted conditions, track objects and provide depth perception.
  • The role of peripheral vision is to see movement, provide a context for central vision and to see in near dark conditions.
  • Both central vision and peripheral vision have roles to play and are necessary for normal vision.

“Eyesight is a combination of a whole array of single and individual visual skills performed with proficiency at the right time in the right sequence.”

– Irena Castle

Irena discussed using selective vision obstruction to develop desired vision skills without the distraction of other stimuli. This can create a deeper connection between the unobstructed part of the eye and the brain. It can allow each eye to learn on it’s own.

She went over different Types of Selective Vision Obstruction.

  • Intermittent - The length of time the eye is obstructed during the practice changes by shifting or strobing
  • Continuous - A selected area of the visual field is occluded for the duration of the practice using an eye patch, post-it note, or nose card
  • Monocular or Single Eye - Covering one eye to allow the other eye to work one-on-one with the brain
  • Binocular or double Eye - A selected part of the vision field of both eyes are eliminated equally or not equally  and this is gradually increased in a non-stressful way

Irena also discussed Rules of Use of Occlusion.

  • Only cover what must be covered - Always leave peripheral vision open. This  decreases the stress, lessens the shock, for the person. We want to create as little stress as possible.
  • Create as little resistance as possible - Do as little occlusion as possible to prevent resistance and strain.
  • Progressively develop skills - Carefully build on skills progressively.
  • Frequently check in - Keep checking in with student, keeping communication open, and encourage releasing strain during the process.

Irena led us in discussing vision practices that can be done with Monocular and Binocular Vision Obstruction.

Monocular Vision Obstruction Practices

  • Sunning
  • Astigmatism improvement practices
  • Looking with ease at new distances, "tromboning"
  • Aiming, throwing a ball at a target
  • Acuity training with the eye chart
  • Acuity training with the Brock string
  • Reading techniques, looking at the white spaces, margins, "thin white line"
  • Eye movement training for saccades and smooth pursuit
  • Eye engagement training

 

Binocular Vision Obstruction Practices

  • Awareness and use of peripheral vision
  • Seeing movement
  • Eye activation and engagement
  • Eye coordination

 

Irena Castle is an eyesight development coach, the founder, CEO and Director of Program Development of Overbound. She is the creator of the Clarity Eyesight Trainer, vision obstruction goggles that help to increase peripheral awareness.

Here we are having fun blocking our central vision with a black post-it note while we stimulate and reawaken our peripheral vision.

“Both central vision and peripheral vision have roles to play and are necessary for normal vision.”

– Irena Castle

ORIT KRUGLANSKI

Favorite technique: “Imagination”

Paradigm shift

Orit openly shared with us the story of her own vision journey, which led to her questioning mainstream attitudes and expectations about eyesight.

Orit first began wearing glasses 30 years ago and has been out of glasses for 20, during which time she has asked herself questions that have opened up her mind and eyes. She continues to challenge the accepted paradigm.

“When someone removes their glasses, the world regains it’s correct size. Blur is just one aspect of vision.”

– Orit Kruglanski

There is a lot of pressure from society to always wear your corrective lenses. There is a different reaction to wearing glasses than to other disabilities. There is a fear of social judgement that people will make of your not seeing abilities. Every other disability has variability.

Why is eyesight ‘one-size-fits-all’ when other abilities are variable. Why can’t we all be okay with diversity of visual abilities?

If someone has hearing loss, they are not judged as harshly for not wearing a hearing aide as the person with vision loss is judged for not wearing glasses.

Play versus perfection

  • Orit led us in a lively discussion titled, “Play versus Perfection”. Our discussion topics were thought provoking, some statements and questions included:
  • We Do things we think are possible. What do you think is possible?
  • Do you need glasses or is it a choice?
  • You have a choice to wear glasses or not, at all stages of vision issues.
  • Glasses don’t have to permanently live on your nose. You have the choice to wear glasses only when needed or wanted.
  • Can you look for solutions on the margins of medicated society?
  • Lenses are experienced as a thing that comes between you and the world.
  • Why wouldn’t you want to see the way you see?
  • Can we learn to live in a less eyesight hostile way?
  • What do you want to reach as a goal?
  • Eyesight improvement provides many gits along the way… don’t forget the process and the gifts along the way.
  • What are the benefits of looking for a n improvement that is more process oriented rather than goal oriented?

Play

Orit, who has been “out of glasses for 20 years”, is a visual educator whose focus is on helping everyone, both children and adults, to improve their eyesight through play. In her presentation, she brought up the the importance of play in natural vision improvement.

Play is open-ended and driven by curiosity. And, curiosity is the way humans learn best. For children, play is serious business. Children are enthusiastically motivated in learning through playing for it’s on sake and are full immersed in the activity.

Play promotes our internal mechanism to knowing what to do. Children do it automatically. It is curiosity based learning. Play is our way of experimenting and learning about the world; learning about the world by experimenting and seeing what happens. But, as adults we have learned to give it away to medical inventors who are still playing.

Playing is being mindful. It is being driven by our mindfulness and curiosity n a protective space.

Perfection

Having the goal of “perfect” sight can feel unattainable. Encouraging choosing smaller, incremental and more reachable goals may be beneficial.

Orit Kruglanski has written two books about “playing” at improving vision, a children’s book, “I See Clearly” and a book for parents, “Play Your Way To Better Eyesight”. She is currently working on a third book, “I See Clearly, With 2 Eyes.” Her website is Orit Kruglanski, visual educator.

“We don’t live in a ‘real’ world, but in our own interpretation of the world. Like Plato’s Cave, we have no access to the real world. We live inside our beliefs. We do things we think are possible.”

– Orit Kruglanski

ANAT AXILRODE

Favorite Technique: “Chop sticks/swinging”

Listening To The Eyes

Anat Axilrode shared with us her technique of Lstening To The Eyes.

Anat has found that listening first to what the eyes have to say has been more effective than just starting out with a traditional Natural Vision Improvement approach. Including “listening to the eyes” in her vision improvement practice has helped her clients achieve greater success in improving their eyesight.

Anat led us in a group session of Listening To The Eyes. After we closed our eyes and got into a relaxed state, Anat asked open-ended questions that were directed to the eyes. And, the eyes spoke. Perhaps the eyes spoke through a part of the mind that had a good connection and understanding of the eyes.

Perhaps they spoke for themselves. Either way, the answers each one gave was clear and immediate. It made complete sense and was useful in understanding the psychological and practical needs of each eye.

My experience of listening to my eyes was surprisingly organic. Each eye “spoke up” easily and readily. My left and right eye each had different personalities, stories, needs and requests which they told me and I verbalized. Allowing them to express themselves was comforting. And, it helped my eyes to function better together, in a more natural and healthy way.

Anat Axilrode is the creator of the Listening To The Eyes method of natural vision improvement. She is the author of the book, “Heal Your Soul, Heal Your Eyes”, that brings together 25 stories from her 20 years of work with the eyes. It includes stories of “conversations with the eyes”, which is the central tool of her Listening To The Eyes method.

Anat is in Israel. Her website is Listen To The Eyes.

NATHAN OXENFELD

Favorite Technique: “Noticing stationary objects moving”

Subtle Approaches To Natural Vision

Nathan led us in a group discussion and hands-on practice of finding ways of incorporating Bates method techniques and natural vision practices inconspicuously into daily life. Any practice can be done in a more subtle way.

Here are samples of what we discussed and practiced:

Small vs. Large: The swing, for example, can be slight and imperceptible, rather than long and noticeable. You can inconspicuously shift your gaze to the left and right of of someone’s pupil and create a very effective swing that no one but yourself knows is happening.

Subtle vs. Gross: Continuing to breathe naturally is an important aspect of normal relaxed vision. Deep breathes can instantly improve visual clarity, but so can quiet, slow, smooth, even and deep breaths. Breathing does not have to be noticeable to others to be effective. Breathing can be subtle and still be helpful to improve vision.

Stealthy vs. Noticeable: The sway can be used in situations where a long swing might feel inappropriate. For example, while standing in line at the check-out counter of a store, swaying slightly, even a quarter inch, by shifting your weight a little from your left to right foot, can create a wonderful swinging sensation for your eyes. The whole world can appear to be moving, which is very relaxing for the eyes and mind. And, no one else has to know.

Inner Smile vs. Showing Your Teeth: Just smiling can be relaxing and improve circulation and oxygen flow to the eyes. But, your smile doesn’t have noticeably show. Just having the intent, releasing the jaw and facial muscles and smiling with your eyes can be effective. Combine that with a little Gentle Blinking and Looking Casually About can do wonders for improving eyesight. No one will notice anything but the sparkle in your eyes, which is only a good thing.

Remembering Palming With Eyes Open vs. Palming: If you are in a social or precarious situation where closing your eyes and palming is not an option, like while in a meeting, or driving, or walking, just remembering what it feels like to palm can be quite effective at relaxing the eyes, the body and the mind. As you remember and feel the sense of softening in your your eyes, feel free to gently smile, lightly blink, and allow your face, head, neck and shoulders to relax as well. Using your memory, no one has to know you are “palming,” as long as your eyes think they are.

Imagining vs. Seeing A Black Period Swinging: A useful technique for improving vision is looking at a black period and imagining the black period swinging, constantly moving, left and right, up and down, in different directions. But, perhaps your in a situation where there is no black period to be found. Well, just imagine seeing a black period swinging. Imagine seeing it wherever is easiest for you, perhaps on a blank, white or colored background. Or on any surface you are looking at. Or, if looking at a person, imagine seeing a black period swinging on their forehead. Or, look at a mole, or freckle on that person’s face and imagine it swinging ever so slightly.

Imagine The World Moving vs. Trying To Stop The World From Moving: Imagining the whole world moving all the time may be one of the most natural and inconspicuous practices you can do. This is completely unnoticed by others because it is the normal way to use our eyes. It is not merely a technique, but rather your “normal vision.” This may take time to realize, but getting their is part of the fun. If it isn’t already, eventually this will be your normal vision, the way you always use your eyes. Practicing many of the Bates and natural vision techniques such as swinging, sunning, shifting your gaze, “seeing from the back of the head”, etc. will lead to this being your normal way of seeing.

Yoga Breathing and Pranayama

Nathan also led us all in a wonderful yoga breathing session

Nathan is a Bates Method teacher and Yoga teacher. He has been on the forefront of spreading the word via the internet about the Bates Method of Natural Vision Improvement through his website, podcasts, videos, webinars, summits and movies. He has been an active member of the Association of Vision Educators for 10 years.

Nathan is is Vermont. His website is Integral Eyesight Improvement.

NATALIA ZOLOTAREVA

Favorite technique: “Palming, Near-far practice”

The Enneagram System Of Personality Types

Natalia gave an interesting introduction and enlightening overview of the 9 Enneagram system of personality types which she uses in her coaching practice.

In the Enneagram system, there are 9 different personality types. These 9 types are divided into 3 areas where your attention goes. Your attention goes to a certain place, and that determines your experience. We can all use all three centers, body, heart and mind, together, making us a whole person.

” Your attention goes to a certain place, and that determines your experience.”

– Natalia Zolotareva

In the Enneagram system:

  • One third of our attention goes to our body,
  • one third to our heart,
  • and one third to our mind.

These are experienced as:

  • Tensions in the body,
  • emotions in the heart,
  • and thoughts in the mind.

“According to the Enneagram system, we can all use all three centers, body, heart and mind, together, making us a whole person.”

– Natalia Zolotareva

As teachers and coaches, another tool to explore is the Enneagram system of personality types. Understanding the variety and combination of personality types that we all have may help in understanding each other, communicating and working together better.

Natalia Zolotareva is a Registered Nurse, ANP, Wellness and Mindfulness Coach, Board Certified Nurse Coach. She is in Long Island, New York. Her website is Mind Your Wellness.

AN ANTHOLOGY OF NATURAL VISION IMPROVEMENT

Completion of new multi-author book announced

There are many books already on the topic of natural vision improvement from individual authors, but never before have so many experts in the field come together to provide such an expansive and inclusive viewpoint that explores the wide world of holistic eye care.

At the conference, fellow AVE members and editing team Ainhoa de Federico, Orit Kruglanski and Nathan Oxenfeld announced the completion of the new book, A New World of Seeing: Practice and Perspectives of Natural Vision Improvement.

The first of its kind, this groundbreaking, multi-author “anthology” book on natural vision improvement brings together more than 40 global leaders in the field of Natural Vision Improvement – including optometrists, ophthalmologists, osteopaths, researchers, psychologists, holistic vision experts, natural vision educators, university professors, bestselling authors and more – to explore transformational approaches for improving eyesight naturally, without glasses, contacts or surgery.

From the history of the Bates Method to the latest cutting edge scientific research and developments, you will discover the multiple dimensions involved in the experience of seeing, and the extraordinary capacity of your body to improve your vision – and your life.

Contributing Authors

Anat Axelrode, Anna Bambridge, Morena Bernardi, Elvira Boguth, Judith Bolz, Fabrizio Brancaleone, Maurizio Cagnoli, Laura Canepa, Larhken B Carroll, Irena Castle, Gülay Çil, Matthias Erdrich, Ainhoa de Federico, Ana Paula Figueiredo, Eli Gal, Sylvia Gelman, Gloria Ginn, Ray Gottlieb, Peter Grunwald, Wolfgang Hätscher-Rosenbauer, Britta Hauenschild, Nina Hutchings, Kate Keilman, Orit Kruglanski, Jacqueline Ledesma, Fernanda Leite Ribeiro, Hana Maslowská, Daniela Maťuchová, Michal Mehler, Melissa Moody, Claudia Muehlenweg, Uschi Ostermeier-Sitkowski, Nathan Oxenfeld, Sandra Pazos, Dror Schneider, Meir Schneider, Carla Sciaky, Jerriann Taber, Lilla Ungváry, Esther Joy van der Werf, Fabienne Weynant, Marianne Wiendl, Kevin Wooding

In summary

So, that was just a taste of the 2024 Association of Vision Educators conference. And, that was a sampling of the presenters who came from all over the world to shared their knowledge and expertise.

It was five days of fun, learning about and practicing the Bates method, Natural Vision Improvement and techniques from related complimentary fields. Thanks to AVE, I’m always learning, growing and improving in my field of Natural Vision Improvement Teaching and Coaching.

I’ve included further resources below, websites, vision tools and videos that you may find helpful along your vision improvement journey.

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