The Bates Method

Dr. William Bates

For 40 years since 1891, Dr Bates, a renowned ophthalmologist, researched deeply into the root causes of vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, and strabismus (lazy eye).

He was not satisfied that prescribing glasses would cure the vision problems, after noting that many of his patients actually continue to suffer deteriorating vision after wearing the glasses. Dr Bates was so successful in curing thousands of his patients that he subsequently published a perennial best seller, “Perfect Sight Without Glasses” in 1920. This book has been reprinted as “Better Eyesight Without Glasses”, and is still a best seller in any leading bookstores today.

Dr Bates discovered in his research that the vision fluctuates. The eyes, just like any part of the body, is subjected to stress, emotions, mind-body interaction, and physical habits. Glasses do not alleviate vision problems, but like a cement crutch on the eyes, hampers the natural healing of the eyes.

Dr Bates had helped thousands of adults and children to perfect sight without the use of glasses. The Bates Method is taught in many countries around the world by Bates teachers who are in one way or another had been taught by Dr Bates, his wife, Emily Bates or their disciples over an 86-year timeframe.

Today, Dr William Bates’ method is commonly referred to as the Bates Method, or more broadly, natural vision therapy, natural vision correction, eyesight improvement, or even eye exercises for better vision.

As for putting glasses on a child, it is enough to make the angels weep. – Dr Willam Bates