Conference report

mproving sight without resorting to accessories or surgery may seem an unlikely concept to the majority of Natural vision optical professionals but that was the theme of the first British I 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, hyper- Felden Lodge metropia, presbyopia and astigmatism. Hotel, Hemel The event organisers describe the Hempstead, venue Bates Method as a non-invasive and for the first British natural way of enhancing visual acuity Natural Eyesight and re-learning how to see properly. Conference Furthermore, it is based on the idea that many factors can affect a person’s eyesight and that a holistic approach Optician reports from the inaugural Natural Eyesight offers the best understanding. Conference on an alternative approach to eye care Speaking clearly The conference featured eight speak- focusing on specific foods and nutrients Sight for all? ers who presented on Bates and a that play fundamental roles in vision. The natural sight movement has variety of associated topics including She said that certain foods and food benefited from the emergence of the need for light, rest and relaxation; preparation styles have been shown the internet and there are around 40 the relationship between eyesight to be damaging to the health of the books available on the subject. So who and movement, mind and vision; and eyes and also examined the nutritional actually uses the techniques? eyesight and nutrition. links to common eye disorders includ- ‘In general, natural eyesight Peter Mansfield, author of The ing macular degeneration, cataracts, techniques are picked up by two Bates Method and a practising Bates glaucoma and dry eye. groups of people,’ explained Peter Method teacher, opened the conference Nina Hutchings presented on Mansfield. ‘The first is people who and began his presentation by asking, ‘Vision and movement’, asking ‘what are into personal development, ‘If this natural vision thing has been is the perception of movement in the typically coming into it from trying the going on for 90 years or so and if visual field?’ She explained that one Alexander Technique or some other it’s any good, why hasn’t everybody of the basic principles of the Bates aspect of holistic health. Secondly, there heard about it already and why isn’t Method is relaxation, which in turn are the “end-of-roaders” who have tried everybody doing it?’ Insisting that the invites movement, and went on to every other avenue to improve their answer was not that it is without scien- say that the perception of peripheral vision problems.’ tific foundation, Mansfield then gave a movement requires ‘relaxation, The conference organisers stressed broad overview of the way that natural presence and integration of the central their willingness to work with optical vision works and how it fits into the and peripheral vision’. Hutchings’ talk professionals who are interested in wider world. was followed by a workshop to practi- their work. Palming, the covering of the eyes cally demonstrate what peripheral ‘We do not consider ourselves to with the hands with an emphasis on movement feels like. be in competition with opticians as breathing and relaxation, was the topic In his presentation, Richard Hobday optometrists are in the business of for the presentation by Elizabeth explained how the sun was used as a selling glasses,’ said Whiteford. ‘We Abraham, founder of the Vision medicine and discussed some of the are about improving the function of Education Centre in Toronto, Canada. latest findings on the health benefits of the eyes; working with the underly- She explained that palming is an sunlight. Kevin Wooding explored ing cause rather than correcting the ‘effective way to profoundly rest the the history of the Bates Method and the symptoms. entire visual system by reducing the Alexander Technique and Anthony ‘Eyesight is a natural function and stimulation of light’ and went on to Attenborough considered the link fluctuates – people have good days and say that practising palming can reduce between the mind and vision. bad days. All we are asking optom- eyestrain, improve vision, calm the Bringing proceedings to a close, etrists to do is to widen their perspec- mind, promote deeper sleep, increase conference co-ordinator Aileen tive and be a little more flexible in their awareness and enhance memory and Whiteford evaluated the content approach to eye care.’ imagination. of the various speakers and looked With over 50 delegates attending Alice Bradshaw, education to the future of the natural eyesight the conference, organisers hailed the manager at Solgar Vitamins, explained movement, discussing the challenges of event as a success and plan to return in the link between diet and the eyes, bringing Bates to a wider audience. 2009. ●

16 | Optician | 14.11.08 opticianonline.net