Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I join the Association of Vision Educators?

A: Go to https://www.naturalvisionteachers.org/members or click the purple "Member Portal" button in the top right corner and it will take you to a page where you can sign up.

Q: What is required to become on AVE Member?

A: That depends.

The Association of Vision Educators (AVE) has two types of membership. Public and Unlisted. To become an unlisted AVE member, all you have to do is pay your annual dues. To become a Public AVE member, you have to also meet these requirements:

REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN THE AVE AS A PUBLICLY LISTED TEACHER

1. Proof of proficiency of the Bates Method or related modalities through any of the following:

a) Proof of training / study of the art obtained from an AVE member teacher

b) Proof of a successful ongoing practice of a minimum of 2 years

c) Publication of a book or articles about your eyesight improvement practice in professional publications related to vision and health

2. Registration and payment of dues

All applications are evaluated by the AVE Steering Committee.

Q: Can eyesight improve naturally?

A: Yes it can.

As eyesight can worsen, it can also get better. It can fluctuate up and down, from day to day, even moment to moment. For example, it may decline in times of stress, such as during a period of grieving or while getting an eye exam. It may improve in times of rest and relaxation, while on vacation or when glasses are not worn for a period of time. Eyesight can improve through Natural Vision education.

Q: What is Natural Vision Improvement?

A: Natural Vision Improvement is a holistic and educational approach to vision care that gets to the root of eyesight problems.

It addresses the cause of poor eyesight, which is stress. Relaxation and re-education of the mind and eyes are at its foundation. Bates Educators help you observe poor vision habits and find ways to relearn to see more efficiently and clearly.

Q: How does Natural Vision Improvement work?

A: Eyesight issues share a common cause: stress in the mind and tension in the eyes. This can lead to using the eyes in ways for which they were not designed. Instead of the eyes seeing in a naturally relaxed way, they strain. This unconscious strain can cause chronic tension of the muscles around the eyes. The eye muscles can get stuck, squeezing the eyeball and holding it out of shape. This affects the eye’s flexibility and its ability to change shape to focus.

Natural Vision education helps to ease this unconscious tension. As natural habits of good eyesight are relearned and incorporated into daily life, the eye muscles relax. With the muscles relaxed, the eyeballs can return to their natural shape. This improves circulation and allows for proper functioning of the eye. Learning to relax and use our eyes effortlessly, without tension, allows them to return to experiencing clear vision.

Vision occurs mainly in the brain. Our eyes receive information in the form of light. The brain processes this information to make meaning of it and create our “visual world.” The process of improving our eyesight through Natural Vision education enables us to see more clearly. And seeing in a natural way, helps to bring us into greater balance and harmony with ourselves and our surroundings.

The body is an intelligent interconnected organism that wants to work correctly. Given the opportunity to function properly, it naturally will.

Q: How did Natural Vision Improvement get started?

A: It began with William Horatio Bates, who was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1860. Bates graduated with a medical degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York in 1885. Dr. Bates became a successful and well-respected eye surgeon in New York and an instructor of ophthalmology at the New York Postgraduate Medical School and Hospital from 1886 to 1891. At various times, he also acted as advisor to school boards in the State of New York. From 1911 to 1922 he worked in outpatient clinics at the Harlem Hospital.

Early in his career, Dr. Bates became dissatisfied with conventional ophthalmological practice and began his own research into eyesight disorders. As early as 1891 Dr. Bates had learned how to help people get out of their glasses. His dissatisfaction began when he observed people whose eyesight seemed to spontaneously improve, sometimes to the point of a complete reversal of symptoms. This led him to question one of the most basic assumptions of the accepted practice of ophthalmology; namely, that once symptoms of refractive error were present in a patient, then nothing could be done other than prescribing glasses.

Dr. Bates went on to formulate new theories about eyesight and to develop a method to help people improve their vision. This method became known as The Bates Method. The Bates Method continues to be taught all over the world by professional teachers in many countries who are helping people to see better without artificial lenses or surgeries.

The term “Natural Vision Improvement” most likely started in 1987 with vision educator Janet Goodrich. It was her first book title.

Q: What is the Bates Method of Natural Vision Improvement?

A: The Bates Method of Natural Vision Improvement is an educational approach to relearning the habits of good eyesight. It is based on the principle of dynamic relaxation and of letting go of strain in the mind and eyes. Mental strain and tense eye muscles cause blurry and distorted vision. The Bates Method applies simple techniques and easy activities that help relax the mind, release muscle tension and bring back clarity. It is not a set of eye exercises. It is relearning and incorporating into daily life the habits of Natural Vision. The Bates Method is also referred to as Natural Vision Improvement.

Q: If the Bates Method works so well, why haven’t I heard of it before?

A: Here’s an answer from a fellow vision educator:

“The Bates Method was developed almost 100 years ago in the early 20th century but is still not accepted as credible by most of orthodox optometry. At first this may sound like a long time ago, but consider the fact that mainstream optometry is still using even older theories from the 19th century. The currently accepted theory of accommodation, presented by Hermann von Helmholtz in 1855, states that the lens is the only contributing factor to our focusing ability. Dr. Bates proved that the six extrinsic muscles around each eye work in accompaniment with the lens and both contribute to our ability to focus light properly on the retina in the back of the eye. Since the human body is highly complex and interconnected it makes sense that several muscles, not just one, work together toward accommodation.

"Not many people have heard of the Bates Method before because it has been ostracized by the medical field. Eye doctors make a living prescribing glasses for people, so anything that prevents people from needing glasses may be seen as a threat. Additionally, the Bates Method challenges the entire behemoth of the optical industry, a $35.47 billion industry according to a study conducted by the Vision Council and released by Vision Expo.” Massive medical industries do not allow any room for alternatives and do not want anyone to experience anything aside from what they offer.”

— Claudia Muehlenweg

Q: Is Natural Vision Improvement eye exercises?

A: No. Exercise implies effort. It also implies the need for continuing to exercise to maintain good vision, and that if discontinued vision would decline. Rather than being about exercise, Natural Vision Improvement is about relaxation. It is about learning to let go of the strain and tension that is lowering vision. Practicing easy and gentle activities helps wake up Natural Vision. This allows the mind and eyes to function in their naturally relaxed and proper way.

Initially, these activities take conscious practice. This does take some personal responsibility and commitment to practice. But, gradually the activities become Natural Vision habits and are incorporated into daily life.

Q: How much time will it take to improve my vision?

A: It varies: Here are some answers from a few fellow vision educators:

“Almost all of my students experience better vision after one lesson. Maybe a tiny bit, but it’s something, right away.”

— Kate Keilman

"About 3 - 6 months, with close supervision of a Natural Vision Improvement teacher as a guideline. But not in all cases."

— Bin Loy

"Every pair of eyes is unique and each person responds to the Bates Method differently. For me, I consider vision improvement a lifelong endeavor. By this I do not mean that it will take forever for your vision to improve, rather that vision is a fluid phenomenon that fluctuates with every breath, so having the tools of the Bates Method will help me respond to situations appropriately and allow me to maintain clear vision through prevention.

"The goal of Natural Vision education is twofold: first to teach you the fundamentals of the Bates Method to initially regain normal vision through a conscious effort and second to internalize and memorize the method so that proper visual habits return to their subconscious state, resulting in lasting effortless vision. Eventually you will not need a teacher, as you become your own teacher.

"Variables that affect the amount of time include age, length of time lenses have been worn, strength of prescription, willingness and frequency of participation, and your ability to be a good student. Although the amount of time required varies with each person, one can expect to devote at least two to four months to learn and practice the Bates Method with a professional before reducing frequency and ultimately assimilating clear vision on your own."

— Nathan Oxenfeld

Q: Who can benefit from Natural Vision Improvement?

A: Since Natural Vision Improvement is about learning to use the eyes in their proper and naturally relaxed way, just about everyone, young or old, no matter their vision challenge can benefit.

Q: What are the benefits of Natural Vision Improvement?

A: The benefits of Natural Vision Improvement can include:

• Clearer near and far vision
• Increased speed of focusing
• Enhanced depth perception
• Greater color awareness and appreciation
• More relaxed and comfortable eyes
• Relief of headaches
• Relief of light sensitivity
• Relief of dry, burning or itching eyes
• Better balance and coordination
• More energy and stamina
• Increased mental clarity
• A more relaxed state of being
• A greater sense of inner balance and harmony
• Greater connection with self
• Greater awareness and connection with the world around you
• Better eye health

Many people begin Natural Vision Improvement to see more clearly. They are often surprised when their eyes feel more comfortable, they are more relaxed, can read more easily, perform better in sports, become more creative, and much more. Each person’s process is different, and the benefits are different for each person.

Follow this link to learn more about the most common eyesight conditions.

Q: What kinds of conditions can be helped with Natural Vision Improvement?

A: Nearly all functional vision problems can be improved or overcome. Here is a partial list:

• Nearsightedness (also known as Myopia or Shortsightedness): Seeing clearly up close, but blurry in the distance. The distance might start at 4 inches! Your “good sight” is in the near range. If you can read a book without glasses or contacts, but you need to hold it right up close to your face, that’s nearsighted. If you can read at normal reading distance (6 – 16 inches) but signs across the street are a little out of focus, that is also nearsighted.

• Farsightedness (also known as Hyperopia or Hypermetropia): Seeing clearly in the distance, but blurry up close. If you are the first in the car to read the street sign, but you can't read the speedometer, that's farsighted. If you can see the rings of Saturn, but it's getting more difficult to thread a needle, that is also farsighted.

• Presbyopia (also known as Age Related Farsightedness): Farsightedness that can occur in middle age. It used to be called “Old Age Sight” but we are living longer. It sometimes shows up in early 40’s. Also known as “Short-arm-itis”. If you need to back out of a phone booth to read the phone book (WAIT! We don’t do that anymore!) Menus in dark restaurants can be especially challenging.

• Astigmatism: Things might appear stretched, distorted or blurred at any distance due to an imperfection in the curvature of the cornea, resulting in perception of objects as oblong and blurred. Astigmatism is a distortion in the vision that can occur at different distances, different directions and in either eye. One eye might see a traffic sign as square; the other eye sees it as a rectangle. The image can also appear stretched diagonally, the eye seeing a square as a rhomboid.

• Binocular Vision Disorders (Eye Teaming or Eye Tracking difficulties):

  • Amblyopia (also known as Lazy Eye): One eye switches “Off” for various reasons.
    This can have several causes. It is commonly caused by one eye turning in (Esophoria) or (Exophoria) out. It might not be enough to be noticed by others, but enough for the brain to notice that the images from each eye cannot be merged into one (convergence, or fusion). So the brain does not fully acknowledge the signals coming in from one of the eyes, and switches one eye off. It relies on the other eye, which becomes dominant.

  One vision teacher explained it this way: “I had no depth perception in middle school. Softball was terrible – In the outfield, I would run forward to catch the ball and it would sail over my head. But I could play soccer, the ball is bigger, lower to the ground and in amongst the other players”.

  • Strabismus: Eyes that don’t focus on the same thing at the same time.

  • Esophoria (also known as Cross Eyed): One or both eyes turn inward toward the nose.

  • Exophoria (also known as Wall Eyed): One or both eyes turn outward, “toward the walls”

• Eye strain

• Eye fatigue and discomfort

• Headaches or migraines

• Computer eye strain

• Light sensitivity (also called Photosensitivity or Photophobia)

• Dry, burning or itchy eyes

• Eye floaters

Eye issues for which the student is under the care of a medical doctor (Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Keratoconus, Macular Pucker, etc.): Natural Vision Improvement can play a supportive role. Here are some thoughts on working with students with eye issues from a fellow vision educator:

“For students who have eye issues, working with a Bates Method teacher can help to reduce the residual stress, strain, anxiety and discomfort associated with frequent appointments, treatments or recoveries. As vision educators, we can help you learn how to deeply relax your eyes, body and visual systems, so your eyes feel more comfortable and function better. Relaxed eyes feel better and see best!”

— Ree Coleman

Q: Who teaches Natural Vision Improvement?

A: We are vision educators, often teachers and coaches who have experienced Natural Vision Improvement ourselves and desire to share the benefits of Natural Vision Improvement with others. We have included on this website a variety of resources for those of you who want to learn more about the Bates Method and Natural Vision Improvement, including a list of teachers around the world.

Q: What do vision educators do?

A: As vision educators, we teach the Bates Method of Natural Vision Improvement. We teach key principles of Natural Vision and help students to incorporate Natural Vision habits into daily life. We help students improve their visual clarity and back out of glasses. We help students improve their ability to read, understand the complexity of vision and improve the comfort and health of their eyes. Besides teaching the Bates Method, we may also teach other natural, holistic and educational methods that support Natural Vision, depending on our individual areas of expertise.

Q: Are vision educators eye doctors?

A: Some vision educators are eye doctors. But, one does not have to be an eye doctor to be a vision educator. Many vision educators do have additional fields of expertise. To see a list of what our Association of Vision Educators members also provide,, check out our complementary Modalities page.

Q: Is Natural Vision Improvement a medical modality?

A: Natural Vision Improvement is not medical in any way 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.

As Bates Method Vision Teachers, we teach relaxation and proper use of the eyes. We do not diagnose, treat or prescribe for our students. Please consult with your eye doctor or other medical provider regarding questions concerning your health and the health of your eyes.

Q: If I have had LASIK (laser eye surgery) in the past, and my vision is now getting worse, will Natural Vision Improvement help?

A: Here’s an answer from a fellow vision educator:

“Yes. Natural Vision Improvement can help you to relax your vision back to the right amount that you had when you were seeing clearly with your LASIK.”

— Greg Marsh

Q: I have worn lenses for a long time and my prescription keeps getting stronger. Why is this happening?

A: Here’s an answer from one of our fellow vision educators:

“Glasses, contacts and laser eye surgery are quick-fix methods that cover up the symptoms of eyestrain. They do not address the root cause of eyestrain, which is tension of the mind and muscles. When lenses are placed in front of the eyes, light is focused correctly on the retina and a clear image is produced. But, the underlying issue of physical and mental strain is not addressed. The lens wearer continues to maintain improper vision habits and chronic strain. This perpetuates visual degeneration.

“The same applies to laser eye surgery. In surgery, the corneas are cut and flattened to refocus the light correctly on the retina. But, once again the underlying issue that caused the visual blur in the first place is not addressed. Without relearning proper vision habits, vision will continue to decline, no matter what type of visual crutches are used.”

— Irena Castle

Q: Is it difficult to improve my vision?

A: Natural Vision Improvement is not difficult. The core of the Bates Method of Natural Vision Improvement is relaxation and ease. But it does take a commitment to practice. The techniques themselves are simple and easy and can be incorporated into daily life.

Q: Are there any side effects to Natural Vision Improvement?

A: Here’s an answer from one of our fellow vision educators:

*“No. Natural Vision Improvement is simply about using the eyes naturally and relearning the habits of good vision. But, because these natural vision habits may feel new and unfamiliar, there may be some initial and temporary physical or emotional discomfort.” *

— Carl Vigilante

Q: Is it painful to improve my vision?

A: All of the Bates Method practices are meant to feel good and be relaxing. If you ever experience strain, discomfort or pain, it’s time to do some soothing techniques such as palming, acupressure, self-massage or simply close your eyes and allow them to rest.

Q: Is Natural Vision Improvement right for me?

A: Natural Vision Improvement may be right for you if:

• You have a functional vision imbalance (nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatism, etc.)

• You have an eyesight issue or disease for which you are under a doctor’s care and you wish to get help in reducing the residual stress, strain, anxiety and discomfort associated with the issue, frequent appointments, treatments or recoveries.

• You wish to see clearly again

• You are tired of using contacts or glasses on a regular basis

• You would like to save money by not buying contacts and glasses every year

• You are not convinced that the eyes are the only part of the human body that does not heal itself

• You don’t wear glasses but your vision is losing its sharpness

• You spend a lot of time doing close-up work (computer, reading, cell phones, etc.)

• You get headaches or migraines

• You have sensitivity to bright light and need sunglasses

• You have had LASIK laser eye surgery but are not pleased with the results

• You are interested in alternative or holistic methods of healing

• You are willing to dedicate time and energy into helping yourself

• You feel comfortable with change and self-evolution

• You want to take personal responsibility for your own growth and development

Q: Do I have to go without glasses all the time to improve my myopia?

A: No, although, if you feel safe to do so, we recommend removing your glasses during Natural Vision practice to encourage eye and vision relaxation. This allows your eyes room to experience the relaxation necessary for Natural Vision Improvement. Getting used to seeing without your glasses is what it's all about anyways, right? But in certain situations it can be better to wear them. Here’s an answer from a fellow vision educator:

"In certain situations it is better to wear your glasses. The purpose of wearing glasses is to improve visual efficiency. For example, if you are a student in a classroom without your glasses and the teacher is writing on a chalkboard or showing PowerPoint, you will not be able to keep up with the other students and you will likely strain to see. But straining to see is a basic cause of poor vision. Without your glasses you will strain when driving at night or in the rain because you need to be efficient to avoid hitting a pedestrian or dog crossing the street.

"On the other hand, if you are taking a walk around the block, you don’t need to see small details and don't have to be very efficient to see a pothole or a curb. You don’t need glasses to slice a tomato, cook, eat dinner or wash dishes.

*In my work as an optometrist, I had many, many patients whose prescription reduced by several diopters despite that they never took their glasses off except to sleep. In my experience, wearing glasses will not necessarily prevent you from improving your prescription and wearing glasses to keep from straining to see is better than straining to see without glasses. If you want to wear a reduced prescription, make sure your sight will be efficient enough to not strain in situations where you need to see small details." *

— Ray Gottlieb, O.D.