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1. Relearning to See: Improve Your Eyesight–Naturally!, the official textbook for Natural Vision Center Natural Eyesight Improvement Courses.

2. The 3 Secret Letters!

3. See News also for Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates, which is now shipping.

4. Some notes on Accommodation and Presbyopia.

 

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1. Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover.

1997, 1999
North Atlantic Books (Berkeley, California)
521 pages, 60 color plates, 150+ illustrations
ISBN: 1556433417
Dimensions, paperback, (in inches, approximate): 9.17 x 7 x 1.25
Hardbound is slightly larger

Paperback: $27.50 retail; the most "extensive and expensive" book ever published on Natural Eyesight Improvement.
(The hardcover edition is out-of-print and there are no plans to reprint it. Hardcover copies may still be available in some bookstores.)

Relearning to See is sold by the Natural Vision Center only during classes and lectures. NVC does not sell books by mail.
Relearning to See can usually be ordered at discount at Amazon.com, and BarnesandNoble.com.

Amazon.com's #1 Natural Eyesight Improvement book
under "Eye Problems" for June-August 2007.
Relearning to See was rated #2 Bestseller
under "Optometry" on Amazon.com on August 18, 2007.
Relearning to See has been rated in the top 1000 books by Amazon.com.
Discover why Relearning to See has a higher Sales Ranking than smaller books that cost much less.

To order directly from the publisher, contact
orders@northatlanticbooks.com
Customer Service
North Atlantic Books/Frog Ltd.
800-337-2665 x20 (phone)
510-559-8279 (fax)



Table of Contents:

(For the entire 11-page Table of Contents, go to Amazon.com-RTS/TOC.)

List of Illustrations
List of Plates
Introduction
Part 1. Fundamentals
           1. Relearning to See (For Chapter One, go to Amazon.com-RTS/Chpt.1.)
           2. Anatomy
           3. Understanding Lenses and Prescriptions
           4. The Problem with Glasses and Contact Lenses
           5. Reduced Prescriptions
Part 2. Accommodation and Errors of Refraction
           6. Accommodation and Errors of Refraction---The Orthodox View
           7. Accommodation and Errors of Refraction---Bates' View
           8. Accommodation and Errors of Refraction---Summary
Part 3. The Three Principles of Natural Vision
           9. The First Principle---Movement
         10. The Second Principle---Centralization
         11. The Third Principle---Relaxation
Part 4. The Three Habits of Natural Vision
         12. The First Habit---Sketching (Shifting)
         13. The Second Habit---Breathing
         14. The Third Habit---Blinking
         15. Sketch, Breathe, and Blink Summary
Part 5. Light, the Retina, and Stereoscopic Vision
         16. Light
         17. The Retina
         18. Stereoscopic Vision
Part 6. Brains, Health, and Healing
         19. Brains and Vision
         20. The Two Sides of Health and Healing
         21. Palming and Acupressure
Part 7. Reading, Children, Schools, and More
         22. Reading---For All Ages
         23. Children and Schools
         24. Computers, TVs, and Movie Theaters
         25. Commuting and Recreation
         26. Nutrition
         27. Serious Vision Problems
         28. Just For Fun!
         29. "This Method Has Been Proved"
         30. Questions and Answers
         31. Summary
Appendix A: Bibliography
Appendix B: Resources
Appendix C: Biographical Sketch of William H. Bates, M.D.
Appendix D: Light Comparison Table
Appendix E: Becoming a Natural Vision Teacher
Appendix F: Eye Charts
Appendix G: Additional Vision Stories
Index (For the full, 15-page Index, go to Amazon.com-RTS/Index.)



Why Relearning to See: Improve Your Eyesight–Naturally! is a "Must Have" and recommended by eye doctors, including ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Note: All of the following 140+ feedbacks on Relearning to See were unsolicited.

Great! Recommend to All My Patients
    
 I am very impressed with your book Relearning to See. Great! It is the best book on the Bates Method. I am going to recommend it to all my patients.
    
  ---Dr. Edward C. Kondrot, M.D., Ophthalmologist, Author of Healing the Eye the Natural Way; http://www.homeopathiceye.com. Dr. Kondrot is a graduate of the Natural Vision Center's Natural Eyesight Improvement Seminar.

Very Popular; Someone is Always Reading It; Continually Recommended
    
 I have your excellent book Relearning to See in my office and it is very popular...someone is always reading it...
     I just wanted to let you know how much my patients have appreciated learning the valuable information that you provide on your website and at your Natural Vision Center.
     I continue to recommended Relearning to See: Improve Your Eyesight – Naturally! to my patients as well as your excellent Free Introductory Lectures and Natural Eyesight Improvement Courses.
     Please keep me on your mailing list and be sure to let me know when you offer lectures and courses... Feel free to give out my name to your students who want to see an eye doctor who is sympathetic to this approach...
     Best wishes and keep up the good work.
    
  ---Dr. Stan Appelbaum, Optometrist, Maryland

Excellent Work; Inspirational
    
 Congratulations for your excellent work. One more step towards the truth in natural vision improvement. You are certainly one of the people who has inspired me to do the work that I am doing...Thank you Tom Quackenbush for your good work...You are one of the people who I think is a true scientist in this field. If we do not dream that something is possible, we will never find out that it actually is possible.
    
  ---Dr. Deborah Banker, M.D., Ophthalmologist, Author of Self-Help Vision Care

A Very Impressive Text! A "Must Have"
    
 Relearning to See is a very impressive text!...outstrips all its predecessors...Most complete text that we've ever seen on natural vision improvement. For anyone seeking to improve their eyesight without drugs, surgery or prescription lenses...For anyone seriously interested in vision improvement or the Bates method, Relearning to See is a "must have"...
    
  ---Rosemary Jones, Healing Pages Bookstore; America Online book reviewer

A Great Work of Love and Compassion Towards All Mankind
    
 Relearning to See is a most invaluable addition to my library and trust it will, through my sharing, introduce it to many of those needing your assistance.
     May I, in passing, express my opinion that Relearning to See is the most comprehensive and complete work that I have had the privilege of reading on the subject of eyesight and it defects, and how they may be overcome. I would like to thank you personally for all the effort that you have put into making this knowledge available, and I perceive it to be a great work of love and compassion towards all mankind.
    ---Dr. John L. Fielder, D.C., D.O., N.D., Director of the Academy of Natural Living, Queensland, Australia

Every Page Packed with True Value! Incredibly Useful Material; a 500+ Page Milestone; Should Be Mandatory in Every University
    
 A lot of authors who write such extensive manuscripts have a great way of saying a lot about nothing to fill up the pages in their expectations of creating value. I can honestly tell you that every page of this most monumental undertaking, Relearning to See, is packed with true value!
     It's a textbook filled with some incredibly useful material about the care, prevention and positive awareness of one of life's greatest joys; seeing the handiwork of nature through our miraculous sense of sight; the wonderment of our extraordinary eyes, such a blessing!
     I am convinced this 500+ page milestone gives you more for your money than any other piece of work on this subject. It should be mandatory in every university that teaches anything about improving your sight––naturally. I can't seem to stop picking it up to learn more through the countless pages of 4-color images and powerful reference materials to support all the knowledge in this manual!
     Other than an accident or the like, we are in total charge of the care of our sight and this remarkable piece of work is the finest tool I've seen in my 26+years in this fabulous life-changing business of health to care for your sight. Hat's off to you Thomas for such a gargantuan accomplishment.
    
  ---Wayne Pickering, N.D., Sc.M., Nutrition Performance Coach, Life Management Consultant; Award-winning Triathlete 1996; 1997 nominee for The Healthy American Fitness Leader Award; http://www.wayne-pickering.com

Great to be Able to Read Again!
    
 By last fall, after several years of peering at my computer screen, my close-range vision had deteriorated to such an extent that I could barely focus on anything within 12 inches of my nose, and I could not read small print without a magnifying glass.
     Then I obtained a copy of Relearning to See. I had met Tom a few years ago at a raw food expo and felt good about the man and his knowledge. I knew that the book had helped thousands of people of all ages to improve their eyesight naturally. The book is not about eye exercises; it is about relearning to relax the eyes [and mind] when looking at objects...After two weeks I noticed that my eyesight was almost completely back to normal—it is great to be able to read again!
     Relearning to See is replete with a plethora of information about vision and how to restore it using the Bates Method. However, as we have long contended, health is simple, and so, too, is the concept of eyesight improvement—much simpler than glasses and, certainly, laser surgery! It all begins with taking a different perspective—literally, a new way of seeing.
    
  ---Dave Klein, Editor of Living Nutrition; review in October 2003 issue; http://www.livingnutrition.com/index.html

Holy Grail of Vision Improvement Books
    
 People with vision problems MUST purchase Relearning to See because IT WORKS. I was skeptical, at first, after reading all the tribute and praises for this book. I thought it just sounded too good to be true. Can a book really improve my myopic vision? But after trying out for a month what the book was preaching, I was surprised to find out my vision slowly improving. There seems to be less tension in my eye muscles too.
     There are no exercises in this book, only HABITS to follow 24 hours/day and that, to me is the reason why your eyes will improve. You are practicing good vision habits, not just for 20 minutes a day which other vision books will tell you to perform as eye exercises, but 24 hours/day good vision habits for the rest of your life.
     People who are considering having laser surgery done on their eyes should buy this book first because, not only are they saving money, they are also ensuring that their eyes will never have to deal with the various dangerous side effects of laser surgery.
    
  ---Jonathan Llorca, Philippines, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Just Amazing! BEST Book; Explains Everything; Easy to Improve
    
 Just amazing! Relearning to See is the BEST book on the Bates method. This one really makes it easy to achieve real vision improvements, as it explains everything in an easy way, and at the same time being the most comprehensive book on the subject I've ever seen!
     Rating: 5 stars
    
  ---Andre, Brazil, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Best Book on Vision; Effective; Well-Organized; Clear
     Best book on vision.
     I have read several books on vision improvement and this is by far the best. What makes it so good is that it is effective, partly because it is so well organized, partly because the author writes so clearly. It wasn't until I read this book that I understood what central fixation (centralization) meant and why it was so important. Something else I like is no wild claims, no "Perfect Vision in 6 Weeks!" or "Throw Away Your Glasses!"---just relearning to see. If a reader who practices what it teaches can release the chronic eye strain most poor vision people have, stop the eye abuse we do unconsciously, it will have been worth it...Incidentally, Dr. William Bates, a New York ophthalmologist, is the originator of vision training and this book contains, verbatim, much of his important writing. So you get two books in one.
    
  ---Bohdan, Maryland, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Extremely Good; Full of Information
    If you want to learn how to improve your vision naturally, then Relearning to See is an extremely good book. Its 521 pages are full of information on various aspects of eyes and related subjects. Methods to improve your vision naturally are given in easy to understand language and if you follow them strictly, you will definitely have your vision improved. One thing everybody has to remember is that anything related to vision will not happen overnight. It will happen over a period of time and the improvement will be gradual.
    
  ---Ashley, New York, Amazon.com 4-Star Review

Best Book I Ever Read; Dramatic Improvement; Want to be Tennis Pro
    
 Day 1: I just finished reading Relearning to See. It's the best book I have ever read in my life. Really enjoyed it and my vision improved dramatically in only one day. When I put on my old glasses and contact lenses, they definitely seem too strong and I get a headache, which is a good thing! I'm trying to make it on a professional tennis tour. I would like a phone consultation.//
     Day 2: More good news. I can now see at least 20/20, maybe 20/10 or even 20/5 with the reduced prescription I obtained! I think this is a dramatic improvement for just reading Relearning to See for only two days.//
     Day 3: My vision is continuing to get better.
    
  ---John Macris, Pennsylvania, Vice President of The Shenango Valley Tennis Club

Single Most Valuable Resource
    
 Relearning to See has proven to be the single most valuable resource in my attempt to improve my vision naturally. I have not been wearing my lenses consistently for over one year. I went from a -5.25 to a -2.0 in that time. 
    
  ---Eric, New Jersey

Great Results; Incredible Book; Carry It Around with Me All Over the House
    
 I've had Relearning to See for four months and carry it around with me all over the house. I'm getting great results. Thanks so much for the incredible book. And if there is room to attend your seminar, please reserve a space for me and I will mail you the registration form and fee right away. 
    
  ---Gail, Virginia

Changed My Life; Improved My Sight; Fewer Headaches
    
 Relearning to See changed my life. I used to think that poor eyesight was genetic and unchangeable. This book explains how eye muscles can change the shape of your eyeball to make your vision better or worse. Because these muscles are not under your conscious control, "relearning to see" is more about relaxing and letting your eyes do what they were always supposed to do. In one month of applying some of the advice from this book, my vision improved from -3.50 to -1.25 in both eyes---tested in a dark optometrist's office. In natural light outside I often see 20/20. I now wear much weaker glasses, and only for driving. I also get fewer headaches.
     Rating: 5 stars
    
  ---Betsy, California, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Wonderful; Clear Essence of Bates Method: Correct Habits
    
 I just read your book Relearning to See. It is wonderful. You explain clearly the essence of the Bates Method. I have read a few books about the Bates Method before, but none of them brings out the most important point of the Bates Method: correct habits.
    
  ---Christine, email

Finally on the Right Track
    
 A year and a half ago I bought a couple [natural eyesight improvement] books....I had no success with the exercises given after several months. I bought Quackenbush's book Relearning to See and finally got on the right track [with natural vision habits, not exercises].
    
  ---David, internet

Feldenkrais Practitioner's Reference for Years
    
 Would you please let me know about details for your Teacher Training Program in Holland? As a Feldenkrais Practitioner with a specialty interest for vision in its largest sense, I'd like to improve my offer to clients via what you are teaching. Relearning to See is and has been for years a reference in relation to the eye work I propose to my clients. And I also have the Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates.
    
  ---Dieter, Feldenkrais practitioner, Switzerland

Spectacular Improvement; Quality Plus! A "Bible" on Vision Improvement
    
 Relearning to See is QUALITY plus! This book is a wonderful tribute to the genius of Dr. Bates, who was a pioneer in discovering how vision becomes blurred and how it restores itself naturally to clarity and acuity. Now 80 years later, his findings and teachings remain light years ahead of our contemporaries. There is at least one current book which gives you the impression that improving your vision naturally is "newly" discovered. Hardly. Tom is to be commended for his dedication in getting the truth out and keeping the torch burning in this "bible" on vision improvement.
     As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Bates distinguished himself from the pack as a truly critical thinker. His colleagues were content to ignore or rationalize away the numerous cases of patients whose vision improved yet shouldn't have according to the orthodox theories. Dr. Bates was troubled enough to undertake his own extensive experiments and thorough analysis to debunk the myths. His approach to treating vision problems was truly holistic and the theme throughout this book is very much an extension of that holistic approach.
     My vision improvement using the Bates method has been nothing short of spectacular. When I began, my nearsightedness was roughly 20/600. Now on a clear and sunny day outside, my vision settles in to about 20/30 on average, with many periods of 20/20. Under indoor artificial light, my vision averages about 20/40, with periods of 20/30. (Why does it vary, you ask? Read this book and you'll understand why eyesight isn't a fixed and rigid condition under all lighting conditions.) My vision continues to improve subtly each day (it's amazing how one can sense the differences that I'm sure no instrument could detect) and at this rate, I know that the perfect vision I fondly recall as a child will soon be restored.
     Being formally educated and employed in the sciences, there was a time when I would have been extremely skeptical about holistic healing. I'm a firm believer now, because I have had reversals of other types of conditions that I never in a million years would have related to poor vision. This book describes many negative cognitive, emotional and physical symptoms that result from blurred vision.
     Before getting this book, I had already been using the Bates method of improvement for several months...Tom's in-depth and comprehensive book gave me a much fuller understanding and appreciation for some of the finer points of Dr. Bates' work. The book also describes phenomena that I had experienced very early in my vision improvement that startled me at the time, such as brief "flashes" of 20/20 vision and incredible depth perception.
     "Blinded by science" takes on a literal meaning when it comes to orthodox methods of "correcting" vision. There's no doubt that the eye care profession in its infancy was developed on good intentions. But it's a science that has gone terribly astray, with countless numbers of people needlessly suffering the consequences. This book discusses one of the founding principles of the profession based on experiments conducted in the mid-1800's where the reflection of a candle on a subject's eyes was checked under different focusing conditions. This experiment and its erroneous conclusions wouldn't likely meet the grade for a current school science fair.
     I assume that many have chosen a career in the orthodox eye care industry for noble reasons beyond the almighty dollar. Yet they've been duped in their education to faithfully believe the mythical genetic condition of progressive myopia and they are unwittingly selling us snake oil (prescription lenses and contacts). To add insult to injury, a new brand of snake oil (laser surgery) is being offered. It's utterly preposterous the harm that has been inflicted to our most valuable sense organs in the guise of "treatment".
     A philosopher once stated that truth goes through three steps. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. And thirdly, it is accepted as self-evident. Buy this book and go immediately to step 3. Learn the proper vision habits (not exercises) and you will be rewarded with marvelous clarity, incredibly healthy eyes and a whole new outlook on life...
     Of four books I have on the subject...Relearning to See is the best and most comprehensive.
     Rating: 5 stars
[Later email:]
     I had an amazing degree of clarity tonight playing golf near twilight. My wife and I play most evenings until sunset, but tonight was special. Being fairly far north, the sun sets at 9:35 p.m. local time and there was enough twilight to play until about 10:10 p.m. At 9:20 p.m., I was standing on the tee box of a par four that's 396 yards long and was looking towards the green before I teed it up. I could see the flag on the pin distinctly from that distance!! And it wasn't just a flash---I could really see it well from that far. I also watched the player ahead of us walking on the front fringe of the green. I mentioned both observations to my wife without much of a response. (She's getting so used to such improved clarity that she sometimes forgets to acknowledge it.) So I mentioned it again, and then she decided to test me. She asked what color the flag was. There are 3 possible choices depending on where the hole is cut---blue for back of green, yellow for middle, or red for the front---and you don't know until you arrive at the hole which it will be. I immediately answered yellow because that's clearly what I saw---no guessing. On the same hole I watched my wife and my son hit their drives. I saw the flight of both their shots as the balls apexed and descended in the distance about 180 yards away. I wasn't able to see their balls land by that time in the evening, but holy smokes, what I was able to see under such low light was quite exhilarating.
[Even later email:]
     I consider Relearning to See and Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates to be the best books on the Bates Method and Natural Eyesight Improvement. The depth and breadth of your experience, as an author and instructor who has a solid understanding of Bates, is second to none.
    
  ---Doug Marsh, Canada, Amazon.com 5-Star Review, and emails; author of Restoring Your Eyesight: A Taoist Approach

Immense Freedom Without Glasses
    
 [Before we talked last July,] I could not wear my glasses anymore all of a sudden. Since then, I have done palming lying down and [closed-eyelid] sunning every day and have enjoyed the immense FREEDOM of my eyes without glasses...By the way, I had my eyes measured by a supportive optician and my eyes have improved.
     Relearning to See has given me hope in the most difficult days of my life up 'til now, and I have a feeling that very serious problems with my eyes were awaiting me if I had not taken the glasses off.
     May your work be beneficial to many more people.
    
  ---Titia, Holland

More than a Bible; Best Thing! Flashes of Nearly Perfect Sight
    
 I am very happy that I can write you again. If you remember I sent you my first e-mail in August 2004. At that time a retina specialist told me that I have two ruptures in my right eye and thinning of the periphery in the left eye. The reason was high myopia---6.50 diopters. As a result I went into a great depression. The doctors said that nothing can be done but only sealing with laser and expecting further problems! I have in both eyes flashes of light when I turn my head. This was a normal according to the doctors and resulted from the high myopia because the vitreous body is pulling the retina at the periphery.
     From 1994 until this event I was practicing karate shotokan. I reach the last level of studentsŐ belts and I was planning to take the black belt. I put glasses on for the first time in 1997---at that time I was 16 years old---during a period of intensive learning and stress. My first pair was -3 diopters. When I put the glasses on, my eyes felt like they were going to explode.
     These holes changed my life! The doctors said that it is dangerous to sport. I have to go every six months for examinations, my life turned into periods of six months fearing not to experience further problems. But I found your email and website before six months. And I thank to God for this! You were the only one that answered my desperate emails. I bought Relearning to See and this was the best thing! Your book is more than bible on vision improvement. It is a hope!
     After I read Relearning to See I took off my glasses. Since 1 November 2004 I have used glasses only for 10 hours totally and their strength is -4 diopters. I also read Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates---again a wonderful work. Under daylight I can read 15/70 blurred and under artificial light 20/200 but blurred. I experience the greatest improvement during the first three months. Then I hit a plateau which continued to the end of April 2005. During the plateau I experienced different emotions, transformation. I went through periods of extremely low levels of body energy, and in my sleep I deal with different emotions from the past. I think that this plateau served as an emotional healing for me. Now I again have flashes of nearly perfect sight during the day. I feel that a new stage in my vision improvement has begun. I finished my university education without glasses. I wrote and presented my diploma work successfully without glasses. I am fully motivated to improve my myopia! I know and I believe that this can be done! ThatŐs why I would like to take lessons from you. I am ready to come to Holland and attend your classes.
    
  ---Evgeni, Bulgaria

New Testament of Vision Books
    
 I have spent much of the last year studying vision, and trying to understand what led to my poor sight. At this point in time I feel like a have a great understanding about what caused it, and what I need to do to heal...Also, I want to thank you very, very enthusiastically for your book Relearning to See. It is like the new testament of vision books in which yours and Bates' make the Bible.
    
  ---Eli, California

I Now No Longer Need Glasses; Revelation; Changed My Life; No More Headaches; Can Teach My Children; Husband Amazed
    
 I'm sure you get these messages all the time, but I thought I'd send you a thank you email. I purchased your Relearning to See a couple of years ago. I tried to read it, but the first few chapters were too technical for me. I thought that there would be no way I could teach myself. I also had purchased Bates' Better Eyesight, but again the writing style was too complicated. So, I gave up.
     As the years have passed, I thought I may be getting to the point of needing glasses all the time. I started to get headaches at the end of the day. Now, I have been using glasses for reading for probably about 15 years now. But as I was approaching the age of 38,  I thought my eyesight was naturally deteriorating and I would probably need to get my eyes checked. I even called the local eye doctor a couple of times to schedule an appointment but the office was closed. Then I remembered purchasing your book, and I thought I would open it again. To date I have read Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and I now no longer need my glasses. It's as if I'm seeing again for the first time!
     What's amazing to me is realizing [the problem of] diffusion. I noticed when I'm fighting diffusion, and it seems to be a time when I'm particularly bored; for example, brushing my teeth, showering, and even driving. What's really scary to me is that I really have the urge to diffuse when I'm driving. Going through a full day without having my glasses on and using my eyes in a different way and recognizing when I'm fighting this diffusion has been a huge revelation for me. Diffusion has been the problem, and I thought this was something that actually relaxed my eyes. But now, since I don't have headaches any more, I realize that the diffusion is what was causing the problem.
     So now I'm really excited that I should be able to use my own eyes even if I live to be a hundred years old. And what's even more exciting is that hopefully I can teach my children the same principles before they need glasses. My husband is also amazed at my progress, and I'm hoping that he'll be motivated to do the same thing.
     So I just wanted to thank you for writing Relearning to See. It has truly change my life. Thank you.
      ---Maria, Texas, email
     [Author's note: The key chapters are 9-15.]

Parfaitement Complet
    
 Relearning to See donne toute les indications nécessaires pour retrouver une vue normale. Quelque soit votre défaut de vision, s'il n'est pas du a un trauma, il est probable que votre vue puisse s'améliorer. Cela parait difficile à croire et pourtant j'applique cette méthode avec succés depuis quelqus mois et les effets sont indiscutables. Toutes les questions que vous pourriez vous poser sur la vision ont leurs réponses dans cette véritable encyclopédie. De l'argent bien investi.
Translation:
Perfectly Complete
     Relearning to See gives all the necessary information to recover normal sight. Whatever the defect is in your eyesight, if it does not come from a trauma, there is a good chance your eyesight can improve. This seems difficult to believe and yet I have been succesfully applying this method for some months now and the effects are indisputable. All the questions that you could ask yourself on vision have their answers in this real encyclopedia. Money well invested.
     [Note: Many defects of sight caused by trama have also improved.]
    
  ---Nicolas, France, Amazon.fr 5-Star Review

Incredible Book; My Improvement is One of the Best Things I Have Ever Experienced!
    
 Today, I had a visit with...an ophthalmologist recommended to me by Tom. It was my first visit with him in three months. On 2/28/01 when I saw him last, my visual acuity without glasses was 20/200 right and 20/400 left. On 5/23/01, my visual acuity is 20/50 right and 20/70 left!!! I asked [the ophthalmologist] to put in writing that I was allowed to drive without glasses in daylight. He wrote: "To Whom It May Concern: David S. has vision of 20/50 right, 20/70 left which is adequate for driving in daylight without glasses."
     In the last three and a half months, I have barely used either my contacts or glasses. The only time I really wear glasses is for night driving. I don't think I'll ever wear contacts again.
     Tom, thank you for referring me to your certified Natural Eyesight Improvement teacher Patricia. She is a great teacher. Thank you for writing an incredible book, Relearning to See, which has been an invaluable resource for me the past few months; and thank you for putting together Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates, which is also a great resource for me.
     I want to wish...you continued success in educating others about Natural Eyesight Improvement. I am trying to educate people I know about it and to set an example of one who has benefited from it tremendously. NEI really works and it is amazing how everyone I talk to never heard of this process before...
     Bottom line right now is that I really enjoy the whole process of natural vision improvement. It's one of the best things that I have experienced in my entire life!
    
  ---David, email

Quite Simply an Amazing Book...Literally an "Eye-Opener"!
    
 My eyesight has been going downhill consistently for some years now and every 18 months my prescription gets worse. Glasses are frustrating and mean that you only have good sight some of the time, I can't get along with contacts and laser eye surgery is still a little bit too risky for my liking. Then a friend at university introduced me to Relearning to See. I thought it's probably a waste of time but it can't hurt to try. So I read it, which took some time because it's quite a long book!
     In a nutshell the book explains the findings of an ophthalmologist named William Bates. Bates discovered that contrary to traditional opinion, poor eyesight can be attributed to a series of bad habits adopted by people as they grow older. Thus, unless there is a disease or injury to the eye: full quality vision can be regained simply be analyzing and understanding the way we use our eyes.
     In this book the author has made it possible for people to regain perfect vision, without taking any of the risks associated with corrective lenses and invasive surgery---both of which 'force' better eyesight. By reading this book and persevering you can assist your eyes to improve of their own accord.
     Its amazing, after only a few days one can make a noticeable difference. If you have the motivation and commitment, theoretically 20/20 vision can be regained in about a year. Surely this is worth a try?!
    
  ---Amazon.co.uk 5-Star Review, Southampton, UK

Read Much Longer; Eyes Less Tired; Easy to Understand
    
 I used to have tired eyes due to need to involve in a lot of close-up works, and have glasses for astigmatism, nearsightedness and presbyopia...my eyes feel less tired and also can read at a much longer periods, after read what Thomas try to say and having a good grasp of the concept in Relearning to See.
     This is the first book on eyes improvement that I have bought so far, but feel that the book is excellent as it not only covered topics on eyes improvement, but also other health related issues and suggestions, such as topics to do with relaxation, palming, breathing, and so on. Further, the book is easy to read and understand.
     I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wish their eyes could be better and improved, and to take away the glasses eventually, just like me.
     For those, who wish to know more about breathing and to reap its benefits, the one by Carola Speads, Ways to Better Breathing, like Relearning to See, is an excellent book in its field.
    
  ---KH Tan, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Amblyopia Gone! Avoided Surgery
    
 Hey!!! I don't need glasses any more and my amblyopia is gone! I noticed that I was losing sight in one eye. The diagnostics from doctors ranged from adult amblyopia, to cataracts, to presbyopia, to astigmatism, etc. Every doctor I went to came with a different cause. I was about to go into surgery or start wearing glasses when I read about Dr. Bates. After doing some research on line, I decided for Tom's Relearning to See. It is sort of on the long chatty side, but it was well worth it.
     Now I am not only free from amblyopia (temporary blindness of one eye), but I am now reading most of the time without glasses. As a matter of fact, I am now with a patch on the good eye and writing this review with the eye that doctors wanted to do the surgery on or give me thick glasses.
     This book is not so much about exercises but in understanding how to change habits that create the vision problems in the first place. After reading this book, I met with other people that also bought it and had similar results.
    
  ---Richard, Amazon.com 5-Star Review, California

It Works; Even Bates Himself does not Explain as Well
    
Relearning to See is really the most comprehensive book about visual reeducation. I am doing this program and my eyes are much less dry than before I started because of one of the habits the author suggests: blink frequently. The progress is slow but it works (anyway the author never said it would be quick).
     If you have to buy one book about this topic, buy this one. The book is about the Bates method—but even Bates himself doesn't explain the principles of visual reeducation as well as Quackenbush. I have read five books about the same topic and they do not arrive to the ankle of this one. Even if there are some unnecessary chapters in this book (like about the retina or the prescriptions, or at least they could be more abbreviated) I highly recommend this book and I give it a 5/5.
     [The prescription chapters will be important for anyone who has worn glasses or contact lenses, and who needs to obtain reduced power glasses.—Author]
    
  ---chantaletten, ebay.com 5-Star Review

My Vision Improved Dramatically
    
 Excellent book, my vision improved dramatically. I can't believe that after 12 years of wearing glasses I can finally see with my own eyes. This book is a must have for anyone interested in improving their vision naturally without glasses, contacts or surgery!
    
  ---Nick, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Now Able to Drive a Car; Easy to Read and Understand
    
 If you have physically undamaged eyes and are healthy and wear eyeglasses or contact lenses and wish to get rid of glasses or contact lenses, Relearning to See is the book you must read. [Author's note: Many people with serious vision problems and many unhealthy people have improved their sight.] I started 14 months ago to get rid of my glasses with -4.00 dioptrie myopia in both eyes and astigmatism. With my left eye I was able to see nearly normally within 3 weeks. I was lucky to find out that my right eye had actually amblyopia which no optician checked for before. It did not move; only looked in 1 direction and very unsharp.
     Currently I can get nearly normal vision in parts of my right eye temporarily. After 1/2 year of practice I got a statement from a doctor that I am now able to drive a car without glasses in Australia as my vision had improved to about 1/2 - 1 Dioptries. I read the original Bates book and a few of its successors and tried to cure my eyes based on the information in these books. During the practice lots of questions came up of how to do certain exercises which were not answered in the original books (maybe I did not understand them properly).      Relearning to See is the best book available. It summarizes all the other books, explains how the eye is working according to current beliefs of opticians and ophthalmologists as well as according to Dr. Bates with the evidence why Dr. Bates believes, which are based on facts, are correct. It includes new discoveries and ideas as well. It provides the most understandable types of habits and principles than any of the other books. It is easy to read and to understand. The best books I came across are ( numbering does not represent quality ): 1. Perfect Sight Without Glasses: Good book to get convinced why Dr. Bates is right with his ideas as it is based on physical evidence and facts. Lots of experiments and research are described as facts which can be redone and which should convince anyone who doubts that the eyes work as Dr. Bates is telling and not as the normal optician or ophthalmologist is telling you. If you are only interested in getting your eyes working again just get Relearning to See as it contains some of the contents of this book.
     2. Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates: This book is the collection of magazines published by William H. Bates. They contain stories, researches, trials and a bit of methods to improve one's sight, which have been done in schools and hospitals in the USA. I believe that the information provided in this book could be verified and therefore this book can convince people that Bates (or the natural vision system) methods work. It gives lots of information to prevent bad eyesight in children as well. If you have children, it has lots of chapters and stories about children's eyesight and how children's eyesight can be corrected.
     3. Relearning to See: Best book of all concerning this matter.
    
  ---Skippy, Amazon.com 5-Star Review, Australia

Amazing, Flashes of Perfect Vision, Superb; Outstanding Pictures
    
 Amazing non-allopathic approach to healing vision. I tried this for 9 days while on vacation and I was amazed by the results. All of the bad vision habits that Dr. William H. Bates discovered, I had. After a few days practice, I was having "flashes" of perfect vision discussed in the book. I was seeing details like leaves on trees rather than a big amorphous blob of green.
     The downside: I need more than nine days to get fully functional because I can not drive or do my work with out corrective lenses. I am sure if I had a few months in a place where I did not need to drive or work on a computer I would get to near 20/20 vision based on my experience in 9 short days. I was definitely reading news papers in 9 days without glasses and was starting to see detail at greater distance.
     The overall book: While there is a lot of ophthalmological and physiological information about the eye that you don't need to master the Bates Method, I found this information very instructive and important to include. Thomas R. Quackenbush did a superb job, and the book is well written with lots of detail and outstanding pictures and illustrations.
     If you are young and your eyes are starting to go bad, read Relearning to See before ever wearing corrective lenses. The Bates Method will probably reverse your vision problem while the "medical industrial complex" will snare you for life with glasses and lenses
    
  ---Herb J. Spence, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Incredible Stuff!!! 20/50 to 20/20; Awesome!!
    
 Incredible Stuff!!! Relearning to See is incredible! It helped me bring my vision from 20/50 to 20/20. Awesome!!
    
  ---Nick Stratford, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

*Extremely Informative*, Excellent, Biology/Physics Textbook, In-Depth, Well-Written
    
 Relearning to See is excellent in explaining anything you could possibly want to know about the eyes---almost like a biology/physics textbook; and it has a ton of excerpts from Bates' original publications. The book is well-written, and my eyes were glued to it....In general, I found this book to be *extremely informative*, and very in-depth....
    
  ---Tina, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Relearning Marvel; +7 down to +2.5; Proof Enough
     Relearning to See is all that its cracked up to be and more. After reading the first chapter (first principle) and practicing the guidelines specified, I was able to cut my prescription in half, +7 left and +6 right, down to +2.5 both eyes. My results are proof enough for me and would recommend this book to anyone looking to rid themselves of the crutch that we call glasses.
      ---Sol Kryder, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

By Far the Best; Easy to Read; Very Friendly
    
 I read many books on natural vision improvement and this one is by far the best. If you need to read only one book on natural vision improvement, I would definitely recommend to read this one. Also, although it is quite a big book, it is easy to read and very friendly.
    
  ---Sophie, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Finally Progress after Five Failures
    
 I have been practicing the Bates Method with Relearning to See and Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates, for only three months now. After five previous attempts, including two courses or "workshops" since 1983, this is the first time that I really noticed some progress in my eyesight and general condition. In two months my eyesight improved from 8% to 20%. I find both your publications enormously helpful.
    
  ---Margreet, The Netherlands

Very Valuable; Accessible Information
    
 Very valuable, accessible information; helpful advice, charts, eye games etc..
    
  ---Jan, Epinions.com 5-Star Review

Working for Daughter; No Glasses for Father for 15 Years
    
 My 10 year old daughter was given increasingly strong prescriptions which we finally and fortunately got tired of, and we decided to try the Bates Method using Relearning to See and it is working. Now she is bugging me to get a reduced prescription.
     I successfully went through your class about 15 years ago in Palo Alto. I have not worn glasses since.
    
  ---Harry, Oregon, Natural Eyesight Improvement student

Much Improvement after only a Few Weeks
    
 I just finished reading your book Relearning to See. I read a couple of other books about natural vision improvement in the past but neither hit home with me. Your book, however, not only made sense to me but after only a few weeks of putting your method into practice, I have noticed much improvement in my vision already.
Even though I have been wearing graduated lenses for about 8 years, I read your entire book without glasses. I work on computers all day and the last week was my first complete week without glasses at work.
I have been wearing corrective lenses for over 30 years now and am determined to relearn to live without glasses.
    
  ---Tom, Utah

Thoroughly Enjoying It!!! Great Job!!!
    
 I'm about half through Relearning to See and THOROUGHLY enjoying it!!! What time and energy you must have put into it. Great job!!! So looking forward to your seminar.
    
  ---Neal, Pennsylvania

This Stuff Works; Best Eyesight Improvement Book I Have Read; Get This One
    
 I've read a few books on Natural Eyesight Improvement (NEI). However, none of them are as good at explaining the process of NEI as Relearning to See (RTS). A lot of RTS is requoting W. H. Bates work, but RTS explains it better in modern terms than Bates himself managed. I was a bit confused by some of the terms in Bates' [revised] book Better Eyesight Without Glasses. RTS cleared these issues up.
     RTS also integrates other sources of information on NEI. It's also quite a colourful book, with lots of diagrams—something most of the other books miss out on. After all, there's much more to seeing than just reading alone. To summarise RTS is the best book I've read on NEI, so if you want to buy just one book then get this one.
     Don't suffer glasses or contact lenses for one second longer than you have to, and NEVER even consider laser butchery, I mean surgery. (Just search the web for complications associated with laser surgery ) This stuff works. Most opticians over-prescribe strong lenses for visual defects that can be and are improved with the visual habits that are described in RTS and other NEI books.
     Buy this book (and read it!) and you'll SEE what Bates, Thomas Quackenbush and others would like you to know.
    
  ---Amazon.uk.com 5-Star Review

My First Recommendation
    
 My first recommendation is for the books by Bates and Quackenbush. My eyesight in each eye was worse than 20/200 when I started the Bates Method about a month ago, and now I can read the 20/70 line on the Snellen Chart most of the time.
    
  ---Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Months of Headaches Disappear in Two Hours! Thorough and Well-Organized Book
    
 I have read Relearning to See and was tempted to take off my glasses while reading, only to find out that a persistent headache, which was recurring for several months until then, diminished and disappeared in two hours!---and it has not returned. I cannot thank you enough for having written such a thorough and well-organized book, and congratulations are due.
    
  ---Bernardo, Brazil

Periods of Total Clarity Without Glasses
    
 I am applying correct vision habits as described in Relearning to See. I have been farsighted since the age of 14. So far I have drastically reduced my need for distance glasses. I was amazed to experience a brief period of total clarity without glasses while reading music the other day.
    
  ---Ilma, Australia

A Great Gift to Me; Visual Acuity Improving
    
 Thanks again for your Relearning to See. I have learned so much from it, and it's helped me to navigate through the world without my glasses for the last 1 1/2 years; plus my visual acuity is also improving. Your book has been a great gift to me. I've also been enjoying Better Eyesight.
    
  ---Andy, California

An Epiphany: I was SEEING!!!
    
 Hello! I'm a 29 year old Italian young man. At age 13 I was prescribed to wear glasses for nearsightedness; (reached -2.50). I always refused to wear them (used only to drive). Ten years have passed since I heard of Bates method, but no book was written well enough to give me some tangible results, nevertheless I trusted the man.
     Your book Relearning to See was an epiphany.
     I've been practicing the new habits for five days and I had two major flashes (lasting 3-4 minutes) of perfect vision. I was so accustomed to my blurry distance vision that I was like "What's happening...there is a strange feel in the air..." I was SEEING!!!
     I'm sure I'll relearn to see. One morning I awoke with fluidity of my eyes and no strain at all: a wonderful sensation.
     Thank you very much indeed for such a book.
     P.S. I found the SB+B on the mountain among the trees...   : -)
    
  ---Roberto, Italy

Fantastic; I Cannot Say Enough About It
    
 I just finished reading your book, Relearning to See. I cannot say enough about it. It is fantastic. I have been working with my vision naturally for about one and a half years. Your book filled in many of the gaps for me and since reading it, I believe my vision has improved even further...I appreciate your help, and I look forward to a complete reversal to my vision naturally...
     Yes, you may certainly quote me. I am anxious to see without my glasses completely all the time. I'll keep you posted on my progress. I will contact the teachers you trained. Fortunately for me the city they are in is right next door to mine.
    
  ---Lisa, Healthcare, Georgia

Most Understandable Book on Vision Improvement; Brings It All Home
    
 Thank you! I have purchased copies of Relearning to See and also your excellent compilation of Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates, and I find Relearning to See to be the most understandable book on vision improvement I have ever had the good fortune to read. The only regret I have is that I read it AFTER having read Dr. Bates' book...and quite a few others that don't come immediately to mind. If I'd read Relearning to See first, many things (especially centralization!!) would have been much more clear to me than they were! Thank you ever so much for helping me better understand the principles of shifting, and centralization; your words spoke to me with crystal clarity! Although I have also learned from everyone else --- I feel the subject is just so big that everyone has some perspective --- your work in particular brings it all home. Many heartfelt thanks and best wishes.
    
  ---Brett, Canada

Periods of Total Clarity Without Glasses
    
 Relearning to See is the most helpful source of guidance and information that any Bates teacher could possibly have (next to Dr. Bates himself showing up in person!)
     I now see how centralization is one of the keys to re-learning natural, relaxed correct vision habits without the struggle of 'exercises' and 'drills.'
     Relearning to See is being carried by the University Book Store and I am told that Books-a-Million is now stocking it here in Huntsville.
    
  ---Harold, Alabama

Most Empowering Thing I've Ever Done
    
 I've read and worked to incorporate techniques from Relearning to See...In December of 1999, my vision was measured at 20/400; September of 2000: 20/150. Without a doubt, this is the most empowering thing I've ever done in my life.
     I continue to practice seeing more naturally, and when I teach my work (health intuition) I make a point of telling people that vision can be improved. So many people are fascinated by this "new" information that it makes me smile.
    
  ---Karen, Oregon

Brilliantly Helpful Clarification; Pure and Essential
    
 Relearning to See is comprehensive, yet pure and essential...direct simplicity and subtle erudition...such an adept way of putting things that they become new...probably really is the best all-round book on Bates...
     Your translating "central fixation" as "centralizing" is brilliantly helpful clarification...
     There's something extraordinary about Bates' writings having lent themselves to several excellent restatements that are true to his original [writings] while yet having each their own style and clarifying or enhancing merit.
    
  ---Sena, email

Amazing Improvement after Finally Understanding the Correct Way
    
 I've just finished chapter eleven of Relearning to See, and it is amazing how much of an improvement I've had. Although I've known these things for years, the book has shown me all the incorrect ways I've gone about it.
     [Later:]
     I had a physical last week, and was tested at 20/50 in both eyes, down from 20/100 a year ago.
    
  ---Bobby, NVC Teacher Training Graduate

Packed with Information; Simple to Learn
    
 Book was well worth buying. Packed with information about improving your eyesight naturally...Techniques...as well as explanations on how to perform them are simple to learn. Highly recommended .
    
  ---Karen J. Wright, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Clear Improvement in My Vision; Very Excited
    
 Just a quick note of good news. A day after beginning reading about correct vision habits in your book Relearning to See I noticed a clear improvement in my vision. I am very excited about the possibility of gaining 20/20 vision. Keep up the good work.
      ---Asthaloy, Washington

Far and Away the Most Comprehensive; an Encyclopedia
    
 Relearning to See is far and away the most comprehensive book on vision improvement I've come across, this is more of an encyclopedia than a book you read straight through. Mr. Quackenbush---not an eye doctor, but a long-time teacher of the Bates Method---goes through the mechanics and physiology of the eye and the eye's natural vision habits in exhaustive detail.
     He also gives pointers on reducing one's prescription, movement activities, acupressure, relaxation games, left-brain/right-brain physiology, and holistic health, all geared toward improving your eyesight. Central to his teaching of the Bates method is that there are no exercises. These are habits which are to be practiced 24 hours a day! And they are so simple, so easy to do; and afterwards you'll wonder why people are still stuck in poor vision....I've taken his natural vision course and I found it to be profound. Progress is expected to be slow but steady, and I saw jumps in my vision after only a few weeks in the course.
     Insight: 5 stars
     Enjoyability: 5 stars
   
  ---David Yeh/dreamtracker, Amazon.com 5-Star Review and website

I No Longer Wear Glasses! I Want to be a Teacher
    
 I am interested in becoming a vision educator...I have read Relearning to See, and it has, without a doubt, helped me to improve my own vision. I no longer wear glasses! That is very exciting! I want to learn to help other people to improve their eyesight.
    
  ---Judy, British Columbia

A Magnificent Work; "100% Bates"
    
 I have by now worked through most of your book, Relearning to See. I would like to express my thanks to you for writing it. It is a magnificent work that puts everything together with new insights. I have read most of the books on vision, have taken workshops (from J.G., M.S. and D.B.), and have had private lessons in Bates; yet I have learned new and useful information from your book. Perhaps, more importantly, it has inspired me to a fresh start. The most important chapter in the book for me was the chapter on 3-D vision. I have not seen this material before. I have done a lot of thinking on why doing Bates for almost 40 years did not improve my eyesight, which has, in fact, deteriorated over that period. It seems to me that, in order to change ingrained habits, I have to go "100% Bates" for a while.
    
  ---Zeke, email

A Brilliant Book
    
 I have just finished reading Relearning to See---a brilliant book---and am hopeful once again that I will someday be able to go without glasses. I've tried a few programs before, including Bates, which I now realize I didn't understand well enough, and these helped a little, but not a lot.
    
  ---Claire, email

A "Must Have"
    
 I've read [other Bates Method] books...
     I prefer Relearning to See since it is more matter of fact, with principles and 'left brained' approach in the sense that it provides clear reasoning for why things are the way they are: Relaxation, Centralization, Movement, Sketching, Breathing, and Blinking. How much clearer could one be?   : - )
     Relearning to See is a "must have" for anyone serious about Natural Vision Improvement...I've gone through Relearning to See at least 5 times cover to cover already, and always return to it when I need to refresh my memory of different things.
    
  ---Claude, Germany

A Real Bargain: Improved Clarity, Colors, Textures; Relaxed Neck; I'm Incredibly Excited
    
 Relearning to See is the best book I've seen on the Bates method on how to improve your vision naturally. It's extremely well-researched, thorough, and very readable...it's a real bargain, as the quality of the publishing (including many color plates) is much closer to that of a $60 college textbook...In just a week after getting this book and committing the natural vision habits to heart...[I have had a] 20% improvement in the left eye, 10% in the right eye. This isn't even counting the numerous subjective improvements I've experienced, such as a much more relaxed neck, and a much more vivid sense of colors and textures.
     In short, I'm incredibly excited with the results of the natural vision instruction taught by this book...My girlfriend is also steadily improving her vision and has already moved to her next oldest prescription as a result of this method. Now everyone I've talked to who wears glasses has been extremely interested in this technique, and I recommend this book to them...
     If you are thinking about getting laser eye surgery (LASIK), do yourself a favor and buy this book now...After reading this book, I believe that the idea of surgery, which is basically having your current prescription etched onto your cornea permanently, rather than solving the true problem that your eye has lost the ability to focus properly...is fundamentally the wrong approach.
     Rating: 5 stars
    
  ---Jake, Pasadena, California, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Realistic Expectations
    
 One of the things I like about Relearning to See is that is gives realistic expectations about vision education. Otherwise, one may quit too soon, if one expects miraculous results...
    
  ---Eduardo, 2see@yahoogroups.com

Most Comprehensive Book Ever Written; Simple and Practical
    
 I highly recommend Tom Quackenbush's new book, Relearning to See...the most comprehensive book ever written on the Bates method. If you want a simple and practical self-help book on improving your eyesight, this is the book to buy.
    
  ---Roe Gallo, author of Perfect Body, health and fitness consultant

My Top Vision Improvement Books
    
 Here's the top three [books] I highly recommend reading: It's hard for anyone to truly understand the Bates method without either a competent teacher or reading at least one of these...
Relearning to See, by Tom Quackenbush,...[and]
Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates, by Tom Quackenbush.
    
  ---David, 2see@yahoogroups.com

Fantasitic; Weak Glasses Now Almost Too Strong!
    
 Fantastic book! I have been wearing glasses since 1970, but since reading this book and practicing the principles explained within it, I doubt I will have to continue wearing glasses much longer. After only one month, I have noticed a definite improvement in my eyesight—glasses which were once too weak for me are now almost too strong!
    
  ---Dougal, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Best Modern Presentation of the Bates Method
    
 This large book [Relearning to See] is on the Bates Method, which Tom has been teaching for about fifteen years. Large portions of Bates' book and magazines are quoted, and while there is no substitute for reading Bates' book and all his Better Eyesight magazines yourself, this book reviews what Bates taught more comprehensively than any other author. If it were not for this and Tom's other book, Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates, I might never have understood the Bates Method as it is meant to be understood.
     Tom emphasizes relearning to use natural, relaxed vision habits all day long, habits which most people with imperfect sight had as children. Even those people such as me who have had eye problems all their lives, even as infants, unconsciously know how to use their eyes and mind in the right way.
     He also goes over a number of modern issues that Bates was not aware of in his time, such as color therapy, left and right brain hemispheres, and healing crises.
     Rating: 5 stars
    
  ---David, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Great; Good Insight; Bates Expanded and More Understandable
    
 Relearning to See is great; it doesn't just tell you how to improve your eyesight but also gives you some good insight into what you are actually doing with your eyes. It doesn't contradict any of the principles of the Bates Method; far from that it expands them and makes them more understandable.
     For me the original Bates book was a bit of a frustration. This book has showed me why, and what I can do to get passed it...I know it will be worthwhile.
    
  ---Teratzul, Amazon.com 5-Star Review

Complete Solutions
    
 Dr. Bates and Tom Quackenbush present complete solutions...deserve laurels and wreaths.
    
  ---J. C., 2see@yahoogroups.com

Teaching Verified; Method Works
    
 Just wanted to let you know that the method started working for me. I can see much more clearly now and I don't use my old pair of glasses (-2.75) as they are now too strong for me. I went to see an optician who measured me at 2.00 and 2.25. I don't need glasses anymore to work on the PC; to drive at daylight. (I use a reduced pair of -1.50 at night). So I owe much to your two books that have helped me enormously. I only read these books, Relearning to See and Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates, interpreted their guidelines and put them into daily practice. All of the Bates teachings described therein I have verified through my personal observations. Of course it's not new to you that the method works but it's amazing for me.
    
  ---Dimitris, Greece

Hope Again
    
 Also, I wanted to tell you how much I like Relearning to See. I remember reading about the Bates Method years ago, but I wasn't able to find a good, well-presented book on it then. Your book gives me some hope again that I can learn to see without my glasses. Thank you.
    
  ---Eric, Wyoming

Significant Improvements Already; It is Possible to Solve the Problem
    
 I would like to thank you for the effort you made writing that great Relearning to See book. I am slightly nearsighted since age 14. My eye doctor told me 2 years ago that I would need bifocals in a few years, "If your eyes continue to evolve that way." As I was unhappy with those glasses for 25 years, I started to become more unhappy.
     It was our dog's veterinarian who told me that he was using a method to "train his eyes instead of wearing glasses." He mentioned "Bates" and that's how I found your book at Amazon.com.
Apart from explaining all the elements of natural vision, the most important thing your book did for me was that it convinced me that it is possible to solve the problem---rather than circumvent it by using nose and ears as support for mounting lenses in front of one's faces. Solving the real problem is an approach I like.
     I have made some significant improvements already by using your book alone. I don't use glasses to watch TV any longer, but I have not completely returned to normal vision yet. Do you have a certified teacher in my area?
    
  ---Frank, Belgium

If You Only Buy One Book, Make Sure "Relearning to See" is the One
    
 Relearning to See...has got to be one of the best and most comprehensive books on natural vision improvement and the Bates method ever written...many glorious illustrations...2 books for the price of one! [the author's and lots from Bates' writings]...a very well-written book professionally presented. The presentation is wonderful and the writings clearly bring the idea across. The author is highly experienced in teaching vision improvement courses and this quality shines through in his book. With 500 pages and 60 colour plates in the book, each concept is explained lucidly. The book begins with an overview of the physical structure of the eye and goes on to explain what goes wrong in the eye when we have blurred vision and what we can do to overcome the problems.
     The recurring theme is "correct vision habits." Quackenbush emphasizes that blurred vision comes about as a result of incorrect vision habits. Only when we get down to the root of the problem can we start the journey towards clear sight. It is not a matter of eye exercises being the solution, as wrong vision habits would undo all the good that has been done [by eye exercises].
     If you only want to buy one book on natural vision improvement, make sure this is the one. You can't explain it any clearer than this book.
    
  ---Chen, internet

Deeply Impressed!! Really Convinced Me
    
 I have just finished reading your book Relearning to See (from the very first page to the very last page) --- and I am deeply impressed!! Before coming across your book, I tried a few German ones. Unfortunately, German books on Natural Healing methods always seem to be quite spiritual and esoteric. I very much like the empirical, scientific approach you have chosen. This really convinced me about practicing, all day long, the new vision habits. I am thinking seriously about coming over to the States to attend one of your classes.
    
  ---Andreas, Germany

Was Legally Blind; Now about 20/30!!!!!!!!!!
    
 Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your wonderful book! I bought Relearning to See years ago in hardback and thanks to my using the Bates Method, I have almost totally restored my vision. I used to be legally blind and now my vision is about 20/30!!!!!!!!!!
    
  ---Dick, California

Just Excellent
    
 I rely on your book Relearning to See a lot in my job with National Association for Visually Handicapped. It is just excellent in many ways.
    
  ---Ann, California

Concise and Detailed; Outstanding Reading
    
 I did not realize Relearning to See was such a large book and technical at the same time. But it is concise and thorough and I skipped many of the technical explanations and derived the main gist of improving vision naturally. Mainly the book conveys the importance of relearning correct habitual seeing at all times as opposed to exercises for the eyes. The book is emphatic and focused on this point. The three habits of seeing are blinking, sketching, and breathing and the book goes to great lengths to explain and convince in many different situations their relevance. Outstanding reading. Just realizing your erred visual habits will improve your sight to an extent which varies widely; but, as the book says, it will take more time and relearning to undo years or a lifetime of incorrect habits so they become natural and subconscious—as was what you were born with.
    
  ---Amazon.com 5-star Review, Hawaii

Amazed of How Much Information
    
 I am very interested in your Free Introductory Lectures, Natural Eyesight Improvement Courses and Seminars, and Certified NEI Teacher Training Program. I have an eight year old daughter (Mindy) that has had a problem with strabismus (esophoria). Her left eye has turned in to focus clearly since she was four years old. (Sometimes both eyes tend to turn in but mostly her left eye). I did take her to the eye doctor who diagnosed her with farsightedness and prescribed her with glasses. The following year her lens prescription was tripled. At first she thought it was neat to wear glasses, but it just broke my heart to see her have to wear them, but I wanted to do the right thing. As time went by Mindy decided wearing glasses was not so fun. I hated to make her wear them, and wished there was something else that could be done. I discovered a little Bates Method book in my mom's pile of used books about a year ago and was very excited and hopeful.
     Then I went on line to Barnes and Noble and found your book Relearning to See. I am amazed of how much information you know. I am realizing that, like you said in your book, just a few minutes of eye exercises a day doesn't work and that it must be a habit learned through out the day. Mindy is having a hard time reading her school work and desperately needs help or will have to go to even stronger glasses. She has not been wearing them, as we had forsaken them to do the Bates Method...I don't want to have to put her in to stronger glasses and I do believe in your method...My 18 year old gets headaches and I know she could very well benefit from this as well as myself. Please let me know more information on the seminars and how I can help my daughters as time for my youngest daughter is urgent. Thank you for your hard work to better help people like myself to learn the natural way. You are greatly appreciated!
    
  ---Suzanne, Arizona

I Have Stopped Wearing Glasses and Contact Lenses
    
 I saw a link for your book through Amazon.com, Relearning to See. I immediately ordered the book...Because I had been wearing glasses for myopia since the fourth grade, ( over 30 years), it was hard for me to believe that 20/20 vision could be possible naturally. When I first hung up the eye chart...I could not read the top letter "C" from 20 feet, which you should be able to read from 200 feet, without my glasses or contact lenses. After reading your book, Relearning to See, I have stopped wearing glasses and most importantly, contact lenses. The contact lenses were really bothering my eyes lately.
     After only 5 days of not wearing corrective lenses, I can now read the top line on the chart. My eyes feel great compared to before. The only thing that bothers me is the computer screen. I am following your advice from Chapter 24 regarding computers, and it has made a big difference.
     The most incredible thing is that the vision profession does not endorse these methods. My wife has 20/15 vision, and she does some of the Bates techniques, such as [closed-eyelids] sunning and resting the eyes with something similar to palming. She also could not wear sunglasses, which I always wore due to the sensitivity from the contact lenses. This was pure instinct on her part. Amazing!!
     I anticipate having normal vision someday. After reading your book I know it is possible. I can't thank you enough.
    
  ---Rich, email

I'd Like to Have It with Me Always
    
 I love Relearning to See and also found Better Eyesight: The Complete Magazines of William H. Bates to be interesting and inspirational. Relearning to See is a book which I'd like to have with me always. Maybe you'd consider publishing an electronic version for the Palm Pilot.
    
  ---Phil, email---Charles, Quebec, Canada

Already Seeing Improvement
    
 Let me congratulate you on your great book, Relearning to See. It truly excellent! I've just finished reading most of it and am already seeing some improvement in my eyes. I had already started by reading Dr. Bates' original book...Your book does add LOTS of new information and sheds much needed new light on many aspects of Dr. Bates' work. It also give much more specific instructions in exactly how to achieve visual relaxation. Thanks!
    
  ---Charles, Quebec, Canada

Book Recommendation; Most Thorough; Very Readable
    
 ** Book Recommendation:...The most thorough book on the subject of natural eyesight improvement I've found is Relearning to See by Thomas R. Quackenbush. It is a big book with lots of information on perception and vision along with various techniques for testing and improving your vision. I like it because of the detail given to different vision problems and how you can approach each of them.
     If you are thinking of having laser surgery to correct your vision I recommend you investigate this book first. If you have eye strain and headaches from working at a computer or other vision intensive task, read this book. It is very readable and you will know within the first week if the techniques are helping you. I used to be required to wear glasses while driving. That restriction was lifted and I have been able to drive without glasses for years now.
      ---Dan Butler, Editor-in-Chief, http://www.TNPCnewsletter.com

My Only Book; For the Modern World
    
 I admire and applaud your integrity...Relearning to See is the only [book] I am using. It is clearly (no pun intended - or was it?) among the most comprehensive and thorough for the modern world.
    
  ---Ellen, 2see message

Much Progress; Thank you, Ambassador of Bates' Work
    
 After 24 years of wearing glasses that I really didnŐt need from the start, I am in the process of healing myself. Facing the need for bifocal lenses last September I was determined not to go there. I didnŐt know how, but enough was enough, and thatŐs when I found Relearning to See and Dr. Bates. Much progress has been made as I have improved from a very blurred 10/200 to a blurred 10/30 with incandescent lighting. In sunshine I can now read the 10/20 line or 20/40 line although with some