Summary
Nathan Oxenfeld recaps three back-to-back natural vision events he hosted in New York: the 2024 Association of Vision Educators conference (the first in-person since before the pandemic), a teacher training gathering, and a three-day vision retreat co-led with Anat Axelrod from Israel. The episode highlights progress in professionalizing the field, including the development of the first university degree program for natural vision teachers. Nathan describes presentations on diet and eye health, surgery preparation protocols, and the importance of in-person community for vision educators. He also previews upcoming events including a Hawaii trip and a new six-month vision improvement program.
Key Points
- The 2024 AVE conference was the first in-person natural vision conference since 2018 due to the pandemic
- A university degree program for natural vision teachers is being developed, with pathways for existing practitioners
- The conference was held in Stony Point, New York, in the Hudson River Valley
- Diet and nutrition play an important role in eye health, presented by ophthalmologist Mila Casey from Russia
- In-person community and retreats provide deeper learning than virtual-only formats
- Nathan is running six-month group vision improvement programs and teacher training certifications
- The natural vision improvement field is growing but still has a significant shortage of trained teachers
Key Moments
First university degree for natural vision teachers
Nathan describes how Ainhoa de Federico from Mexico presented updates on creating the first university degree program for Bates Method teachers, with pathways for both new students and existing practitioners.
"She was sharing some updates about helping to create the first university degree for natural vision teachers. So that natural vision teachers can actually receive a diploma and actually get this curriculum through a university setting."
The natural vision community reunites after the pandemic
Nathan describes the significance of the 2024 AVE conference as the first in-person gathering since 2018, originally planned for 2020 to celebrate 100 years since Dr. Bates' book.
"We were planning on meeting on the East Coast in 2020, specifically near New York, to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Dr. Bates' book, Perfect Sight Without Glasses, that came out in 1920."
Diet and nutrition's role in eye health
Nathan highlights ophthalmologist Mila Casey's conference presentation on the role of diet and nutrition in eye health, noting it as an important complement to Bates Method relaxation practices.
"She's an ophthalmologist from Russia, and she's really embraced the natural vision world and specializes in the role that diet and nutrition play in eye health as well."
