Summary
In the second episode of The Naked Eye Podcast, Nathan Oxenfeld introduces the Bates Method and explains how it fundamentally differs from conventional eye exercises. He traces the history of Dr. William H. Bates from his successful orthodox ophthalmology practice in New York City to his decision to leave it behind and pursue a better approach to eye care. Drawing from Margaret Corbett's account of Bates' protege work, Nathan describes how Bates held degrees from Cornell and Columbia and worked at multiple prestigious hospitals before developing his relaxation-based vision improvement method. The episode establishes the key distinction that the Bates Method is about relaxation and undoing strain, not muscular exercise.
Key Points
- The Bates Method is a systematic set of relaxation practices, not eye exercises
- Dr. Bates left his successful ophthalmology practice to find a better way to treat vision problems
- He held degrees from Cornell and Columbia and worked at Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital, Bellevue, and other major institutions
- Bates did 40 years of research before presenting findings to the American Medical Association
- He advised even his earliest patients to wear glasses only when necessary and to stretch their distance vision
- Better eyesight is just one of dozens of positive side effects from having a healthier visual system
- Bates pleaded with the medical community to investigate rather than dismiss his findings
Key Moments
The Bates Method is relaxation, not eye exercises
Nathan defines the Bates Method as a systematic set of relaxation practices and vision training techniques that address root causes of vision problems, tracing its origins to Dr. William Bates' decision to leave orthodox ophthalmology.
"In short, the Bates method is a systematic set of relaxation practices and vision training techniques that address the root causes of vision problems to attain a healthier pair of eyes."
Bates' early advice -- wear glasses only when you must
Nathan reads from Margaret Corbett's account of how Bates told a young patient to wear glasses only when necessary and stretch her vision by counting haystacks, prophesying that someday a better way would be found.
"Wear them only when you must, Marguerite, he admonished. Give your eyes their freedom, as often as you can. Stretch your vision. Look down the side of the road at each of the haystacks, and count as many as you see every day."
Bates challenged the medical establishment to investigate
Nathan describes how Bates urged doctors to either adopt his methods if proven correct or expose him if wrong, calling it a breach of medical ethics to withhold effective treatments from suffering patients.
"Dr. Bates pleaded with the doctors to investigate his findings before condemning them. He told them that if his principles were correct, the doctors should use them universally, but if not, they should expose him and protect the public. Dr. Bates declared it a breach of medical ethics for scientific men to withhold such simple, effective methods from those who suffer with their eyes. His wish was not granted in his lifetime."
