082: RE-RELEASE - Reversing Astigmatism with Esther Joy van der Werf

082: RE-RELEASE - Reversing Astigmatism with Esther Joy van der Werf

Author: Nathan Oxenfeld: Certified Teacher of the Bates Method, Yoga, Meditation, a April 1, 2025 Duration: 1:05:46

In this episode, Nathan Oxenfeld announces the untimely loss of his friend and colleague Esther Joy van der Werf. Nathan and Esther had been teaming up on the Better Eyesight Podcast from 2019-2025, releasing new episodes on the 1st of every month where they read the original Better Eyesight Magazine articles from 100 years prior, which then spurred rich discussions between teachers and listeners in the monthly Better Eyesight League Meetings. Esther was passionate about educating as many people as possible about natural vision improvement, as well as creating communities around that mission.

For more of Nathan's reflections, you can listen to the special Better Eyesight Podcast episode called "Remembering Esther", or go to www.integraleyesight.com/esther to see some photos from their times together over the years.

As a way to honor and remember Esther, Nathan is re-releasing Episode 25 of The Naked Eye Podcast from 2018 when he interviewed Esther for the very first time. This conversation is a big part of what led to the creation of the Better Eyesight Podcast the following year in 2019.

Please enjoy this re-broadcast, and feel free to go back through the first half of the Better Eyesight Podcast archive to listen to Esther's voice whenever you want at https://bettereyesightpodcast.com 

ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION:

In Episode 25 of The Naked Eye Podcast, Nathan Oxenfeld interviews Esther Joy Van Der Werf about the functional causes of astigmatism, and natural ways to reverse it without glasses or contacts. Whether you're trying to get rid of astigmatism or prevent astigmatism in the future, this episode will provide you with several action steps and insights on how to accomplish that. Esther and Nathan also cover lots of complimentary topics that will help you hone your holistic vision practice and make sure you are approaching it correctly in order to actually experience beneficial results and improvements in your vision. 

Esther Joy Van Der Werf's website - https://www.visionsofjoy.org

Dr. Elliott Forrest - A New Model of Functional Astigmatism - http://bit.ly/forrest1

Dr. Elliott Forrest - Eye Scan Therapy for Astigmatism - http://bit.ly/forrest2

Astigmatism Chart - http://bit.ly/astigmatismchart

Click Here to learn more and support the Vision 2020 Documentary - https://vision2020movie.com

Click Here to get a copy of Nathan's book "Give Up Your Glasses For Good: Holistic Eye Care for the 21st Century" - https://www.integraleyesight.com/shop 

Music by Audionautix. Namaste!


What if the strain you feel in your eyes isn't a life sentence, but a habit you can change? The Naked Eye Podcast: Exploring Natural Alternatives to Glasses, Contacts, and Surgeries moves beyond conventional eyecare to investigate a holistic path. Hosted by Nathan Oxenfeld, a certified teacher of the Bates Method, yoga, and meditation, this podcast delves into the often-overlooked connection between how we use our eyes and our overall mental and physical state. Each conversation is a deep dive into practical, natural vision improvement. You’ll hear detailed discussions on techniques like breathwork and specific visual relaxation practices, all framed within the understanding that eyesight is not a static condition but a dynamic sense intertwined with stress, posture, and attention. The goal here isn't just to see a clearer chart, but to cultivate healthier eyes and a more insightful relationship with your own vision. Nathan guides listeners through principles that challenge the assumption that blur is permanent, offering a thoughtful exploration of how alternative methods can lead to tangible changes in daily life. Tune in for a nuanced perspective that redefines what it means to care for your eyes, focusing on the innate capacity for clarity that exists without external aids. This is a space for anyone curious about the potential of their own vision, eager to learn from a teacher who approaches seeing as an integral part of well-being.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 86

The Naked Eye Podcast: Exploring Natural Alternatives to Glasses, Contacts, and Surgeries
Podcast Episodes
086: Answering Listener Questions Inside an Earthship! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:27
In this episode, Certified Bates Method Teacher, Nathan Oxenfeld recaps the past year's worth of Natural Vision Vlogs and then shares the full audio version of the 12th Vlog filmed inside an Earthship where he reads and…
081: Anthropology of Eye Care with Anna Bambridge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:16
In this episode, Certified Bates Method Teacher (and anthropologist) Nathan Oxenfeld interviews Anna Bambridge, a natural vision teacher and researcher based in Glasgow, Scotland. The two natural vision educators discuss…
080: Nathan's New York Recap (Conference, Gathering, Retreat) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:17
In this episode, Certified Bates Method Teacher, Nathan Oxenfeld recaps his recent experiences in New York in September and October, including the 5 Day Association of Vision Educators Conference, the 4 Day Teacher Train…
079: The Fascia Vision Connection with Judy Gantz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:11
In this episode, Certified Bates Method Teacher, Nathan Oxenfeld interviews Judy Gantz about her work with the fascia. Judy is the Director and Founder of the Center for Movement Education and Research. She skillfully bl…
078: Presence and Pinhole Glasses with Peter Grunwald [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:00
In this episode, Certified Bates Method Teacher interviews Peter Grunwald, the creator of the Eyebody Method and a special type of pinhole glasses that help get you into a state of "presence" rather than a state of "unde…
077: Cultivating Community in Costa Rica [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:30
In this solo episode, Certified Bates Method Teacher, Nathan Oxenfeld recounts his recent trip to Central America on an Ecovillage Tour that visited 7 intentional communities in 9 days. Not only was it an enriching exper…
076: Listening To The Eyes with Anat Axelrode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:44
In this episode, Certified Bates Method Teacher, Nathan Oxenfeld interviews Anat Axelrode about her unique method called Listening To The Eyes. By learning how to have conversations with the eyes, one can learn valuable…