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Take Off Your Glasses and See: A Mind/Body Approach to Expanding Your Eyesight and Insight
This revolutionary new look at vision will broaden your understanding of how you see and how you can see without your glasses or contact lenses. Take Off Your Glasses and See shows you how to free yourself from the crutch of prescription lenses, to build your self-confidence and awareness, and to open up your inner and outer vision in order to see more clearly. Jacob Liberman, an internationally recognized authority on holistic vision care, explains how most vision problems are the result of an unconscious decision to "close your eyes" to emotional discomfort or pain, and how increasingly powerful corrective lenses only encourage eyesight to withdraw even further. By removing lenses and practicing breath- and movement-awareness techniques to shift your perception, you can reintegrate the original disruption in the mind/body system. Dr. Liberman’s approach can help you join the thousands who have escaped from the self-defeating cycle of poor vision.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 1995
175 people are currently reading
823 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 13, 2017
Update:
i just had an eye exam yesterday and my prescription was reduced from -3.15 & -2.75 to -2.50& -2.00 BUT, the thing is that i know i could have done so much better if the eye doctor next me would just stop stressing me and let me more than a second to respond, and let me breath instead of saying "you don't see right?" and laugh when i asked for the minimum prescription. That was frustrating, i haven't used my eye lenses or glasses for weeks, almost not at all, and i actually feel quite confident about it. It will continue to get better, i know it :) all thanks to this book ♥️ i wish all doctors were supporting like him!
i just had an eye exam yesterday and my prescription was reduced from -3.15 & -2.75 to -2.50& -2.00 BUT, the thing is that i know i could have done so much better if the eye doctor next me would just stop stressing me and let me more than a second to respond, and let me breath instead of saying "you don't see right?" and laugh when i asked for the minimum prescription. That was frustrating, i haven't used my eye lenses or glasses for weeks, almost not at all, and i actually feel quite confident about it. It will continue to get better, i know it :) all thanks to this book ♥️ i wish all doctors were supporting like him!
November 21, 2019
I kept giving this book another chance and finally just gave up on it about halfway through. There are some interesting philosophical points at the beginning, but then it just gets kind of weird. Almost like if you believe in the method enough you can regain clear vision and trash your glasses. I also feel like it could have been a pamphlet. Get to the point, man!
August 9, 2009
I'm not positive of my rating on this book as the effects of it are not in yet. I'm doing the exercises & have other things to try (like using weaker reading glasses for longer periods) before I can say for sure.
I had high hopes for the book & while they weren't completely dashed, I wasn't terribly pleased to find out that it mostly dealt with long range vision & my problem is with my close range. Still, it gave me some support for a theory that I'd held myself - my optometrist gives me stronger glasses than I really need & that isn't really helping me, it's just making me more dependent on glasses. Included are eye exercises & a chart to help me continue to work on building my ability to 'see' without the help of glasses. Whether I'll ever get rid of reading glasses entirely is doubtful, but hopefully my vision won't get worse.
He has an interesting theory on vision. Since he is an optometrist & it follows my own inclinations, I tend to lend a lot of credence to it. If you hate glasses, this is the book for you.
I had high hopes for the book & while they weren't completely dashed, I wasn't terribly pleased to find out that it mostly dealt with long range vision & my problem is with my close range. Still, it gave me some support for a theory that I'd held myself - my optometrist gives me stronger glasses than I really need & that isn't really helping me, it's just making me more dependent on glasses. Included are eye exercises & a chart to help me continue to work on building my ability to 'see' without the help of glasses. Whether I'll ever get rid of reading glasses entirely is doubtful, but hopefully my vision won't get worse.
He has an interesting theory on vision. Since he is an optometrist & it follows my own inclinations, I tend to lend a lot of credence to it. If you hate glasses, this is the book for you.
May 17, 2008
This book discusses the emotional basis for near or far sightedness. Energy and Auras are discussed. Inner vision and Eye vision are equated. Lack of eye movement due to wearing glasses/contacts are shown to cause a reduction in ability to feel and view wholely or fully. The restricted eye movement causes a mental tunnel vision and resulting emotional restrictions. His method for eliminatine the use of glasses and contacts are given. Eye exercises. Tibetan Wheel. Eye chart. Vision improvement resources and programs in U.S. and international.
June 24, 2014
Some really intriguing ideas about healing your vision. The author says that the body is remarkable in that it has the ability to heal itself in ALL areas - even vision. Makes sense to me.
I found the book tedious to read - I like summaries, and this book didn't summarize main points...
I'm going to do further research on this topic and try some of the exercises... if they work, I'll increase my rating.
I found the book tedious to read - I like summaries, and this book didn't summarize main points...
I'm going to do further research on this topic and try some of the exercises... if they work, I'll increase my rating.
September 26, 2011
I feel so much gratitude toward Dr. Liberman. Reading and working with this this book helped my eyesight so much, I was able to pass my driving test to drive in Tennessee ( which I initially failed) . Cannot recommend it highly enough- if you are considering Lasik surgery to correct your eyesight, read this first !
November 30, 2015
An interesting and practical book. This book provides many examples and exercises to help improve your natural vision. Just as the title implies, the book also focuses on your insight (maily consisting of different meditation approaches and views on life) which was a great help to fully grasp the understanding of the methods and benefits of the exercises. I wouldn't say this was am easy read, nor was it a quick read. If you decide to pick this book up consider taking the time to do the exercises because that's probably the real reason why you would start this book.
April 23, 2015
I like the overall approach - it's about changing your perception.
October 19, 2024
The philosophical reasons why people need glasses was very fascinating. I could definitely relate to what he says. What is so interesting to me is how he says glasses shrink one’s world and lock one into a certain way of thinking.
Part one talks about optometry and how they overprescribe and also the philosophy of poor vision. (Fear of life). Part two is practical tips and exercises. Part three is a little more out there.. he talks about seeing peoples auras and effortless learning, and how true living is living in the flow and not in effort.
I learned a lot in this book. I will use some of his theories plus I’m working with a vision therapist who is giving me reduced prescriptions which I think is actually what helps you get out of myopia.
Part one talks about optometry and how they overprescribe and also the philosophy of poor vision. (Fear of life). Part two is practical tips and exercises. Part three is a little more out there.. he talks about seeing peoples auras and effortless learning, and how true living is living in the flow and not in effort.
I learned a lot in this book. I will use some of his theories plus I’m working with a vision therapist who is giving me reduced prescriptions which I think is actually what helps you get out of myopia.
March 6, 2024
Favourite Quote
" Hello" .
Chapter 3, Page 82.
Brief Summary
Firstly this book is not just about improving your eyesight, it can be read by literally anyone and those with perfect "20/20 vision"... as the real powerful way of "seeing" is through improving our "vision" as explained in this book. The book does highlight eye exercises to literally learn ways of how taking off your glasses and performing "Open Focus" can remove the constricted worldly views prescribed glasses impinge upon us. The book also engages in the wider concepts of how improving our "vision" is fundamental in changing how we "see". It does this by identifying how and when our eyesight problems seem to occur through case stories and oral histories in varying scenarios and stimuli such as learning how our individual internal minds have reacted to past traumatic experiences or high-pressure/stressful based environments that have not been dealt or resolved with appropriately (such as relationships or traditional schooling respectively for e.g.) can impact our internal energies/light/auras and "holographic vision" we all have. Inevitably, the author sets us to challenge ourselves to firstly look within ourselves and start believing in how our eyes are more extraordinary than we think and how we can genuinely heal them through non-traditional therapy, rather than "fix" with traditional optometry methods and solutions that instead reduces our abilities to see clearly overtime.
My Thoughts
I did not realise the impact of how our "vision" and fundamentally how our internal energies/auras within us would have such a profound effect on our eyes from truly healing. The book has left me questioning how constricted the traditional means of eye procedures provided to us only really provide us with a quick-fix solution to see, and that our true ability to see can be so much more than the constricted tunnel vision views our glasses actually allow us to see. We truly do need to apply and challenge ourselves to look within, to actually heal our myopia. Whether it is placebo or not... since reading this book, I truly do feel the impact of taking off my glasses as I see a world with such greater unexplainable dimensions. My mind-body-energy connections do change to a more open, free and less anxious state that I welcome going forward in my journey to improve my "vision".
Thank you Dr. Liberman for opening my eyes with your insightful, important and impactful research that I hope more will read to help them.
" Hello" .
Chapter 3, Page 82.
Brief Summary
Firstly this book is not just about improving your eyesight, it can be read by literally anyone and those with perfect "20/20 vision"... as the real powerful way of "seeing" is through improving our "vision" as explained in this book. The book does highlight eye exercises to literally learn ways of how taking off your glasses and performing "Open Focus" can remove the constricted worldly views prescribed glasses impinge upon us. The book also engages in the wider concepts of how improving our "vision" is fundamental in changing how we "see". It does this by identifying how and when our eyesight problems seem to occur through case stories and oral histories in varying scenarios and stimuli such as learning how our individual internal minds have reacted to past traumatic experiences or high-pressure/stressful based environments that have not been dealt or resolved with appropriately (such as relationships or traditional schooling respectively for e.g.) can impact our internal energies/light/auras and "holographic vision" we all have. Inevitably, the author sets us to challenge ourselves to firstly look within ourselves and start believing in how our eyes are more extraordinary than we think and how we can genuinely heal them through non-traditional therapy, rather than "fix" with traditional optometry methods and solutions that instead reduces our abilities to see clearly overtime.
My Thoughts
I did not realise the impact of how our "vision" and fundamentally how our internal energies/auras within us would have such a profound effect on our eyes from truly healing. The book has left me questioning how constricted the traditional means of eye procedures provided to us only really provide us with a quick-fix solution to see, and that our true ability to see can be so much more than the constricted tunnel vision views our glasses actually allow us to see. We truly do need to apply and challenge ourselves to look within, to actually heal our myopia. Whether it is placebo or not... since reading this book, I truly do feel the impact of taking off my glasses as I see a world with such greater unexplainable dimensions. My mind-body-energy connections do change to a more open, free and less anxious state that I welcome going forward in my journey to improve my "vision".
Thank you Dr. Liberman for opening my eyes with your insightful, important and impactful research that I hope more will read to help them.
February 24, 2021
Brilliant, extraordinary, and truly revolutionary book. I find more ideas on any page of this book than at any shelf filled with books.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching the answers about vision, self esteem, memory, posture, well being, and happiness. It is all interconnected and Jacob Liberman demonstrates it so brilliantly. Truly I think that he deserves Nobel prize for his work. I was never wearing glasses and hope that I never will. However, last twelve years I have been working for eight- twelve hours a day in front of a computer and struggled to keep a good eyesight. I read many books on the subject and attended many courses. They all helped in some way, as I still do not wear glasses although my eyesight fluctuates as pressure at work increases. When I read this book it was like a ticket to freedom. Genius! I am so grateful. Thank you so much!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching the answers about vision, self esteem, memory, posture, well being, and happiness. It is all interconnected and Jacob Liberman demonstrates it so brilliantly. Truly I think that he deserves Nobel prize for his work. I was never wearing glasses and hope that I never will. However, last twelve years I have been working for eight- twelve hours a day in front of a computer and struggled to keep a good eyesight. I read many books on the subject and attended many courses. They all helped in some way, as I still do not wear glasses although my eyesight fluctuates as pressure at work increases. When I read this book it was like a ticket to freedom. Genius! I am so grateful. Thank you so much!!
May 27, 2022
An incredible book . I highly recommend it to everyone interested in natural vision improvement. This book will "open your eyes". I have already started my journey of eyesight improvement 3 months prior to reading this book and the progress is obvious. This book just deepened my knowledge and confirmed that what I was already doing was right. Also this book will uncover some amazing facts that you probably have no idea about right now. I highly recommend it!
October 23, 2020
Amazing book
I am on a spiritual journey and I know healing my vision is part of that and this book has very helpful information that I plan to incorporate into a daily practice. I know u will be seeing clearly very soon!!
I am on a spiritual journey and I know healing my vision is part of that and this book has very helpful information that I plan to incorporate into a daily practice. I know u will be seeing clearly very soon!!
July 12, 2017
This book may turn into a DNF, because I am losing interest in it. But I wanted to say a few words about what I have read so far at just about halfway through the book.
First, the perennial question: Does it work? Yeah, sort of, in a way, it can work. My main issue is that it might not work in a way that is practical for most people. My vision correction is not severe (I came out at 20/40 on the chart in the book before I had read anything); my vision problem is astigmatism, so I have difficulty with blurring and lack of clarity both close up and at a distance.
The striking part that DID work in a desirable way was partially credited to the book, but not entirely. The book jogged my memory of an older man, who had told me that he installed a super-bright, full-spectrum light above his reading chair and that, by using it, he could read without glasses. So, I took my book outside in the bright summer sunlight and read without my corrective lenses for over an hour with no difficulty whatsoever. I do think it would be both practical and possible to read without corrective lenses every day if I only get a light like that, which would probably be beneficial in the long run. I do agree with the author's basic premise that using corrective lenses all the time "fixes" your vision into that level of correction.
This is where it gets impractical. If one removes one's glasses in order to "allow" the eyes to freely self-correct (which I agree, they could do, at least to a point), eventually, one needs to put glasses back on. Now, this might not be a problem if you're an optometrist yourself and can just pick up a weaker pair of glasses at whim. But how is the average person supposed to have a variety of different Rx lenses to choose from according to the need of the moment? See, the fact that one's eyes adjust to a prescription and "fix" themselves into a particular focus is not so bad after all. Besides that, I'm really only interested in not requiring corrective lenses at all. There is no benefit to me in simply having a reduced prescription if I even did get that.
Am I going to finish the book? Maybe. If I change my mind about it, I'll come back and edit my review. But for now, the book is somewhat intriguing, but not very practical for me.
First, the perennial question: Does it work? Yeah, sort of, in a way, it can work. My main issue is that it might not work in a way that is practical for most people. My vision correction is not severe (I came out at 20/40 on the chart in the book before I had read anything); my vision problem is astigmatism, so I have difficulty with blurring and lack of clarity both close up and at a distance.
The striking part that DID work in a desirable way was partially credited to the book, but not entirely. The book jogged my memory of an older man, who had told me that he installed a super-bright, full-spectrum light above his reading chair and that, by using it, he could read without glasses. So, I took my book outside in the bright summer sunlight and read without my corrective lenses for over an hour with no difficulty whatsoever. I do think it would be both practical and possible to read without corrective lenses every day if I only get a light like that, which would probably be beneficial in the long run. I do agree with the author's basic premise that using corrective lenses all the time "fixes" your vision into that level of correction.
This is where it gets impractical. If one removes one's glasses in order to "allow" the eyes to freely self-correct (which I agree, they could do, at least to a point), eventually, one needs to put glasses back on. Now, this might not be a problem if you're an optometrist yourself and can just pick up a weaker pair of glasses at whim. But how is the average person supposed to have a variety of different Rx lenses to choose from according to the need of the moment? See, the fact that one's eyes adjust to a prescription and "fix" themselves into a particular focus is not so bad after all. Besides that, I'm really only interested in not requiring corrective lenses at all. There is no benefit to me in simply having a reduced prescription if I even did get that.
Am I going to finish the book? Maybe. If I change my mind about it, I'll come back and edit my review. But for now, the book is somewhat intriguing, but not very practical for me.
Read
May 2, 2022I actually haven’t read this book. However I have a sister who used to wear glasses and a few years ago started going to this church. I don’t know what they preached one day, but she left & she *truly* believed she could take off her glasses and be able to live life without needing them.
For context, she’s been wearing glasses since the age of 3, and would have headaches in primary school etc. So she really needed these.
Anyway she just posted a throwback picture today and I was like, wow she really used to wear glasses all the time a few years ago. And then she took them off and has lived life perfectly without them.
And that is how I found myself here. I googled whether this is a thing. And I came across this book.
I don’t wear glasses myself, however if you’re thinking of trying something like this, I’d say it’s worth a shot. There seems to be something in it!
For context, she’s been wearing glasses since the age of 3, and would have headaches in primary school etc. So she really needed these.
Anyway she just posted a throwback picture today and I was like, wow she really used to wear glasses all the time a few years ago. And then she took them off and has lived life perfectly without them.
And that is how I found myself here. I googled whether this is a thing. And I came across this book.
I don’t wear glasses myself, however if you’re thinking of trying something like this, I’d say it’s worth a shot. There seems to be something in it!
February 10, 2019
I finished the book very quickly because it is written in a very simplistic way and it’s easy to read.
It’s very interesting book and throws a very different perspective of our vision. Shall I call it a medical book, an exercise book, a counselling book or a spiritual book. But having read quite a few things on spirituality as well, I can say that what is written by author makes sense. He has also been practical by not just talking about it but also guiding readers to practice about it.
I m giving it a 5-stars and will see if I would retain this rating after doing some practice sessions as mentioned in the book.
It’s very interesting book and throws a very different perspective of our vision. Shall I call it a medical book, an exercise book, a counselling book or a spiritual book. But having read quite a few things on spirituality as well, I can say that what is written by author makes sense. He has also been practical by not just talking about it but also guiding readers to practice about it.
I m giving it a 5-stars and will see if I would retain this rating after doing some practice sessions as mentioned in the book.
May 21, 2022
كتاب جميل و منعش، مناقشة فكرة ان لبس النظارة او العداسات هى نسبة كبيرة منها ممكن التخلى عنه و الحفاظ بل تحسين بصرك من غيرهم فكرة عميقة.
فى تحيزات فكرية كتيرة تميل انه النظر بيضعف مع الوقت، الكتاب بيناقش و بيعالج التحيزات ديه.
فى عمق فى المعانى و مراجعة للنفس و للافكار اللى جوة دماغك و تقبلها و التعامل معها بشكل مختلف عن التعامل المعتاد.
فى انشطة لذيذة جداً و مفيدة بردو، و اعتقد ممكن اوصفة انه كتاب فى فهم الذات و كيفية التعامل معها و واخد النظر كطريق لشرح وجهة نظرة و خبرته.
استمتعت جدا بقرأة هذا الكتاب، و بدأت استخدم اساليب منه فى روتينى اليومى و هستعمل اساليب تانية جواه كمان شوية بردو ان شاء الله.
انصح بالقرأة لهذا الكتاب،
تقيمى: ٨ من ١٠
فى تحيزات فكرية كتيرة تميل انه النظر بيضعف مع الوقت، الكتاب بيناقش و بيعالج التحيزات ديه.
فى عمق فى المعانى و مراجعة للنفس و للافكار اللى جوة دماغك و تقبلها و التعامل معها بشكل مختلف عن التعامل المعتاد.
فى انشطة لذيذة جداً و مفيدة بردو، و اعتقد ممكن اوصفة انه كتاب فى فهم الذات و كيفية التعامل معها و واخد النظر كطريق لشرح وجهة نظرة و خبرته.
استمتعت جدا بقرأة هذا الكتاب، و بدأت استخدم اساليب منه فى روتينى اليومى و هستعمل اساليب تانية جواه كمان شوية بردو ان شاء الله.
انصح بالقرأة لهذا الكتاب،
تقيمى: ٨ من ١٠
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July 1, 2019I jumped to the last section of the book on seeing the world differently. To bring more presence in your outer sight & inner sight thereby bringing hyper-awareness. Sounds fantastical, however, a part of it wants me to believe it to be true. Would be keen to come across other's experiences what Liberman has.
April 16, 2020
Um, seriously? There's always someone trying to get gullible folks to drink the Kool Ade. I only picked this up to find out what nonsense the author was peddling, and wasn't disappointed. Just the synopsis should warn away any thinking reader.
January 24, 2023
This book is truly life-changing! It gives you a different perspective and possibilities of seeing better without wearing eyeglasses, "the vision crutches." This book is truly a gift! Highly recommended!
December 11, 2020
Another consciousness-raising book from Jacob Liberman. It all makes good sense to me!
February 15, 2022
Light, fun, easy and delightful! This is a keep-forever book of actions to enhance life! Thank you!
February 2, 2024
I support the book's idea that "vision" is more complex than visual acuity. I've begun to practice some of the exercises in the book and my goal is to be able to read books without struggling.
June 9, 2024
I mean, probably not. But if all these kooks with way worse eyesight than mine are getting by without their glasses, no need for me to be a drama queen about it.
October 21, 2025
barely read the last few chapters
stopped wearing my glasses 👀
stopped wearing my glasses 👀
March 24, 2024
This was a fascinating book and it had a concept and approach to sight that makes sense to me due to other books I have read. Our bodies are made to heal, so why is our eyesight an area that doctors think couldn't be improved.
As he is a former optometrist, it was really helpful to have him explain the meaning and purpose of the tests done during the eye exam and how they actually are not a good representation of what your true eyesight is. I also really appreciate the scientific explanations of how doctors look at your vision and the knowledge that they don't really understand it (what a shocker) all completely themselves.
Corrective lenses, especially contacts, freeze your eyes into a fixed focus that is applied to every visual task. "The wearing of spectacles confines your eyes to a state of rigid and unvarying structural immobility." If you broke your leg, it would be similar to wearing a splint or brace on your leg for the rest of your life. Your eyes need to move and lenses essentially prohibit that movement and make your measured eyesight worse.
Another realization was that vision is so much more than eyesight. He demonstrated how the suppression of feelings and perceptions create the physical, psychological and energetic roots of our vision problems. I had to start wearing glasses in the third grade. I remember exactly when and where I realized that I needed glasses to see. It was right after I was told my parents were going to get a divorce. I was nearsighted and my vision and focus narrowed.
There is a lot more to it than that, but his explanations and examples were very helpful and hopeful. I recommend reading this book if you wear corrective lenses. It will actually be very liberating when you read it and that alone may expand your "vision."
As he is a former optometrist, it was really helpful to have him explain the meaning and purpose of the tests done during the eye exam and how they actually are not a good representation of what your true eyesight is. I also really appreciate the scientific explanations of how doctors look at your vision and the knowledge that they don't really understand it (what a shocker) all completely themselves.
Corrective lenses, especially contacts, freeze your eyes into a fixed focus that is applied to every visual task. "The wearing of spectacles confines your eyes to a state of rigid and unvarying structural immobility." If you broke your leg, it would be similar to wearing a splint or brace on your leg for the rest of your life. Your eyes need to move and lenses essentially prohibit that movement and make your measured eyesight worse.
Another realization was that vision is so much more than eyesight. He demonstrated how the suppression of feelings and perceptions create the physical, psychological and energetic roots of our vision problems. I had to start wearing glasses in the third grade. I remember exactly when and where I realized that I needed glasses to see. It was right after I was told my parents were going to get a divorce. I was nearsighted and my vision and focus narrowed.
There is a lot more to it than that, but his explanations and examples were very helpful and hopeful. I recommend reading this book if you wear corrective lenses. It will actually be very liberating when you read it and that alone may expand your "vision."
March 29, 2016
Ever wonder why each time you go to the eyedoctor you need stronger glasses? This book proposes that vision problems are not merely physical eye deformities but psychological and spiritual imbalances that manifest in vision problems. By working through these issues with confidence, clarity, and relaxation, we can improve our own vision from the inside out. Doctors are taught one thing, but didn't you ever wonder if you didn't upgrade that prescription that next time you visit the doctor? Perhaps it would will be the same because you have a vision set point that is defined by your psychological and spiritual issues and this set point can move by working on yourself. Not doing the work and just getting stronger glasses, your body keeps readjusting until you fix it instead of put a distortion lens over it.
March 13, 2015
I have only read half of this book so far and the main thesis seems to be that the cause of eye problems is related to the emotions. There are some physical activities in the book, but my reasoning at this point is to seek emotional release and then read a book by Bates for physical exercises for eyesight improvement.
December 19, 2016
In the end, the Bates book is far better and this one just repeats a lot of it so I am not sure why you would read this as well. I guess it depends which is cheaper or at your local library. On its own I did not care for the Buddhist angle -- everything is slanted towards Buddhist this or that. I could do without that garbage.
February 1, 2011
Really interesting read on the mind/body connection as it relates to sight.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews