Dobrý zrak bez brýlí – Liberman Jacob (2002)

This Czech-language book approaches visual impairment and the restoration of our ability to see in a completely different way from what we are accustomed to. It invites us not only to see better, but also to see differently, making it relevant both to people who wear glasses and would like to stop doing so and to those whose vision is considered good by conventional standards. Seeing is not merely a function of the eyes, but of the mind, so improving our sight requires us to clarify our perception, become willing to look at aspects of life and feelings from which we have previously turned away, expand our awareness and stop being afraid. Ophthalmologist J. Liberman bases his approach on the concept of “effortlessness”: looking without effort, living without effort, learning and achieving goals without effort—in short, a relaxed approach. The human eye itself functions optimally through so-called soft focus, when it spontaneously moves from one point to another instead of staring rigidly at a single place. The book also provides concrete instructions and practical exercises for trying out these ideas. As the author points out, however, no exercise is important in itself; what matters is a change in consciousness and overall perception, which then naturally allows vision to return to its optimal functioning. Numerous remarkable cases are presented of people whose sight allegedly improved almost miraculously through Jacob Liberman’s method, even when they had very strong prescriptions.