Bates Vision Education Practitioner Programme

with Programme Director Anna Bambridge, Trainers Daniela Maťuchová, Mary Flynn, & Jane Reed

Eyesight is a learned process which depends on internal reflexes and external stimuli. It depends on a weaving of inner and outer experiences. Eyesight needs the electromagnetic energy of light from the sun and physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual awareness. A dynamic relating of all these elements permeates healthy vision.

In the Embodied Vision Bates Method Practitioner Programme we explore and engage with all these aspects of vision through supported experiential study.

5 day in person modules

Each module weaves in the essential elements of light, rest, movement, memory and imagination. Through practical sessions students work with each other and as a group to learn how to teach Bates Method Vision Education.

The modules also provide:

• a supportive space to explore your own eyesight
• professional awareness of vision and Vision Education practices
• clinical experience
• in person experience for teachers who have learned online

The modules can be taken separately but also layer together, in any order, to form a complete professional training with over 200 hours of contact time. Students who successfully complete all six modules and the homework requirements will become certified Bates Vision Education teachers.

Dates and module themes

• Light and Dark: 7 – 11 September 2026
• Centre and Periphery: 23 – 27 November 2026
• Movement: 22 – 26 February 2027
• Integration: 7 – 11 June 2027
• Binocularity: 6 – 10 September 2027
• Refraction: 22 – 26 November 2027

A course timetable gives you an idea of the structure and content. This is flexible depending on the learning needs of the group.

Core principles and themes

Every module covers the core principles of the Bates Method. In addition each module has a different theme. Here is a taste of some of the topics covered.

• Light and Dark: sunning, palming, visual anatomy, rest, relaxation, acceptance
• Centre and Periphery: central occlusion, looking for colours, nervous system, attention, awareness
• Movement: sway, swings, visual development, patching, integration with other senses
• Integration: brain pathways, nosecard, string, stereograms, play
• Binocularity: nosecard, string, stereograms, play (with a focus on binocular integration)
• Refraction: how lenses work and what they do, reducing compensatory lens power

Watch the video of Anna talking about the new course on Vimeo.

Venue

The Wee Retreat
2 Myrtle Park, Crosshill, Glasgow, G42 8UQ, Scotland, UK - Google Maps location

Cost

£550 per module.
There is a 10% discount for booking with full payment received at least 3 months before the module start date.

Your Trainers

Programme Director – Anna Bambridge

Anna has been immersed in natural eyesight and vision education since 1996. She trained at the College of Vision Education and has continued to study with leading Bates and holistic vision practitioners. Anna brings long experience in one to one teaching, group workshops and professional training.

Teacher – Daniela Maťuchová

Daniela first noticed natural improvements in her own eyesight when she stopped wearing glasses, and her eyesight returned to normal. When her second child was born prematurely and was severely visually impaired, she sought the most supportive approaches she could find, which led her to study the Bates Method at the Bates College of Vision Education. She now brings many years of practical experience through in person teaching, workshops and presentations in Slovakia and beyond.

Teacher – Mary Flynn

Mary is a Bates teacher and ophthalmological nurse with 25 years of clinical eye-care experience. She trained with Peter Mansfield and Margaret Montgomery, completing in 1995, and integrates her medical background with a gentle, natural vision approach.

Teacher – Jane Reed

Jane qualified with the College of Vision Education in 2007. Her own eyesight improvements inspired her to help others discover ease, clarity and confidence in their natural vision. She brings many years of supportive one to one and group work.

For full trainer biographies and more about the program, please use the More Info button below.