Esther Joy van der Werf

My first introduction to holistic health came in 1991 when I read the book Fit for Life written by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond.  That led me to learn more about the science of health, especially the effect of diet on health.  Studying health was a proverbial 'eye-opening' experience for me, and it caused a major change of direction in my life.  In 1998 I decided to leave my well-paid NATO job in Germany and I began traveling, in search for something more healthful to do.  

In 1999 I attended a health expo in San Francisco, where I met Tom Quackenbush, author of Relearning to See.  I was very skeptical about natural vision improvement due to my previous failed attempt with eye exercises, but Tom told me the Bates Method was not about eye exercises at all.  His book intrigued me, and I wondered if by reading it I could perhaps keep my eyesight from getting worse.  If I could remain at my slightly blurry level of 20/50 vision, I reasoned, then I could avoid needing glasses for the rest of my life.  So, I invested in Tom's book, and threw it in the back of my van where it stayed with the rest of my belongings which accompanied me on my nomadic journey.

I was certified as a Natural Vision Educator by the Natural Vision Center (NVC) in August of 2000 in San Francisco, California.  I am a board member of the Association of Vision Educators in the USA.
Since 2004 I'm also an Optimal Breathing ® Development Specialist, trained by Michael Grant White.   In 2006 I trained with Dennis Lewis, author of Free Your Breath, Free Your Life, and The Tao of Natural Breathing, and I am certified to teach his Authentic Breathing™ techniques. 

Sat 1pm - Free Your Eyes From Crutches
How to overcome the need for glasses/contacts in a natural way.  What are the obstacles to look for, and how can this goal be reached as easily and smoothly as possible.

Sun 11am -  Natural Eyesight Improvement
Recognizing and letting go of physical and mental eye strain, so you can make progress on your path to visual clarity.