~ Martin Sussman, Founder, 1951-2013

Martin Sussman founded the Cambridge Institute for Better Vision in 1985 when he adapted the processes in the EYECLASSES Seminar, a three-day vision seminar he co-developed with Tom Boyer into a program that people could use at home, The Program for Better Vision. During these seminars, participants were led through a powerful holistic exploration of their vision and then taught effective methods for vision improvement. The EYECLASSES Seminar was offered across North America and Europe and throughout the following years Mr. Sussman conducted more than 500 lectures, workshops, and seminars.

Martin also developed and co-developed a series of vision improvement programs, books, and audio events including The Read Without Glasses Method (co-developed with Ray Gottlieb) and Total Health at the Computer (co-developed with Dr. Ernest Loewenstein and Howard Sann). He also audio-authored numerous audio programs, including The Advanced Program for Better Vision series.

Called “an expert” by CNN News and “a real pro” by NBC Today, Mr. Sussman appeared on radio and TV over 50 times. His appearance on CNN made “broadcast history”: It was the first instance that a segment from “News from the World of Medicine” was re-broadcast.

Mr. Sussman, was not an optometrist or an ophthalmologist but a natural vision care expert. He went beyond the medical and mechanical models of vision, believing instead that vision is profoundly affected by the mind, body, emotions and spirit. Along the way, Martin improved his own vision and was powerfully transformed by the experience. He dedicated his life to helping others reach self-empowerment and clarity through holistic vision improvement.

I first became interested in improving my vision at 13 when my father gave me the book, Better Eyesight Without Glasses by Dr. William Bates. I had already been wearing glasses since I was nine and didn’t like them, so I was willing to give it a try. My first experiment with better vision didn’t last very long. I gave up on the exercises from the book and I was soon back to getting stronger and stronger glasses.

When I was 26, I was ready to begin a more in-depth exploration of my vision. A major turning point came when I was Palming, trying to relax my eyes. I had done this exercise many times before with no apparent immediate success, but this time was different.

Before I took my hands from my eyes, I suddenly felt and knew - with complete inner certainty - that I could see. When I opened my eyes, everything was clear. I really could see! This spell, or flash, of completely clear vision lasted for nearly 3 minutes. Though it faded and my old way of seeing at that time returned, this experience showed me that there was nothing wrong with my eyes. I just needed to re-awaken my ability to see and allow it to re-emerge. I continued to explore ways to encourage this re-awakening and I continued to see better and better. Regaining my own vision and sharing what I learned with others became my inspiration and joy.”

• 1976: The Eyeclasses Vision Seminar is offered for the first time (in Amherst, MA).
• 1976 – 1988: Word of mouth spreads; Eyeclasses grows. For twelve years the seminar is offered on a regular basis throughout North America in 24 different cities – often more than 20 times a year.
• 1985: The home-study Program for Better Vision audiotape series is developed by Martin Sussman. A “do-it-yourself” distillation of the principles and techniques in Eyeclasses. Now there are over 80,000 users throughout the world.
• 1988: The Program for Better Vision is translated into French and is distributed throughout French-speaking Canada.
• 1989: The Advanced Better Vision Tape Set is released – a series of 6 audiotapes offering advanced vision techniques and exercises.
• 1990: Natural Vision Care expands with the publication of the first Better Vision Catalog, containing more than 20 items, including alternative books, natural lighting, vitamins and other products.
• 1993: Total Health at the Computer, written by Martin Sussman and Dr. Ernest Loewenstein with Howard Sann, is published by Station Hill Press. National TV and radio tour follows.
• 1994: Total Health at the Computer is translated into German.
• 1995: Pacific Rim Associate Office opened by the Cambridge Institute for residents of Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and China.
• 1996: The Program for Better Vision book is published. Almost immediately, the Book-of-the-Month Club picks it up. The book is translated into Chinese.
• 2003: Embracing online demand, the 10 Keys to Better Vision digital e-book is released.
• 2004: The Program for Better Vision, is released in digital e-book format. The website Program-for-Better-Vision.com is launched to support distribution of the Program.