The Shape of the Sky – Dr. David Cook
I highly recommend this book to anyone undergoing vision therapy and especially to any optometrist or ophthalmologist! Dr. Cook weaves the complexity of the binocular visual system with literary fun in his unique writing style, but it is not a quick or light read.
The Shape of the Sky and the concepts Dr. Cook teaches have been more instrumental in my learning to see in 3D than anything else I have done. My optometrist and I both have read it and it has been very impactful on his treatment plan and my implementation of the plan.
Fixing My Gaze. – Susan Barry
Dr. Barry, a teacher and scientist, recounts her early years of surgery, patching and glasses. She discovered that she didn’t have binocular vision as a young adult and later in life underwent vision therapy and gained 3D vision.
For those of us with strabismus, Susan Barry’s story brings hope, understanding, and a sense of camaraderie as we hear her struggles and triumphs that are so relatable.
She has a gift for weaving the science into her incredible story and the reader is left both inspired and educated.
Crossed & Lazy Eyes – Dr. Pilar Vergara
Written from the perspective of a developmental optometrist, Pilar aims to help anyone with strabismus or amblyopia gain:
- An understanding of their diagnosis
- Options for treatment
- Multiple, detailed vision therapy success stories for both children and adults
- Evidence and research
Beyond 3D – Dr. Marc Grossman
Of all the Magic Eye books I have used, this is the best one by far for a few important reasons:
- Written by an Optometrist who gives detailed instructions for seeing illusions
- Has 11 “Floater” pictures which are easier to see
- Teaches overall eye relaxation techniques
- Each page has two small boxes to help you test if the eyes are engaging correctly.
Coming To Our Senses – Susan Barry
Susan Barry is a neuroscientist who overcame strabismus and learned to see in 3D.
In “Coming to Our Senses,” she recounts two incredible stories: A blind man, Liam receiving sight and learning to see and a deaf girl, Zohra learning to hear.
I love that she approaches the topic through the lens of a scientist, helping the reader to understand the mechanics of how the brain functions, but she also helps the reader see into the heart of the journey.
Perfect Sight Without Glasses – Dr. William Bates
Dr. W. H. Bates was an ophthalmologist at the turn of the 20th century. He was extremely bothered to watch his patients continually need higher and higher prescription glasses. Through his own studies on animals and with patients, he made several important discoveries about vision and developed a treatment plan to help people see clearly without glasses.
His main focus is on relaxation of the eyes and mind as a way of improving and fixing pretty much all eye problems.
His book is over 100 years old and is available for free over here. You can also buy a hard copy.
One-Eyed Princess – Susanna Zaraysky
Susanna Zaraysky was born with strabismus, had surgeries as a child and started vision therapy at age 32. She has gained 3D vision, and while it isn’t perfect, her view of the world has been opened and reached new heights!
Having strabismus took a major emotional toll on her, but she learned to advocate for herself and overcome the struggles that she faced. Anyone with strabismus will relate to her story!
Eyegames: Easy and Fun Visual Exercises
Dr. Laura Hickman and Dr. Rebecca Hutchins
This is a short book with several games and exercises to help with proper visual development and integration of all of the senses.
It is geared towards optometrists, vision therapists or parents who are working with children. It has a few great activities and ideas for making therapy more fun and effective and is an inexpensive option.
I wouldn’t recommend it for adults.