This week (May 2013) my doc let me borrow a high-tech gadget for vision training called the E.Y.E unit, or Eyeport Vision Trainng System. It was produced by The Sharper Image a few years ago and is the same item that Dr. Jacob Liberman* sells on his http://www.exerciseyoureyes.com website for $239.95. It is patented and available through various other distributors as well, including Bernell**, who sells VT products to developmental optometrists.
UPDATE: As of Feb. 2020, *Dr. Liberman’s website is no longer active.**Bernell has it listed here for $299.95 on their website: https://www.bernell.com/product/JLEPV2/Brock-String-Devices#minicart_a. As of 2024, Bernell is no longer selling this unit. They have a sample training schedule available here: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.bernell.com/downloads/BRMJLEPV2-Weekly%20Schedule.pdf. This is not the complete manual which is included with purchase of the unit.)
The manual was missing so I went online and found it on Dr. Liberman’s website. There is a plan for 12 weeks of exercises, which take less than ten minutes a day. I admit it is pretty easy and quick. I did a little more today than the prescribed amount, testing out the various program settings. Now that I have the training schedule, I’ll be more focused in my efforts! Stay tuned for the update!
UPDATE: I still have it on my computer somewhere, but there are so few units available, it hasn’t been something I have needed to find for some time. I had thought that it could be part of my regular regimen. I tried using the Eyeport unit for a while, but finally returned the unit to my doctor without achieving much in the way of improvement. Keep in mind this was before I had my strabismus surgery where my eyes were aligned, and I was able to do everything after that. I did not try the Eyeport unit when I did additional vision therapy after my surgery.
A study done by the Pacific University College of Optometry was reported in the Journal of the American Optometric Association where it was found to effect small improvement in college students with normal vision. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6795040_A_prospective_study_of_the_EYEPORT_vision_training_system. It was authored by my friend Dr. Hannu Laukkanen (see podcast episode from January 29, 2025).
That was October 2006 and they indicated that studies were underway to determine its effectiveness in “symptomatic populations.” The That would be me. I found another report that same year in the Journal for Behavioral Optometry that indicated improvement in function for police recruits.
I found no follow-up studies specific to my situation, but it was also available through the Optometric Extension Program Foundation. As of 2025, it is not available through OEPF. I figure that if it were going to be discredited, there has been ample time for that.
The original website for Dr. Lieberman, http://www.exerciseyoureyes.com (no longer active) gives this clear definition of the way it works:
It’s Really Simple
How the Eyeport Vision Training System works is really quite simple. Your eyes’ focusing muscles flex and relax when they follow the EYEPORT’s programmed series of alternating red and blue lights. Because the lights turn on in different directions, patterns and speeds, your eyes exercise through their full range of motion—horizontally, vertically, diagonally, near, and far. And you don’t even work up a sweat.Since you often focus at close range while reading or working at a computer, your focusing system becomes stiff and cramped causing computer eye strain. Limbering up your eyes as part of a daily routine will retrain them to work the way they’re supposed to…and you’ll be well on your way to improving your visual performance. All you have to do is commit to a daily 10-minute workout to see results.
And It’s Patented
What makes the EYEPORT unique is its patented use of alternating red and blue lights. This makes it possible to achieve dramatic results, faster and more efficiently than with any other vision exercise product available today.
“Using the EYEPORT is like opening up a new world. My eyes feel stronger, more active and more alert. There’s more to see and interact with. It makes me a more efficient athlete and has made me more comfortable and relaxed in a broad range of activities. I was amazed at the way it changed my life.”Rick Chetnever, Kula, HI Basically, your eyes react differently to red and blue lights due to a scientific phenomenon called chromatic aberration. The focusing system contracts when it sees red and relaxes looking at blue. By combining eye exercises with specific colored lights, the EYEPORTstrengthens your vision skills in a revolutionary new way never previously done. And it’s easy.
Too bad it’s not available anyore.
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