Supporting with editing Vision: The Multi-Dimensional Model, I was struck by the depth of what behavioural optometry has to offer in terms of understanding the human condition.

This book covers a lot. The first part is about the different aspects of behavioural optometry and the second part is called ‘Vision and our being’, where Carmin covers topics such as spirit and soul, feelings and emotions as well as nutrition and whole body intelligence, to name but a few and how they are interlinked with our vision – and how we view life.

Every so often there are short passages that might predominantly be of interest to those working in the field of vision; they are clearly marked and can easily be skipped, thus making this book not only accessible to everybody but also a springboard for deeper insight for professionals.

Carmin’s descriptions of the various eye conditions, gathered under the heading ‘visual efficiency skills’, make it clear that the way we put our perception of the world together is in the end matched by the body and in this instance our sight. What we move, we become.

And thus, vision will accommodate and ingrain our preferences if not firmly held beliefs and notions of how we think the world is and other people and ourselves ought to be at the expense of truly seeing (which means receiving) how it all really is. But this requires settlement.

Blindsight, covered under ‘Visual Function beyond Sight’ is a case in point. It is a phenomenon that occurs when a blind or partially blind person can ‘see’ in their blind visual field even though they have no awareness of ‘seeing’. Such a person is able to circumnavigate a series of obstacles even though they cannot consciously ‘see’ them.

After reading how much processing is involved from when light (energy) first reaches the retina at the back of the eyes to what we deem is the end product, something we have seen and then base our next move on – is it fair to say that there is more to seeing than meets the eye? However, would it be more accurate to say, ‘True seeing is receiving’ and that we feel first before our eyes confirm what we have felt?

Or, said another way, that we feel first and instantly dismiss what has been received because it doesn’t fit our pictures, expectations or needs?

Enter Carmin Hall and the extraordinary depth and breadth of her knowledge and wisdom.

And thus, the Multi-Dimensional Model of Vision, based on the fact that we are more than flesh and bones, more than our anatomy and physiology. Carmin’s directness is refreshing, her expertise and experience undeniable and she does not mince her words – without ever coming across as the slightest bit imposing or dogmatic. On the contrary – there is a beautiful openness and enriching expertise from one who knows to the core that true intelligence is well beyond the confines of the space between the ears and our physical body.

– Gabriele Conrad