Margaret Darst Corbett

Margaret Darst Corbett

Margaret Darst Corbett

Margaret Darst Corbett was an American educator and advocate of the Bates method, a controversial alternative therapy aimed at improving eyesight. She was born in 1889 and became a prominent figure in the field of vision improvement without the use of glasses or surgery.

Early Life and Education

Margaret Darst Corbett was born in 1889. Details about her early life and education are sparse, but it is known that she became interested in alternative health practices early in her career. Her work was heavily influenced by William Horatio Bates, an ophthalmologist who developed the Bates method.

The Bates Method

The Bates method is a set of exercises and techniques that claim to improve vision naturally. It was developed by William Horatio Bates in the early 20th century. The method is based on the idea that most vision problems are due to habitual strain to the eyes, and that relaxation and specific exercises can improve eyesight.

Career and Advocacy

Margaret Darst Corbett became a leading proponent of the Bates method. She opened a school in Los Angeles, California, where she taught the method to thousands of students. Her teachings emphasized relaxation techniques, eye exercises, and the importance of mental attitude in vision improvement.

Legal Challenges

In the 1940s, Corbett faced legal challenges due to her practice of teaching the Bates method. She was charged with "practicing medicine without a license" in California. The trial attracted significant media attention, and Corbett was ultimately acquitted. The case highlighted the tension between alternative health practices and established medical authorities.

Legacy

Margaret Darst Corbett's work has left a lasting impact on the field of alternative vision therapy. While the Bates method remains controversial and is not widely accepted by the mainstream medical community, it continues to have a following among those seeking non-surgical solutions to vision problems.

Related Pages

• William Horatio Bates
• Bates method
• Alternative medicine